CRL’s EUFB19MBL Flat Bar, in a sophisticated matte black finish, is a strip of metal that can be easily installed on glass shower frames to create a stunning effect. This, coupled with the company’s range of shower frame hinges, handles and support bars in the matching finish, are the ideal products for achieving this on-trend look.
The metal-framed glazing gives the bathroom a contemporary feel, adding a hint of industrial style by taking a standard clear glass shower enclosure or screen and adding this important detail with ease.
For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk
Researchers from Techlab laboratory, based at Shiraz University in Iran, have won a £10,000 research prize to investigate how air humidity and rainfall can be used to aid indoor thermal comfort in arid regions, inspired by water absorption methods observed in the Namib desert beetle.
The Water Research prize is funded by GROHE and is part of the World Architecture Festival annual awards programme. This is the fourth time it has been awarded; other winners have included water filtration, generation and cooling systems in Peru, Brazil and Greece.
This year’s winning project, ‘Aquasorbant Façade’, was announced today (30 November) and Techlab laboratory presented the project as part of a virtual panel discussion on the Water Research Prize today at 13:00 – 14:00 (GMT) with panellists including Paul Finch, Director of World Architecture Festival, Jeremy Melvin, WAF Curator, Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design, EMENA and Stefan Schmied, Leader, Business Unit Projects, LIXIL EMENA.
The winning project uses honeycomb-like modules with peaks and troughs to absorb and retain water molecules in the air, inspired by how air humidity is consumed by desert insects, flora and fauna through their ionic skin and body surfaces. The modules, also designed to best capture rainfall, will guide the water into vertical tanks embedded in the façade. Smart sensors, linked to the tanks, will monitor and record indoor temperature and humidity rates so water can be automatically distributed using cool-mist humidification systems when needed.
Researchers say the prize money will allow them to partner with other research divisions to research and experiment with the very latest digital fabrication methods, materials, and environmental sensors to progress the project. Although designed for regions where precipitation, underground water resources and running water supplies are hard to access, as water scarcity becomes a growing concern globally, its applications can extend to buildings in different climates around the world.
We expect a great deal of the once humble shower room. It goes without saying shower spaces should offer multi-generational accessibility, and in the wake of COVID-`19, hygienic features and easy-clean surfaces. However, we are also looking for a sense of spa-like luxury, a space to relax and rejuvenate.
Shower hardware combines all these elements, offering a practical solution that is included throughout the shower area to match bathroom accessories for a cohesive design-led feel.
Simon Boocock, CRL Managing Director agrees: “The shower enclosure has evolved into more of a wet-room, easy access and almost open-plan area, low-level trays coupled with frameless enclosures create a minimalist appeal. With very little on show, the shower hardware, including hinges and U-channels, as well as the brassware, has a chance to shine. Creating a cohesive look is important here, with hardware very often now chosen in keeping with shower brassware and available in a range of finishes to suit.”
Frameless style
CRL Cambridge Frameless Shower Enclosure
CRL’s Frameless designs such as the Cambridge maximise accessibility and deliver a clean, streamlined look. This range is designed to match CRL shower hardware with colours and styles to suit all décor schemes.
Access all areas
HEWI’s System 900 is also a response to the complex requirements of accessible bathrooms. The products boast long-lasting quality, clever installation solutions and a hygienic design. Matching accessories open up versatile design options in the bathroom and HEWI also offers practical toilet roll holders and new towel rails or toilet brush sets in stainless steel, chrome or with a powder-coated finish in white, shades of grey and black.
Hewi System 900 Powder Coated Finishes
Staying grounded
Some of the most serious accidents happen in the bathroom and we expect a high proportion are caused by slips and falls whilst getting in and out of the shower. For hoteliers, keeping bathrooms safe is a priority and the health and safety checklist requires handrails and slip-proof surfaces. For the home, an efficient anti-slip surface keeps all the family safe without having to include rails for open plan designs.
BetteAir Tile
The Bette-Anti Slip Sense surface is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) and claims to provide the highest level of slip protection. This surface is available on Bette’s new BetteAirshower tile for perfect level-access integration.
Smooth operator
Another key aspect when it comes to safe design is not having to fight with your amenities. Lakes Antigua Slider features an easy-glide door that closes effortlessly at the touch of a finger to a near-silent stop. Concealed wheels ensure easy cleaning and a cooler look plus a low threshold for easy and safe access, and a solid cast handle with smooth, rounded edges for a touch of elegance.
Let’s get personal
Lockdown gave us time to get creative and in the UK it fuelled a trend in home improvement, as life imitates art, art imitates life and so, the hospitality sector is creating bathroom spaces that feel like home. In our homes, we still want to emulate that luxury hotel feel. Personalisation delivers the best of both worlds.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.”
“More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
Just relax
Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid Panels tells us: “We want our bathrooms to replicate the spa experience. Bathrooms are increasingly being treated as a treasured area of the home to truly relax and refresh so bathrooms that can capture that spa-like serenity at home will continue to be a standout style for 2022.”
Pursuing tones that give a sense of tranquillity and reflect the natural environment certainly feels like a trend that’s here to stay and using contrasting materials is a simple way to achieve this. However, we can expect a switch back to lighter shades for 2022, for example, greens and blues will still be popular but sage green and sky blue may lead in popularity.
Keely agrees: “Whether it’s a Swedish wood effect or a more traditional yet decadent marble, there is an increasing number of surface options on the market to create a hidden retreat in the home. Calming tones and colours are a perfect way to create serenity within the bathroom. Designers can look at muted tones combined with one stand out wall to create a relaxing, soothing area.”
Mermaid Panels – Elite Range – Himalayan Marble
Mermaid Panels has introduced 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels. Offering an alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges add unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
PJH’s own brand of shower enclosures and trays, RefleXion, as featured in its Bathrooms to Love Collection, has evolved to become a popular choice with both the retailer and the consumer.
The collection is manufactured and designed to a high specification and includes a comprehensive choice of enclosures, wetrooms and trays to suit a wide range of bathroom projects. The RefleXion brand offers three enclosure families – Iconix, Flex and Classix – each offering a range of USP’s and price points to suit varying styles and budgets.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “Over the last two years, sales for walk-in and wetroom enclosures have increased steadily as the demand for larger and more accessible showering areas continues to rise. Whether this is for easy access, perhaps in a multigenerational household, or simply for the desire to create a spa-inspired wetroom environment, there are more and more innovative designs being launched to a highly captive audience.
“Whilst the minimalist frameless plain glass screen look is still popular (see image below), it seems that less is no longer more. The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.
One of the RefleXion 8mm Iconix Wetrooms from PJH
Richard continues “More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel (see very top) and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
Mermaid Panels has introduced a range of 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels. Elite is Mermaid Panels’ most advanced collection yet with patented technology that allows you to create a completely seamless, premium look and finish in the bathroom and shower enclosure with solutions for every budget.
The new designs offer a wider range of styles: from textured stone effects and wood-style finishes to luxe, detailed marble-inspired designs.
As part of the new collection, the Mermaid Elite range also consists of seven new tile-inspired panel designs. Designed to align like tiles but without any of the hassle of grouting, the clever design ensures the pattern can continue seamlessly without interruption once the panels are fixed together.
Mermaid Panels Elite Range in Concrete
A perfect alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges add a unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
Mermaid’s Elite range fixes securely to existing surfaces including plasterboard and tiling and ensures no unsightly grouting, no mould, and a much quicker installation. Using a tongue and groove system to create a join that will remain watertight, fitters can create a smooth, seamless, and uniform finish.
Available in 3 sizes, Mermaid Panels can be sold separately or as part of a two- or three-sided kit which comes complete with adhesive and sealant for an easy one box solution. The panels can be cut on site without the need for specialist tools, and can be fitted by any professional fitter, plumber, or installer.
Mermaid Panels Himalayan Marble
With a 15-year guarantee when used with Mermaid Complete adhesive and sealant, consumers can have peace of mind in a long-lasting bathroom solution.
Astrid Tauber-Møller joined Unidrain on 1 November and takes the role of Sales & Export coordinator. Fluent in five languages Astrid will be in contact with Unidrain’s wide network of shops, distributors and architects, across Europe. A focus on maintaining a high level of customer service and delivering technical advice is a key part of the role.
Having previously worked for a number of major Danish design companies including Georg Jensen, GUBI and most recently Louis Poulsen, Asrid has extensive experience in supporting sales teams and has a keen interest in design.
“I have many years of experience in professional sales support and customer service; as I’ve lived and worked abroad for over 10 years, mainly in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, I feel this has enriched my ability in these areas” says Astrid Tauber-Møller.
For much of her career, Astrid worked with iconic Danish design companies; her most recent role was as internal sales assistant at Louis Poulsen, where she provided backup and support for the sales team.
“I’ve always been interested in design and architecture, especially interior design,” says Astrid and continues: “The role of Sales & Export Coordinator is an exciting opportunity to work with a key Danish brand that creates unique and beautiful design solutions. This really motivates me and I look forward to helping expand Unidrain’s export market, strengthening current and building new relationships with our foreign business partners.”
Astrid is 52 and has been married to a Swiss for 25 years, they have an 18-year-old son and live in Glostrup
Antigua is an elegant 2-metre high slider with a high specification design, while Aruba has all the features of the Antigua with the addition of a side panel.
Part of Lakes Premium Island collection, the Antigua Slider has got it all: an easy-glide door that closes effortlessly at the touch of a finger to a near-silent stop; concealed wheels for easy cleaning and a cooler look; a low threshold for easy and safe access, and a solid cast handle with smooth, rounded edges for supreme elegance.
An ultra-slim gap between the fixed panel and sliding door and a discreet Quick Release mechanism delivers practical and aesthetic appeal. With its side panel, Aruba adds the flexibility of a stylish showering space that’s ideal for corner settings. Both products have Lakes Glass – PureVueHD low-iron glass for superior clarity and AllClear® advanced glass coating for long-life looks. Glass thickness is 8mm.
Antigua and Aruba are designed with Lakes Definitions, the exclusive perfect finishing touch. Lakes Definitions is a new range of handle colours with matching profile caps, available in stunning rose gold, gold, nickel and matt black, with chrome as standard.
German glazed titanium-steel bathroom products manufacturer, Bette, launched a number of products at HIX, including a new type of almost invisible anti-slip surface, which can be used on its shower trays and baths.
BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a new glossy, smooth and easy to clean anti-slip surface and provides the highest level of slip protection on shower trays and baths. A new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) it is almost invisible, and the anti-slip effect occurs when the pressure of the body weight and water come together.
To achieve the slip-resistance, Bette treats the surface with a suspension containing the finest micrometre-sized ceramic particles, which form a permanent bond with the BetteGlaze surface. They are almost invisible to the eye, and the surface does not become rough as a result. The shower trays and baths retain their glossy looks, smoothness and continue to be easy to clean, as dirt and germs find it hard to adhere to the surface, which has a 30 year warranty.
While the primary role of the new Anti-Slip Sense surface is to increase the slip protection on shower trays and baths, it can also help to make a bath more comfortable. Applied to the entire interior of the bath, it can help the bather to maintain a comfortable position and avoid accidentally slipping down in larger baths.
The new BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s gloss white glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths. For shower trays in matt colours, Bette offers its almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.
Anti-slip Sense from Bette
For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
Pictured very top: BetteEve with rectangular surround
Mermaid Panels has introduced 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels for autumn/winter 21 and beyond. The new designs join an existing range of 12 décors, and now include a wider range of traditional, minimalist, and contemporary styles.
A perfect alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges (shown right) add unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
Mermaid’s Elite range fixes securely to existing surfaces including plasterboard and tiling and ensures no unsightly grouting, no mould, and a much quicker installation. Using a tongue and groove system to create a join that will remain watertight, fitters can create a smooth, seamless, and uniform finish.
As part of the new collection, the Mermaid Elite range also consists of seven new tile-inspired panel designs. Designed to align like tiles, but without any of the hassle of grouting, the clever design ensures the pattern can continue seamlessly without interruption once the panels are fixed together.
Keely Greenhalgh comments on the latest collection; “The new additions to the Elite range offer something for every customer. With the option to create a statement within a shower enclosure or use the panels wall to-wall for a more seamless and luxurious feel, Mermaid offers flexibility and simplicity when it comes to updating or designing a bathroom.
“The designs are bonded to a water-proof core, meaning that they’re perfectly suited to wet rooms and shower enclosures. For homeowners seeking a more coordinated or statement design, Mermaid’s Elite panels can even be used to replace a bath panel for a pop of pattern or accent of luxury. Each décor has been carefully designed with the greatest attention to detail to ensure a realistic finish that emulates the nuances of natural materials such as wood, marble and stone. Easy to fabricate on site and efficient to install, the new range offers a straightforward, cost-effective alternative to bathroom tiles.”
Available in 3 sizes, Mermaid Panels can be sold separately or as part of a two- or three-sided kit which comes complete with adhesive and sealant for an easy one box solution that has everything an installer will need.
Mermaid Elite is the go-to surfacing option for homeowners looking to upgrade or fit a new bathroom. The panels can be cut on site, without the need of specialist tools, and can be fitted by any professional fitter, plumber, or installer. With a 15-year guarantee across all Mermaid product ranges when used with Mermaid Complete adhesive and sealant, consumers can have peace of mind in a long-lasting bathroom solution.
To learn more about displaying and selling Mermaid Elite, contact your local sales manager, or email Mermaid: sales@mermaidpanels.co.uk
The media division of Simon Acres Group Ltd has launched a dedicated website and filming studio in response to growing demand from KBB retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and merchants for its services.
The division, which is led by group Marketing Director Kordian Pach, offers video films, photography and websites to KBB businesses looking for affordable professional services to help promote their brands.
The new website highlights the benefits of working with Kordian’s creative and technical team to create marketing material that represents a company’s ethos, and builds trust with audiences.
The dedicated film studio incorporates the latest equipment to allow for the filming of customer testimonials, information videos and corporate films. The team can also travel to film on location, returning to the studio for editing.
Kordian said, “I am delighted that we now have our own dedicated state of the art facilities alongside the new website.
“Video is a highly effective form of content and its popularity has gone hand-in-hand with the rise of social media. It is one of the most effective forms of marketing, with consumers now watching more videos than ever before.
“Recent figures suggest that the average person will spend 100 minutes every day watching online videos in 2021. This is a 19% increase compared to daily viewing minutes in 2019, which stood at 84.”
