Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

The recently launched, Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels in Oxford, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment since its purchase by owner Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, with Bette glazed titanium-steel shower trays featured in the hotel’s 151 rooms and suites.

The hotel joins the new Graduate Cambridge, to launch as the first UK hotels in the collection, which also includes 30 hotels in university cities across the United States.

An Oxford landmark in the heart of the city, the design details for the Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels include bold hues and architectural elements inspired by the hotel’s heritage, and locally inspired art which tells the stories of Oxford’s past.

The extensive renovation included all of the common spaces, the lobby and guest rooms, including a spa with treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

The bathrooms feature BetteUltra shower trays from Bette. They are made from fully recyclable, durable and easy to clean glazed titanium steel. Available in a wide range of sizes from 700 x 700 mm to 2000 x 900 mm and 1800 x 1000 mm, they were selected in 14 different sizes to suit the individual bathrooms at the hotel.

The BetteUltra shower trays feature flush-mounted waste covers, are available in numerous colours and come with a 30-year warranty. They are pre-fitted with sound-insulating mats, to ensure more acoustic comfort when showering, and no additional work for installers. The BetteUltra shower trays at the Randolph were also selected with a Bette anti-slip surface.

Interior designer, Karen Van Eeden, director of Upperworth Studios comments:

“The refurbishment of the Grade II listed Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels in Oxford called for the guest bathrooms to be fully renovated. All bathrooms were changed to have walk-in showers instead of shower over baths. The team decided to use Bette shower trays due to their durability and high quality, important for any hotel specification. Although standardisation of sizes was our preferred choice, it helped that Bette shower trays come in so many different sizes, to suit every room type. Many thanks to Bette for continually providing great quality products.”

Bette_Shower_Tray_Graduate_hotels_Randolph

For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

Showerwall unveils new designs for 2022

Showerwall, designer and manufacturer of stylish wall panelling, has exclusively launched its latest collection of trend led designs for 2022, bringing its range to over 100 vibrant designs.

Reflecting the latest interior trends, its popular Laminate Collection includes four new marble designs, with each decor created to replicate organic materials. Also new is the Compact Collection, while the Acrylic range provides a unique offering with colour customisation available in a variety of colourways and solid coloured panels, which can be matched to a colour of choice.

The range draws inspiration from nature with delicate tiling details and some fun, funky and quirky designs. The range is also ideal for homeowners looking to create a sanctuary.

Taking inspiration from nature, Showerwall’s Acrylic Bromelia, Escape, Flower wall, Foliage, Plant Wall and Savannah prints create an outdoor haven indoors and Geometric designs, Deco tile, Grafito, Square Parquet, Starlight and Vertical Tile create a real wow-factor in the home. Finally, Showerwall has revealed its modern take on vintage designs with its Fern, Victorian Floral and Vintage China panel designs. Each of these designs come in a number of colours to ensure they complement a variety of styles and settings.

Showerwall also exclusively unveiled its new Compact Collection at the show, which is made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall. The range offers 3mm solid laminate panels that are quick and simple to fit and offer hygienic benefits as they are easy to clean and maintain.

The full Showerwall collection offers a comprehensive range of decors to suit all tastes, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200/1220 x 2400/2440mm, backed by a guarantee of 30-years.

For further information visit: https://www.showerwall.co.uk/

Utopia unveils show-stopping additions to its Roseberry Collection

Utopia has unveiled dramatic new additions to Roseberry, its premium solid timber range of fitted, freestanding and wall mounted bathroom furniture.

Key elements include luxurious curved timber units in both wall-mounted and freestanding configurations, designed to create a show-stopping centre piece, an extensive new collection of elegant washstands with authentic oak towel slats in multiple sizes and options, and an array of new freestanding vanity units with a choice of drawers or doors. Alongside this, a host of additional units has been added to the Roseberry fitted offering, including stunning curved unit options to provide an elegant end to a run of fitted units.

Complementing the new units is an extended choice of sit-on basins, new solid surface decors, new modern and traditional handles, and stylish brassware in chrome, matt black and brass options.

Designed to be sustainable and long-lasting, Roseberry is made from responsibly sourced timber and teamed with luxurious complementary materials.

Rich Shore, Utopia’s Head of Product Design, says, “Designing the expansion of an existing collection with such strong foundations was both challenging and liberating. Our new Roseberry 2022 collection needed to be fresh, bold and inspiring whilst sitting harmoniously with the existing collection and we strongly believe that is exactly what we have delivered.”

In eight paint shades, the new collection offers a truly comprehensive choice as the units are configurable to suit all tastes and styles, whether a light airy contemporary look or a twist on a traditional feel. The newly extended range of sizes also ensures that a Roseberry bathroom can be created in any room no matter what the shape or dimensions.

Commenting on the new Roseberry Collection, Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, says “These strategic additions to Roseberry greatly increase the choice and versatility of this premium range. Alongside the inspired design, luxurious materials and quality craftsmanship, we have also paid careful attention to ease of installation as would be expected. In addition, attention to detail can be seen in such features as the craftsmanship of the curved units, the finish and quality of the solid timber, the silent and soft closing drawer box mechanism, the stylish Eton Oak internals and the new curved plinth detail. We are absolutely delighted to present this new collection and the feedback has already been absolutely overwhelming.”

Coalbrook previews two new collections

Coalbrook, the newest brand from the UK bathroom distributor, Davroc, previewed its latest collections; Bank and Zurich, at kbb Birmingham 2022.

Following its inception in 2020 and the opening of its Clerkenwell showroom, The Market Building in 2021, kbb Birmingham represented its first exhibition as it showcased its Bank and Zurich collections.

Both collections include a selection of taps, deck and wall-mounted mixers and deck and freestanding bath fillers, and the Bank collection also includes shower products.

Bank products feature an engineering-inspired cross handle design whist the Zurich collection was inspired by the Cresta Run in St Moritz, where every twist and turn is precisely mapped and thought through. The Zurich collection which features well-crafted levers was created with the same attention to detail, in an ode to Swiss precision and high-quality design.

In addition to Coalbrook’s signature four finishes; chrome, gunmetal, brushed brass and brushed nickel, the Zurich and Bank collections include gloss white and gloss black ceramic handles. The Zurich collection also provides the option to mix and match finishes, so that a two-tone look can be achieved.

Chris Dodds, Managing Director at Davroc and Coalbrook says, “These new ranges have been many months in the pipeline and we are excited to finally unveil them.”

www.coalbrookuk.co.uk

Aqualisa appoints Mat Norris as chief executive officer

British bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced the appointment of Mat Norris as chief executive officer. As part of a planned succession, Mat will replace Colin Sykes, who has held the position since 2018. Colin will remain as a non-executive director and strategic advisor to the business until December, focusing on the company’s international expansion, at which point he will semi-retire and focus on other non-executive roles.

With an extensive career in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, Mat brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at high-profile organisations including Ford Motor Company, Philips and most recently, ventilation firm Titon Holdings plc, where he served as UK CEO. Mat will work closely with Aqualisa chairman Kevin Sargeant, and will lead a senior management team of eight specialist executives who have been recruited over the last three years as part of the company’s transformation.

In this role, Mat has ambitious plans and will spearhead Aqualisa’s product expansion and innovation strategy. As pioneers of the smart digital shower, he will work with his team to continue Aqualisa’s focus on transforming the smart bathroom sector, creating the ultimate experience for homeowners and installers alike. As part of the company’s ‘Aqualisa H2.0’ strategy, this focus will accelerate a new purpose-driven ESG programme.

Other developments will include the extension of the firm’s product portfolio to incorporate a premium, channel-exclusive brassware series under a new brand. This multi-brand strategy will complement the Aqualisa and Gainsborough brands, and further strengthen the company’s ability to offer its customers differentiated product ranges.

Kevin Sargeant, chairman of Aqualisa, commented, “Mat’s vast expertise from within the manufacturing and technical engineering industries, combined with his significant leadership track record and visionary approach, positions him perfectly to accelerate Aqualisa to the next level in its journey of growth.”

Sargeant added, “I would like to thank Colin Sykes for his significant contribution to the business over the last five years, and for his ongoing commitment and support through this period of transition.”

Mat Norris said, “Aqualisa has a strong heritage of innovating shower technologies, and the team clearly takes great pride in ensuring our customers enjoy the ultimate showering experience. I am thrilled to be joining our 260 dedicated team members at such a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s history, and I look forward to working with the outstanding management team that Colin has established at Aqualisa. My mission is to accelerate our innovation strategy, while ensuring operational excellence and the agility to meet our long-term growth, profitability and sustainability objectives. I am also eager to continue to build upon the valued relationships we have developed with our loyal customer, client and installer network in the UK, and internationally.”

Mat holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Exeter, and takes a keen interest in cars, technology and home renovations. He and his family currently reside in Cavendish, Suffolk.

House of Rohl showcases its four brands at kbb

House of Rohl used its impressive 180sqm stand to showcase its latest product innovations from its four brands: Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert Baths, Riobel and Shaws of Darwen. Visitors were also treated to cupcakes and a glass of fizz in honour of Shaws of Darwen’s 125 Year Anniversary.

Highlights included the first presentation of Riobel’s contemporary brassware brand to a UK audience and V+A Baths second colour collaboration with Wallpaper.

Victoria + Albert Baths collaborated with Wallpaper on three new colour palettes that add resolve and calm to any interior. Chosen by Wallpaper* editor-in-chief Sarah Douglas, the latest palettes represent three different architecture styles of the 20th century: Belgian Minimalism, Brazilian Modernism and American

Emma Joyce, brand manager at Victoria + Albert Baths, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing this new trio of colour palettes with Wallpaper*. Colour is now an integral part of the modern-day bathroom, adding exuberance and joy to a space. We believe paying homage to popular architectural styles through colour is the perfect way to reflect the way that bathroom design is headed, to more considered and conscious design.”

The new colour palettes join over 200 existing RAL colours, which can be applied across any of Victoria + Albert Baths’ baths and basins, in a gloss or matt finish. The company says that its colour offering is continually growing due to strong demand for bespoke colour finishes and that these new tones will help consumers to create a bathroom to reflect their individual sense of style.

House of Rohl

Senior hire strives to double MERLYN Showering’s specification business

MERLYN has brought in Tim Broadhurst, former operations director at Wolseley, to enhance its specifier offering across the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors.

Tasked with growing a team dedicated to meeting the needs of the architecture and design (A&D) community, Tim’s forte for developing customer-centric strategies will support the company’s drive to double its specification business in the next few years.

According to MERLYN its portfolio of mid to high-end shower enclosures, trays and bath screens has wide appeal among A&D professionals. An increase in housebuilder sales saw the Norcros-owned business maintain its position as one of the kitchen and bathroom group’s highest performers throughout the challenging 2020/21 period and the plan is to now go for further growth across commercial interiors.

Sean Collins, UK sales director for MERLYN, commented on the new hire; “Tim brings a wealth of industry experience with him from Wolseley and Ideal Boilers, enabling him to continue making great strides for MERLYN with the housebuilder market while honing in other sectors of interest without losing momentum. We are delighted to welcome Tim to the team.”

Tim’s first day coincided with kbb Birmingham 2022, where he got to experience the product and meet industry partners and customers.

Newly appointed specification sales director, Tim Broadhurst, added; “I’m hugely passionate about making sure customer service is prioritised by sales leads and look forward to pulling a plan together to ensure we’re being as useful and inspirational as we can be for busy specifiers seeking solutions that achieve design and functionality of space.”

Tim’s 30-year career in the plumbing and heating industry has spanned operations, strategy, sales and marketing. His role with MERLYN will see him combine this technical, commercial and supply chain knowledge to deliver a stand-out service for specifiers that reaffirms MERLYN as a go-to resource for innovation, design and delivery – continuing its position as the number one showering business in the UK and Ireland

REHAU diversification strategy drives growth for WAIVIS subsidiary

Bespoke furniture solutions distributor, WAIVIS, part of the REHAU Group, has reported a record year of sales in 2021,

According to REHAU, this success highlights the merits of a diverse product portfolio as many UK sectors continue to fluctuate.

Over 2021 REHAU has continued raising its profile across the domestic KBB sector as well as the diversified commercial markets, which include servicing large original equipment manufacturers alongside smaller manufacturers, designers and workshops. In order to fulfil an influx of smaller-scale, bespoke orders, REHAU has depended on its subsidiary distributor, WAIVIS.

As a result, WAIVIS has specifically reported a resurgence in the popularity and usage of tambour doors – once synonymous with 80s-style offices. Scott Williams, National Sales Manager at REHAU Furniture and WAIVIS, stated innovation in design and materials has led to these functional products becoming not only flexible solutions, but aspirational and stylish interior features.

Local fabrication continued throughout lockdown to service an uplift in the medical industry where tambour doors remain popular due to their versatility and space-saving qualities. Similarly, the business expects to see the office sector start to slowly return towards previous demand levels over the next couple of years.

WAIVIS also saw a major drive in the camper conversion market as consumer habits changed through restricted travel, continuing into 2022. Tambour doors have helped consumers improve their offering due to the flexible size and finish options available allowing limited space to be fully utilised whilst offering weight-saving capabilities.

Scott comments: “One of our company’s strategic goals is for 10% of our sales to be made up of new product developments, demonstrating our continued drive for innovation. This approach also helps us to apply innovative thinking to existing products and markets. The possibilities are quite literally endless for our tambour doors, as well as our wide array of resilient surfaces and edgebanding. Last year was certainly a successful one and we very much look forward to working with existing and welcoming new customers across the diverse sectors building strong relations with forward-thinking furniture producers over this next year.”

For more information contact: enquires@rehau.com’

Acquabella resort welcomed visitors at kbb

Acquabella’s Balinese resort stand not only won the KBB Best Bathroom Stand over 30sqm but also created a light-hearted holiday oasis within the bathroom section of kbb.

Acquabella presented its latest award-winning bathroom collections from all over Europe while taking guests on a journey through inspiring rooms such as the relaxing pool, the poolside bar and the smartly constructed shower tray – sun-loungers.

Whilst seeking to showcase the infinite possibilities of its product portfolio and the performance characteristics of its materials, Akron® and Dolotek®, the Opal Quiz Bathtub took centre stage on the stand.

UK country manager Roberto Heredia commented, “After some difficult times, we were very excited to be able to meet again with customers and professionals who have worked so hard to maintain the UK KBB industry.”

www.acquabell.com

More news from Acquabella

Virtual Worlds V8 real time rendering previews at kbb

Virtual Worlds previewed a major new update to its innovative design software at kbb Birmingham 2022, ahead of its official launch this summer.

Virtual Worlds Professional Version 8 features an exciting new graphics engine that provides real-time rendering in a level of detail never seen before. Challenging the need for time-consuming photo-realistic rendering, the new graphics engine injects energy into the design where texture, light, reflection, shadow and sheen show their effect on the design as it is being constructed.

Bringing the design process to life and ensuring buy in from customers at the early stages, Version 8 also gives the retailer peace of mind, making it simple to identify and rectify specification errors that may otherwise result in product returns. Material mistakes grab the attention straight away, woodgrain depth in furniture comes to life, lighting schemes can be adjusted, and colours and paint finishes can all be fully appreciated in a way that is as true to life as it gets with CAD.

An integral part of Virtual Worlds Pro Suite is One Price, the cloud-hosted pricing system that makes it easy to create kitchen and bathroom designs and see the related price or quote in real-time, as the design progresses.

With One Price, there is no need to import/export data, no need to download price updates, no need to post edit quotes, no need to write pro-forma invoices and no need to double handle Purchase Orders.

Extending beyond just the design of a product, Virtual Worlds One Price allows showrooms to instantly produce quotes, pro-forma invoices and purchase orders using simple, customisable templates. Retailers can manage them from any device, wherever they are, through the cloud.

To find out more call Virtual Worlds on 01908 663848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk.