In response to continuing COVID-19 travel restrictions, World Architecture Festival (WAF) is to migrate its 2021 event in December to a live and interactive digital format, along with sister event INSIDE World Festival of Interiors.
WAF, the world’s largest annual international architectural event, originally scheduled to take place in Lisbon this year, will be going ahead as a live-streamed event, from 1 to 3 December. Delegates from around the world are invited to partake in the conference in its live digital format; with plans confirmed for the festival to return as a hybrid event in Lisbon in 2022..
The 2021 WAF digital event will consist of three days of live conference programmes, awards, and fringe events, with talks by leading global architectural thinkers and industry personalities live-streamed exclusively to festival delegates.
The excitement around bringing WAF to Portugal’s capital city remains, and the WAF 2022 edition is confirmed to take place in Lisbon from 30 November to 2 December at the FIL exhibition centre. Harnessing opportunities opened up by this year’s event, the 2022 festival will include integrated digital elements to form a hybrid festival format, fully attuned to digital and in-person delegates.
Paul Finch, Programme Director of World Architecture Festival, commented: “This will be the most accessible WAF to date, with all judging recorded and available to everyone with a digital pass. Including three days of live-streaming from the virtual event, delegates will have access to 40 days of presentations and conference sessions. So while we look forward to going live again next year, we are excited about enhancing access to the Festival both on-site and across the world.”
RAK Ceramics today unveiled its latest collections at Cersaie, an international ceramics exhibition that takes place annually in Bologna, Italy.For the bathroom, RAK will be highlighting RAK-Valet, a collection of sanitaryware solutions designed by Patrick Norguet.
Designer bathroom collections
RAK-Valet brings together the creative flair of its French designer and the manufacturing quality of RAK Ceramics.
The RAK-Valet collection, available in matt and glossy finishes, features thin-profiled washbasins, a generously sized, luxurious bathtub and sanitaryware with elongated lines.
The RAK-Valet collection is completed with details such as metal legs and towel rails or the functional and highly elegant little ceramic shelf, yet another design triumph by Norguet.
RAK-Valet also coordinates perfectly with the newly released RAK-Joy Uno cabinets and mirrors.
Natural marble tile collections
Through-body veining is a RAK Ceramics innovation that enables natural marble veins to pass through the entire thickness of an unglazed porcelain slab with breath-taking results.
Thanks to innovative printing technology, pattern repetition is kept to a minimum and the delicate lines throughout the slab surface appear random and natural. From floors to wall surfaces and kitchen worktops, the effect is particularly dramatic when the product is used over large areas, with RAK-Preziosi being just one example set to be shown at Cersaie.
RAK-Preziosi has a smooth to the touch finish and a distinctive patterning that make this porcelain surface a stand-out backdrop feature wherever it is used.
The epitome of luxury and sophistication, this maximus marble collection is also available in the trend-setting open book effect in a huge range of sizes, thicknesses and design solutions and can be chosen in several colours, including Green, Ocean, Pearl, Rio and Rock.
Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics commented:
“We are proud to present our new collections at Cersaie 2021, especially at such an extraordinary time. Cersaie is an essential event on our marketing calendar and one of great strategic importance for RAK Ceramics. In recent months we have put all efforts into strengthening our positioning as a lifestyle solution provider by developing new collections for bathroom floors, surfaces, large-format tiles, sanitaryware and accessories, all of which are perfectly coordinated.”
GROHE is part of the Best Workplaces in Europe™ in 2021 list evaluated by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.
In collaboration with The Economist Group. GROHE was recognised for its commitment to create a tailored employee experience that covers the entire career journey.
As part of LIXIL, GROHE has embarked on a transformation towards an agile, diverse, and inclusive workplace and flat hierarchies. In 6 markets, the global brand qualified in the category of best multinational employers in the national rankings and received the Great Place to Work® certification in more than 20 markets.
“Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Receiving this fantastic recognition is the result of sincere teamwork across our entire region. Our corporate culture and all our colleagues create what has been confirmed as a ‘Great Place to Work’. I am proud of this achievement. At the same time, it is an incentive for us to continue all our efforts to enable exciting career journeys in order to attract and retain talent,” says Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO Grohe AG.
In addition to developing individual career journeys, diversity and inclusion also play a central role at LIXIL and the GROHE brand. According to the employees surveyed, the majority feel encouraged and motivated.
“We are very proud of this award. It means a lot to us that our employees perceive GROHE as a place where they experience an appreciative work culture and a unique atmosphere to develop and grow,” comments Rachel Jones, Leader HR Business Partner, LIXIL EMENA.
“We are in the middle of an exciting transformation which offers countless opportunities to drive change and make a difference. In combination with the right HR tools, we can offer a workplace where everybody can pursue an individual career journey that encompasses both professional and private life. This empowers our employees to make plans in a way that allows them maximum freedom for their personal development. Diversity and inclusion are important drivers in that process so that everyone can fully engage in their work every day,” Jones continues.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and Simon Acres Group Ltd (SAGL) have formed a strategic partnership to support recruitment and training within the bathroom industry.
SAGL will become the BMA’s recruitment partner, providing BMA members and their retailers direct access to current bathroom vacancies, which will be listed on the BMA website.
BMA Chief Executive Tom Reynolds said, “We are delighted to be partnering with SAGL in this way. Linking the two organisations will bring substantial benefits to our members and promote the importance of training and education for our sector.
“The support that SAGL can provide will help our members navigate the current skills shortage and offers smart solutions to support those looking for new roles.
“We will also be working together to champion training and education with a common commitment to doing all we can to ensure that our industry retains its skill base, and that we have enough opportunities for people to upskill and access training.”
The BMA will present at KBB Birmingham with SAGL in March 2022 and SAGL are supporting BMA at their AGM in June 2022, having been confirmed as the first Gold sponsor for this event.
Simon Acres added, “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both companies and will enable us to support those looking for new positions, or to further their careers in the bathroom industry.
“It represents a new era of recruitment solutions for the KBB industry. We share many common values with BMA, and believe that the best way to deliver tangible results and drive forward common goals, is to work together.”
In the wake of the pandemic, bathroom spaces have become a place to recalibrate. The 1918 influenza pandemic shaped the modern bathroom with a new focus on sanitation and, in the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only freshened up our hygiene focus, it has renewed the zest for beautiful design as we prioritise space to relax and rejuvenate.With home entertaining also now back on the agenda, creating the wow factor is back in vogue.
Designing a statement bathroom can be achieved in a myriad of ways from introducing a bold colour scheme to utilising a standout statement piece such as a freestanding bath or totem basin. Whilst selecting one stand-out piece will anchor your own personal style, selecting products from a cohesive collection guarantees symmetry.
Round and about
Liquid from VitrA is a new comprehensive range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon and is the first-ever bathroom range by the acclaimed British designer. Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble.
VitrA’s design director, Erdem Akan tells us “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials – creating more with less. The result is Liquid, a range that is wholly new and yet somehow familiar.”
Bathing beauties
Freestanding baths effortlessly deliver the wow factor bringing drama and elegance to bathrooms. Oval or circular baths promote a contemporary aesthetic and are spacious enough to cater for all family bathroom needs.
Studies on the psychology of shape tell us circular shapes are pleasing to the eye and promote a sense of well being. Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing and product development at Bette agrees “Baths with contemporary curved shapes are becoming even more popular as they can be comfortable for both the eye and the body. Taking their inspiration from nature, they can help to create a welcoming bathroom design and can also be extremely comfortable to use.”
Bette baths are available in over 400 colours so adding a touch of individuality is simple to do from the outset. The BetteEve Oval is natural, comfortable and perfect for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical backrests on both sides and a central waste outlet.
BetteEve Oval Silhouette bath
Geo style
When it comes to smaller spaces, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms tells us “You don’t necessarily need a large bathroom to create a statement. People often associate impact with a very spacious bathroom where there is a clear focal point such as a freestanding bath or large walk-in shower but in reality it’s what you achieve with the space you have and the materials you use that can add stunning visual appeal. “
Utopia delivers a contemporary Geo arrangement that combines minimalist style and stunning finishes for a chic effect. This is also a look that can easily be scaled down to suit a smaller space with no loss of impact.
Opula in Indigo and Burnt Copper from Utopia Bathrooms
Paint it black
Design schemes that break the mould are also achieved with clever use of colour, this strategy is useful for modest bathrooms where monochromatic options help build impact and create the illusion of space.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director Akzonobel Dulux UK agrees “When it comes to creating instant impact in the bathroom you can’t beat a slug of gutsy colour. Fortune favours the brave in small spaces where we should be able to enjoy a full immersion sensory experience in everything from invigorating water on our skin to texture and colour.”
Black and white tones are also ideal for creating a rustic-inspired bathroom with retro accents. White bathroom walls are the starting point for this look, Absolute White from Dulux, delivers a crisp finish, and dark oak doors and cabinetry pair beautifully with Victorian-style silver taps and pipework.
Walk-in wonders
Sustainability is the watchword for 2021 and is set to stay at the top of the agenda indefinitely. Combining luxurious statement design with sustainability appears to be an incongruous pairing, but it is key as we move into a new era of eco-responsibility.
Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK head of sales agrees “Sustainability has always been at the core of Kaldewei’s business and is a constant and consistent theme when designing and creating new products, our steel enamel solutions add a luxurious air creating a feeling of ‘luxstainabilty’ – luxury and sustainability – to any setting.”
The SUPERPLAN ZERO is the latest product from Kaldewei. This impressive enamelled shower surface is the perfect addition to a statement bathroom and has been created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. The style is reserved yet extremely comfortable underfoot.
2020 has announced a new partnership with Symphony to help drive leads to their dealer network.
Symphony is keen to increase brand awareness and drive qualified leads to its dealer network in line with its future digital and dealer support strategy. 2020 offered its knowledge of Symphony’s business alongside innovative and agile solutions to address this challenge and opportunity. Hence, Symphony chose 2020’s online engagement solution over other solutions on the market.
The objective is to use the extended functionality of 2020 Ideal Spaces to increase Symphony’s brand awareness and help drive leads to its dealer network. This collaboration will also result in offering 2020 Ideal Spaces to joint SME customers with a Symphony content-ready version.
‘Working with 2020 has proven to be a very fruitful collaboration and we couldn’t be more excited to be able to provide our dealers with a solution to bring them more customers and eventually increase footfall in their stores,’ says Simon Collyns, marketing & retail director at Symphony. ‘2020 Ideal Spaces is the perfect platform to achieve this.’
‘Symphony and 2020 have been working together for many years to provide the best technical solutions for our common customers,’ adds Tim Lambert, 2020’s EMEA director.
“These new developments in our partnership are yet another proof of our commitment to serve the wider KBB industry.’
2020’s ever-expanding partnership with Symphony dates back nearly 30 years to when the brand started using 2020 Fusion for its building division. The two companies work very closely together on B2B projects and they share many common customers. Building all content for Symphony in the KBB Industry’s SME and professional market, 2020 is and will continue to be a strong content partner for brand.
About Symphony
Symphony is a privately owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture with a turnover of over £280 million in 2019 and over 1500 employees.
Offering a portfolio of brands, including Laura Ashley, Gallery, Linear, Aquadi and Urbano, Symphony offers a complete solution with furniture and accessories to suit every project. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, the brand prides itself on this diverse product range, its sustainability credentials and responsibility to the environment. In addition, Symphony is dedicated to delivering outstanding service to its customers.
With the new BetteEve bath collection from Bette, the organic, ellipse shape makes its way into the bathroom.
Inspired by nature, Bette has made the transition between the edge and the inner of the bath silky and smooth. Made from durable glazed titanium-steel, it is as if the gentle force of water has smoothed the material over millions of years. Bette was able to achieve the fine curves and jointless transitions in the extremely hard material because of its expertise in the forming and enamelling of steel.
Bathing for two
The BetteEve is a natural and comfortable bath, that is also comfortable for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical back rests on both sides and a central waste outlet.
BetteEve Oval Silhouette
Three Versions and over 400 colours
BetteEve is available in three versions: a freestanding bath, an oval built-in bath and a built-in bath with a rectangular surround.
The freestanding BetteEve is eye-catching, especially when chosen in one of Bette’s many colour options. It is available in over 400 colours, including matt white, glittering midnight and flattering blue satin.
The rectangular built-in BetteEve allows flush-mounted, integrated installation as the glazed titanium-steel forms the surface around the bath. It is also particularly easy to clean, as any excess water can be wiped off into the bath.
The BetteEve oval built-in bath can be almost completely integrated into the bathroom furniture, as it has an extremely fine, 20 mm rim.
Both built-in versions can also be selected in over 400 colours.
All BetteEve baths come with a 30 year warranty which guarantees the quality of the material and of Bette’s manufacturing in Germany. They are 100% recyclable and sound insulation is also included.
Bette Oval built-in bath
For further information see my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
Many people take inspiration from beautiful hotel bathrooms. Indeed that stylish boutique hotel look with a fabulous vanity/washbasin arrangement and lots of worktop space is very appealing and can easily be adapted for the home.
Geometric styling
Utopia delivers a contemporary Geo arrangement that combines minimalist style and stunning finishes for a chic effect. This is also a look that can easily be scaled down to suit a smaller space with no loss of impact.
Geo in Pewter Fusion and White Gloss
Statement design for all spaces
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms tells us “You don’t necessarily need a large bathroom to create a statement. People often associate impact with a very spacious bathroom where there is a clear focal point such as a freestanding bath or large walk-in shower but in reality it’s what you achieve with the space you have and the materials you use that can add stunning visual appeal. “
“Where space isn’t an issue then absolutely a wonderful bath perfectly positioned in the bathroom is a great starting point. Modern takes on traditional freestanding baths, such as Utopia’s Sensuelle, offer all the impact of these imposing baths but with none of the weight, cost and heat loss implications. What’s more, you can precisely colour match either of Utopia’s freestanding baths with your choice of finish from a number of its furniture collections.”
Symmetry in Burnt Copper with Sensuelle freestanding bath
Material impact
Materials, too, play an important role in adding a luxurious touch to a bathroom, from the choice of lighting right down to the smallest detail of handle and furniture trims. Rich glossy materials, such as glass and metallics, can ooze style and, again, you don’t need a large space to achieve a beautiful effect.
Modular furniture allows you to create a fabulous look with just a few pieces and has the added bonus that you can be very bold with colour knowing it won’t dominate the room. For example, see the Opula range – pictured top – or Lustre in Indigo and Copper, as pictured below.
The SUPERPLAN ZERO is the latest product from Kaldewei. This impressive enamelled shower surface is the perfect addition for statement bathrooms and has been created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. The style is reserved yet extremely comfortable underfoot.
Kaldewei has always paid attention to customer requirements and as such have translated these needs into Superplan Zero. The shower surface becomes part of the bathroom floor, installed at ground level, the very narrow edges make it possible to tile directly up to the shower edge with almost invisible joints.
Easy access
The waste is placed close to the wall so that standing comfortably and moving safely on the Superplan Zero is guaranteed. The new shower surface is characterized by its elegant and precise lines and is easily accessed from three sides, without having to step up or into the surface.
Sustainable design
The base is sustainable, extremely long-lasting and 100 per cent recyclable steel enamel. The exquisite glass surface is applied to the steel using a special process and this is what gives it such a luxurious finish.
According to Kaldewei it is the only steel enamel manufacturer that produces the enamel, i.e. the basic substance for the glass coating, in-house and using a secret formulation. Kaldewei tells us the quality and durability of these surfaces are legendary.
There are over 50 different dimensions from 70 to 180 centimetres, diverse surface variations and a wide range of colours, all of which make the Superplan Zero even more attractive. Whether in large or small bathrooms, building owners, planners and installers have full flexibility. The shower surface is available with the almost invisible, anti-slip surface finish Secure Plus, upon request.
The Superplan Zero is 100 percent compatible with all the sealing sets, assembly systems and waste fittings from Kaldewei.
When taking a tour of a city people tend to be drawn to places of interest, art, museums and great restaurants, but what about fabulous bathrooms?
During lockdown, Unidrain did a virtual tour of the homeland and found HighLine Custom drains are specified not only in the most prestigious hotels and spas, but the quaint, quirky, unique and interesting places too. Although there are many to choose from, Unidrain has selected three of its favourite projects.
Fjordgaarden
Pictured top – this recently refurbished hotel with its Nordic-inspired spa features 90 High Line Custom drains, yet so uniquely have they been incorporated into the design they blend perfectly into the overall décor and style of the room. With its huge windows, wood panelling, sand and lyme grass; the space manages to feel open yet inviting at the same time.
The Audo
It’s all about perspective. this century-old, large, bold red building sitting on corner was turned into an amazing creative space. It is now a contemporary head office, showroom, restaurant and boutique hotel with a small number of individually and uniquely designed rooms; where the bathrooms feature HighLine Custom drains.
Nobis Hotel Copenhagen
All hotels cover the practical requirements but the best do so with efficiency, then add personal touches and elegant style. Nowhere is this more apparent than in a hotel bathroom. The secret is in the choice of materials and tailor-made solutions, and 100 of the bathrooms in the Nobis Hotel show that Unidrain must be one of their ‘secret’ ingredients. The shower cubicles are enclosed by a sleek sheet of glass with an oversized waterfall shower head.
