Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Acquabella’s new Acquawhite collection makes its UK Debut

July 21, 2021

The Acquawhite collection from the leading Spanish bathroom manufacturer, Acquabella was launched at the beginning of the year and is making its debut here in the UK for Summer 21.

The collection certainly captures the enduringly popular spa theme, with more than a soupçon of hotel glamour, all beautifully understated. The entire Acquawhite collection is made from Acquabella’s unique environmentally friendly, silky-to-touch, UV and shock resistant, easy-clean and anti-bacterial material, Dolotek® which can be moulded into complex shapes.

The new collection comprises bathtubs, totems, basins and worktops and joins the growing Acquabella portfolio of trays, furniture, wall panels, shower columns and accessories.

www.acquabella.com/en/

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Fourth WAF Water Research prize 2021 supported by GROHE

July 21, 2021

GROHE in association with the World Architecture Festival (WAF), are rewarding first-class innovation and research initiatives that address global water challenges,

Water scarcity is one of the key challenges in modern times and is experienced by both underserved and developed communities. Now, more than ever it is important to investigate the relationship between the built environment and water.

How do we design our surroundings to meet new demands that are a result of water scarcity, pollution, or drought? Architects can play a crucial role in answering this question by creating buildings, cities and even complete landscapes that adapt to our changing ecosystem. There is already a great amount of research being undertaken across the profession and the WAF Water Research Prize, which is sponsored by GROHE and open now for entries, is one such initiative that aims to encourage and champion the latest thought-leadership ideas and innovations within the built environment.

Investing in the future of water

The WAF Water Research Prize was developed out of the WAF Research Programme, which centres around the top ten challenges architects need to address in the upcoming years. These challenges, amongst others, include the climate, energy, carbon, and water usage as well as the ageing population and health. WAF and its founding partner GROHE, want to draw attention to projects and research that present innovative ideas to tackle the unique challenges around water that society faces. Each year, the winner receives funding of £10,000 as a contribution to their work investigating the architectural implications of water in respect to buildings and the built environment. Additionally, the winner has the chance to present their research on the Festival Hall Stage at the event, which takes place in Lisbon later this year.

For GROHE, water is at the heart of everything the brand does – taking care of every drop is one of GROHE’s
top priorities in order to provide “Pure joy in water” to future generations. GROHE is dedicated to support
research that explores the future of saving and preserving water with the WAF Water Research Prize. This
year’s application phase is open now and architects can submit entries until 27th September 2021 (further
details can be found here). The winner will be announced on 18th October,

The last three winner projects can be found here:

2018: https://researchprogramme.worldarchitecturefestival.com/2018-winner
2019: https://researchprogramme.worldarchitecturefestival.com/2019-winner
2020: https://researchprogramme.worldarchitecturefestival.com/2020-winner

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Back to work do’s & don’ts for the kbb industry

July 20, 2021

Government guidance on managing the return to work has consisted of just a few pointers released this week to help bosses navigate the changes.

Employers can ask staff to wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing. Measures like plastic screens and back-to-back desks are encouraged in a bid to reduce the risks.

Similarly, companies can decide to adopt ‘fixed teams or partnering’ akin to Covid bubbles used in full lockdown.
The Bathroom Manufactures Association recently hosted an event on how best to support colleagues as offices and workplaces re-open.

A range of HR, physical and mental health considerations should be weighed up during this transition phase.

The panel of experts who spoke at the event agreed on one resounding message – create an inclusive and supportive culture. This is key because although we have all navigated our way through this pandemic, individually, we have all been impacted in different ways, and the next transition will be daunting for some staff.

There are also many potential legal hurdles when it comes to vaccines. Employees can encourage staff to be vaccinated, that is a reasonable step to reducing risk. But if you are considering taking a mandatory approach, it is an area of unchartered territory legally, and we are recommending BMA members seek proper legal guidance before taking this step.

Many office environments have recognised the potential of home working and are either continuing with it or introducing a mixed model of home and office.

Jonathan Daniel, Director at FitBack Physiotherapy, a BMA affiliate member, said: “From the moment we get up to the time we go to bed, the majority of our time is spent in a series of flex positions. Sedentary workers are just as at risk as manual colleagues.

“We should guide colleagues to find time to move from that flex position at least every 45 mins. I know a lot of people struggle to fit in exercise but how about trying some movements during the two or three minutes when you are making a cup of tea.

“It’s important in a hybrid working environment for home workers to be supported as well as those who are working in the office environment.

“If someone walks into an office you can see if they have a bad back, this is not so obvious for home workers so you must keep the contact and communicate with these members of staff.”

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Intatec launches iPulse – a heat interface monitoring solution

July 20, 2021

Intatec, best known as a manufacturer of heating and plumbing products has launched a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) control and monitoring solution to introduce greater control while helping heat network operators save time and money.

Intatec launched its second generation HIPER II HIU last year, is now launching iPulse, allowing engineers to configure all system components for maximum efficiency and providing operators with diagnostic reports, operational history and other information through the centralised management platform.

A variety of Intatec iPulse packages allow for flexibility for customers, with a full range of services offered from support in HIU selection through all stages of sales, installation, commissioning, warranty support and servicing to the annual customer billing for heat used and monitoring of the units and network ultimate efficiency.

Other key features of the iPulse include access to installation maps, HIU operating condition and status reports, alongside the ability to remotely alter temperature settings.

For those who use the Inta Hiper II, the iPulse package offers a higher degree of control than ever before, working alongside the product’s Modbus system.

If there is an issue at any point in the heat network, an engineer can be called out with full knowledge of what the issue is, allowing for a fast and accurate resolution.

Stuart Gizzi, Director at Intatec, said: “As our industry moves towards prioritising efficiency in performance and clarity of information, the iPulse is going to be a really effective tool for our customers and those looking to move easily into the world of HIU.

“We can work with any energy provider to ensure the benefits of the iPulse are available to all.

“This technology enables smart monitoring – with the information that the electronic controller uses to control stable operating temperatures and employ self-diagnostics, the network operator is able to manage the efficient operation of the network and each interface unit remotely.

“Remote HIU monitoring has been the long term objective for our industry – making an interface unit that is electronically controlled rather than thermostatic – we are delighted to be launching the iPulse and achieving this.

“Intelligent heat networks are the future and the benefits for all are going to be vast as we move towards a more efficient future.”

As well as offering a key solution to help building owners monitor their heat network, HIU system’s are going to be increasingly crucial in helping the UK meet decarbonisation strategy requirements under the Climate Change Act.

The proportion of UK heating delivered over heat networks is projected to rise from 2% to at least 17% and as much as 43% by 2050. To combat this, heat networks must be as efficient as possible.

Intatec has built a reputation for innovation and was awarded H&V News Product of the year in 2020.

A successful 2020 for the company saw strong sales of products such as its non-touch infrared tap, with an adjustable 20 second timer designed for public washrooms, as well as its ActivFlo water conditioning unit that alleviates limescale issues in hard water areas.

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Bette built-in washbasins reduced by up to 40%

July 16, 2021

Bette has optimised and automated the production of three of its built-in washbasins and is passing the cost-saving on to its customers as a price reduction of up to 40%. The high-quality BetteAqua, BetteComodo and BetteOne built-in washbasins are made of glazed titanium-steel and match baths and shower trays in the collections of the same name.

Bathroom products made of glazed titanium steel from Bette’s manufacturing facility are a combination of high-tech industrial production and master craftsmanship. For the BetteAqua, BetteComodo and BetteOne built-in washbasins, the company has made a number of adjustments to streamline and automate the production process.

“Thanks to the optimisations in the production process, we have been able to further improve the price-performance ratio of the built-in washbasins, which benefits all our customers,” explains Sven Rensinghoff, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Bette.

The BetteOne built-in washbasins have been changed to the dimensions 600 and 800 x 495 mm, while the BetteAqua and BetteComodo built-in washbasins are available in the existing sizes. A new feature for all three washbasins is a uniform rim height of 20 millimetres. In other ways, the proven design, high quality and wide range of colours remain the same. The washbasins are produced in Germany, are durable, easy to clean and robust. They come with Bette’s impressive 30-year guarantee on high-quality glazed titanium steel.

For more information see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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Roca’s experts reveal latest product innovations

July 16, 2021

Roca has launched Roca Unveils, a series of videos in which the company’s product specialists present the new additions to its catalogue.

The brand is introducing this innovative format with the aim of bringing its products closer to professionals and clients with first-hand information.

Roca experts will be presenting new collections, designs, materials and finishes in a series of videos that will be released starting in July. With this new format, the Roca brand will present its latest product launches and cutting-edge technologies to professionals and clients by providing first-hand information.

The updated website roca.com will be publishing the different audiovisual pieces featuring the company experts who work alongside the development teams to offer the safest, most innovative and sustainable solutions for the bathroom space.

From Barcelona to the world

Roca’s style of design and innovation has an unmistakable Mediterranean character. The brand projects this style to all corners of the world from Barcelona, its city of origin. For this reason, these short videos will present the keys to all new products, connecting our experts with viewers, from different Roca premises in Barcelona, such as the Roca Gallery or the Roca Design Centre.

Roca offers viewers the option of subscribing at roca.com/launches to receive notifications every time a new episode is released.

About Roca

Roca is a company dedicated to the design, manufacturing and marketing of products for the bathroom space, as well as ceramic floor and wall tiles for architecture, construction and interior design. The company operates in 170 countries with 85 production centers and a workforce of 24,000 professionals worldwide. The family company is the market leader in Europe, Latin America, India and Russia. It also has a strong presence in China and the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Thanks to this, it is a world leader in its activity.

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Kudos Gin pairing gift pack

July 15, 2021

To mark the arrival of a long awaited summer and to thank retailers for continual support, Kudos is giving away these lovely locally made premium Gin Pairing Gift Packs until the end of August.

Kudos has paired their premium shower doors with two local award-winning premium gin distilleries; Penningtons based in Kendal close to where Kudos began manufacturing over 20 years ago and the Big Hill Distillery in Mobberley, Cheshire situated close to their new finished goods warehouse.

The gift pack containing 50ml of Lakeland Moon Gin and 50ml of the ‘Spirit of George’ Gin along with a beautiful gin glass, will be given on all purchases from a Kudos Distributor of Original (6 or classic) and Pinnacle8 premium shower doors until the end of August.

01539 564040

info@kudosshowers.co.uk

www.kudosshowers.co.uk

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Kaldewei awarded sustainability leader by Marriot Hotels

July 13, 2021

Kaldewei is the first bathroom supplier to receive the best possible rating in the Leader Level of the Marriott Sustainability Assessment Program (MSAP) from Marriott International Inc. MindClick Global is a leader in the collection and evaluation of sustainability indicators and determines the ecological footprint of suppliers for Marriott.

Kaldewei has been a key partner of Marriott International for many years, their enamelled steel bathroom solutions are represented in many of the bathrooms of the hotel group. In 2020, Kaldewei was assessed by the MSAP program with which Marriott International aims to achieve 100 percent LEED status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 650 hotels worldwide by 2025. With the MSAP program, the hotel group wants to highlight products and processes that meet the sustainability goals in line with the “Marriott Serve360” strategy. In doing so, social and ecological aspects, including the furniture and fittings in hotel rooms, are taken into account throughout the entire life cycle – from raw materials and manufacture through distribution to the end of the life cycle. The focus is on the use of renewable
energies and the reduction of waste, water and carbon consumption.

The recyclability of steel enamel supports sustainability goals Kaldewei’s consistent use of sustainable and recyclable steel enamel, makes them a convincing partner of the hotel group. The products are created natural raw materials and are 100 percent recyclable. In doing so, Kaldewei makes an important contribution to the achievement of the sustainability goals of the Marriott Group.

“I am very pleased that Kaldewei has been awarded the highest Sustainability Leader Level. We feel honoured and confirmed in our actions that we were the first company in the sanitary industry to achieve this status. The result of the assessment is an expression of our decade-long commitment to more sustainability in the real estate
industry. At the same time, it is a confirmation of our unique material, Kaldewei steel enamel, for sustainably and responsibly planned projects,” said Chief Sales Officer Roberto Martinez, about the award.

A valuable contribution to the environment, society and the economy At Kaldewei, sustainability is a central business principle and reflects a consistent approach. It is not just a matter of meeting standards or requirements, but rather of
being a forerunner and a pioneer.

“This result in the Marriott Supplier Sustainability Assessment Program 2020 underscores our value-based and responsible corporate management. We are proud that with our bathroom solutions we are making a valuable contribution to a better environment, society and the economy,” said CSO Martinez.

Marriott International is the largest hotel group in the world and is one of the absolute pioneers for more sustainability in the sector. The MSAP program underscores the great commitment to environmental and social transparency of Marriott International. The award as a “Sustainability Leader” motivates us to go forward boldy as a specialist and reinforces the future of recyclable materials such as our long-lasting steel enamel. In this way, Kaldewei is advancing and supporting the transformation to a circular economy and supports the change in the international hotel industry towards sustainable and future-oriented concepts,” summarizes Martinez.

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PJH puts on the period charm with its latest freestanding range

July 12, 2021

PJH’s latest Freestanding Bath range within its Bathrooms to Love Collection has been enhanced with the addition of three new styles as well as new and improved specifications to four existing styles.

Responding to the steady demand for classic bathroom style, PJH’s freestanding bathing collection enables stockists to offer the middle market a truly affordable range of high-quality traditional baths. The current range also addresses the space-saving sector with a number of back-to-wall roll-top baths including a clever corner solution.

Whilst full of old fashioned charm and elegance, the latest design technologies and the use of high-grade acrylic, give rise to modern features such as a flawless white finish, streamlined curves and edges, heat-retaining surfaces and a durable and long-lasting design.

For smaller bathrooms, the CLEVEDON CORNER roll-top bath, featuring ‘Raven’s Claw’ feet and a back-to-wall corner design, slots perfectly into a bathroom corner and is available in two lengths, 1500mm and 1700mm, with a width of 750mm and height of 650mm.

And both the GRACE and FINCHLEY back-to-wall freestanding baths also offer space-saving solutions with their innovative shapes that sit neatly against the bathroom wall.

Other recent additions include a beautiful slipper bath, the TIVERTON freestanding model that measures in at 1620mm(L) x 710mm(W) x 770mm(H), with ornate ‘Lion’s’ feet in chrome, and the luxurious, double-ended, FAREHAM model, also with ‘Lion’s’ claw feet – and a traditional twist on PJH’s best-selling contemporary floor-standing bath, the Belmont. Fareham measures in at 1770mm(L) x 705mm(W) x 775mm(H).

With a large choice of bath shower mixers, including floor-standing models to coordinate with the classic freestanding bath range, all Bathrooms to Love products are listed on PJH’s Partners Portal online ordering platform, which includes comprehensive product descriptions, images, pricing, live availability levels and ordering tracking.

PJH Freestanding Range — Bathrooms to Love Tiverton Bath

For more information, including display deals, point-of-sale material and brochures, contact Bathrooms to Love at PJH on: T: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit www.partners.pjh.uk (for ordering & account management); and www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Dare to be different with Ideal Standard’s new silk black finish

July 12, 2021

Ideal Standard has unveiled a new silk black finish on a range of its fittings, ceramics and furniture, offering a contemporary alternative to traditional white and chrome bathroom suites. The new finish is available on selected products in the new Bathroom Collections.

Silk black embodies sophistication, allowing customers to elevate any room in an instant with a bold, all-black effect, or create visual contrast by adding only a touch of black to their designs.

The on-trend yet classic finish has been launched across a selection of Ideal Standard’s Bathroom Collections ranges, which includes taps and mixers, basins, toilets, shower trays, shower enclosures, furniture and accessories. Silk black makes for a sleek, premium look, while bringing elegance and refinement when combined with natural materials such as wood, marble and stone.

Suitable for injecting new life into renovation projects as well as making a statement on new builds, silk black will create an intimate and powerful atmosphere in any hotel or residential bathroom and has been applied to some of the most popular and innovative models from the Bathroom Collections.

Basin mixer taps available in the new finish include Ceraline, with its organic, cylindrical shape, and Cerafine O, which is bolder in design and adds a touch of extravagance to any project. Both are fitted with Ideal Standard’s pioneering and durable FirmaFlow® ceramic disc cartridge which enables finer temperature adjustment and helps save water and energy.

The Ceratherm T range of thermostatic shower mixers is also now available in silk black. Fitted with FirmaFlow Therm®, the most durable thermostatic cartridge, it provides unrivalled levels of safety and performance, while Idealrain complements the range with a wide choice of hand sprays and rain showers.

Meanwhile, Tesi brings matching vanity units and furniture, as well as ceramics including toilets and bidets. The slender WCs with their characteristic curves feature AquaBlade® flush technology to deliver a more effective and efficient use of water than traditional toilets, as well as improved hygiene.

Also given a silk black makeover are Ideal Standard’s Ultra Flat New shower trays, featuring one of the slimmest designs on the market. Shower enclosures, wet room panels, bathroom accessories and kitchen fittings complete the collection and ensure no compromise must be made to a room’s design.

Katie Cope, marketing director at Ideal Standard UK, said: “We develop our ranges with design excellence in mind and know that finishes have the power to elevate any room in an instant. With silk black, we’re giving designers and homeowners the opportunity to let their true sense of style speak out, whether they’re working on a bespoke new build project, or looking to transform existing rooms in a renovation.

“What’s more, with our new silk black finish being available across multiple categories, we can offer full bathroom solutions whether you choose to go bold with an all-black scheme, or create a striking graphic contrast with individual black elements.”

Silk black will be available from July 2021.

For more information, visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/products/highlights/silk-black.html

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