Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Open all hours as PJH Showroom goes virtual

July 27, 2021

PJH has announced the launch of its new Virtual Showroom, which brings to life in 3D its extensive Bathrooms to Love portfolio, allowing users to explore the showroom in detail, zoom in on specific products and view room displays in stunning three-dimensional reality.

Now live, the virtual showroom is being used by PJH’s Sales Team to take the customer on a journey through the company’s impressive showroom in Cannock, as well as allowing them to explore its very latest bathroom ranges, including new collections recently launched.

The new digital “shop window” investment is another tool in the company’s post-COVID e-tail suite. It was created specifically for use by PJH’s nationwide network of sales representatives to allow its independent stockists – many of whom cannot always make the visit to the centrally located showroom, or were unable to visit due to lockdown restrictions – access to new product launches and aspirational displays for themselves. In addition, the virtual showroom also allows products to be showcased far more realistically than is possible in a brochure, allowing stockists to visualise room sets and displays and provide inspiration about how they would appear in their own showrooms.

Sally Hough, Multi-Channel Marketing Manager, said: “We developed this new sector benefit in partnership with our retail customers and sales team and it forms another important part of the PJH package of services designed to help make our customers’ businesses a success. Feedback has been incredibly positive. Many have reported on its high-quality graphics and links as well as its intuitive interface that simplifies the ability to explore different collections and displays, to help select products and demonstrate the best way to showcase them in retail showrooms.”

Sally continued: “It’s not a replacement for more traditional sales and face-to-face relationships, but rather it is an additional sales tool to work in harmony with all our interactions with the customer. As with our ecommerce Partners Portal™ platform, the virtual showroom is just another example of how we at PJH are continuously investing in the latest digital technology and embracing the new hybrid approach to business, that is ultimately of benefit to our customers.”

In addition, for those who already own a virtual headset, the PJH virtual showroom experience can be yet more immersive and interactive, allowing greater movement around displays and products.

Going forward, PJH say it will continue to invest and explore in taking the software further, focussing on integrating it yet more into PJH’s online channel and extending its access.

For further information on the new PJH Virtual Showroom, contact your local PJH sales development manager, call Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99, or visit www.partners.pjh.uk

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RAK Ceramics Tiles shortlisted in Mixology Awards

July 27, 2021

Luce, the translucent big slab surface from RAK Ceramics, is a finalist for Product of the Year in the Mixology21 Awards by Mix Interiors.

Nominated in the Surfaces Category in these prestigious awards which celebrate the very best projects, products and people in commercial interior design, the highly innovative Luce from RAK Ceramics captured the attention of the judging panel.

The Maximus Translucent extra-large format slab is ideal for lighting up interior design projects in environments ranging from hotels and restaurants to shops and residential premises. The range includes seven different graphics and colours in marble and onyx effect, that replicate the natural ability of the stones to filter the light. The translucent body of Luce is made with a very high purity of raw materials containing special and high-quality clays and minerals. When illuminated, Luce’s special body gives a soft glow and transforms the design from a plain tile to a soft natural marble.

The winners of the Mixology Awards 2021 will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony, due to be held in London on 16 September.

Contact:

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

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New black accessories for the bathroom from Keuco

July 27, 2021

When crafting a bathroom it’s the finishing touches that often bring everything together and complete the look; be it elegance and glamour or a sophisticated urban edge. The new Black Selection of accessories from KEUCO with their deep black silk matt finish brings a touch of luxury to every element in the collection.

There are 19 offerings in the series, this includes three different styles of towel hook as well as different versions of towel rails, tumbler holders, toilet paper holders, shelves and cosmetic mirrors.

Each element has been coated in a special lacquer making them exceptionally durable, tough and easy to clean and all are colour matched in RAL 9011. This means that the products can be combined with KEUCO’s freestanding accessories and shelving which is also available in RAL 9011..

The Black Selection is tactile, the surface has a velvety matt finish, making it not only pleasant to touch but easy to grip. The simple lines and minimalist design of the accessories make them unobtrusive in the grand scheme of bathroom design, but boldly stylish in their simplicity.

Like a perfect little black dress the KEUCO accessories do not draw attention to any one particular
aspect; but artfully complement the finished scheme.

www.keuco.com

About Keuco

KEUCO offers a large assortment of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, lights and mirrors, washbasins and bathroom furniture “made in Germany”. At KEUCO design and function play a key role. Perfectly manufactured products combine aesthetic form with sensible functionality. A standard that is systematically applied, from the idea right to implementation. Collaboration with designers is a long tradition at KEUCO; the company has been family-run since it was founded in 1953.

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GROHE publishes third sustainability report and celebrates sustainability success

July 27, 2021

Every minute, a truckload of plastic ends up in our oceans. The health of the oceans often seems like a distant problem, but all life on earth depends on the marine ecosystem’s health – this becomes very clear when you consider that approximately 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe is produced by the oceans.

To mark this year’s Plastic Free July awareness campaign, GROHE has published its third sustainability report, which outlines the brand’s continued commitment and efforts to sustainability, covering all aspects from business model and products to processes, employees and suppliers.

As evident in the newly published report, GROHE has been able to reduce its water consumption in production by 38.7 per cent , not only significantly exceeding its target of 20 percent first set in 2014, but also achieving it ahead of schedule. With projects such as the Less Plastic Initiative launched in 2018, the brand has also set itself the goal of eliminating plastic from its packaging. As a result, up until June 2021, 32 million pieces of plastic packaging have already been saved.

The report also provides an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at sustainability management at GROHE and the successes of recent years. In 2019, for example, 21,306 tonnes of the main materials used in the production process were recycled materials – a weight comparable to more than 106 blue whales.

In this way waste is avoided, and, in the end, water that would be needed to produce new materials is also saved. From linear to circular – GROHE paves the way for the economic model of the future Building on its comprehensive sustainability measures of recent years, GROHE is now taking its sustainability strategy to a new level with the recent launch of four of the brand’s best-selling products as Cradle to Cradle® variants.

This means that all four products have been tested for the use of environmentally safe, healthy and recyclable materials. The Cradle to Cradle (C2C) approach goes far beyond the conventional recycling of products, as a tap, for example, is already designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life phase for the creation of new products.

The circular journey continues – take-back processes for discarded C2C products GROHE has taken a decisive step towards a circular future with the certification of its first Cradle to Cradle Certified products, but the journey continues. The brand is working on take-back processes for its discarded C2C products – an important step towards avoiding waste and saving valuable resources to help maintain the fragile balance of our ecosystems.

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2020 welcomes new area sales managers in the UK

July 27, 2021

2020, a leading provider of applications and enterprise solutions has announced it has welcomed Jonathan Earl and Charles Thompson to the 2020 team as the new area sales managers in the United Kingdom.

Jonathan Earl (pictured top) has previous experience working with independent KBB studios selling a range of products from hinges, runners, worktops, and appliances. He has joined 2020 as an area sales manager for the south of the United Kingdom to work with new partners who want to use 2020 Fusion Live, the best kitchen and bathroom design application available.

‘2020 Fusion Live is really exciting for me as I have aphantasia, which is a complete inability to form mental images,’ says Earl. ‘To bring things to life that I cannot otherwise visualise is brilliant and really helpful for me and I’m thrilled to share my excitement for our solution with our customers.’

2020 Charles Thompson — Charles Thompson

Charles Thompson has experience managing several KBB businesses throughout Yorkshire over the last decade, his main experience coming from an independent retail background. He will be involved in introducing the 2020 Fusion Live system to new and existing customers in the north of the United Kingdom. He will also be looking to maintain and build on existing relationships either with support or training.

‘I am hoping customers can call on my experience and knowledge to help them understand the benefits of our products and services,’ says Thompson, ‘in particular our support and training services, which are second to none. With the launch of a major new addition to our 2020 Fusion Live package, now has never been a better time to join 2020.’

Connect with Jonathan Earl and Charles Thompson via their LinkedIn profiles.

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A palette inspired by nature – REHAU reveals the latest surface colour trends

July 23, 2021

Life after lockdown has changed how we spend time in the home and even as restrictions lift, the way we use our interior space may have changed forever.

Consumers are now increasingly searching for pared-back tones that reflect nature and offer a flexible backdrop with true longevity. In fact, research by REHAU found that 59 per cent of people prefer calming and neutral tones, paired with the addition of accessories to inject character into the space.

In response to this demand to create a sense of peace in the home, REHAU has created a palette inspired by nature – reflecting the breath-taking natural scenery of Iceland and the relaxed yet modern Nordic lifestyle that it represents.

Scott Williams, National Sales Manager for REHAU Furniture Solutions, explains:

Neve – radiant, clear and pure

Pure white atop Iceland’s snow-capped mountains, this shade is the kind of white that facilitates contrast and creates a peaceful feeling of serenity. The colour works well with calming, natural designs featuring solid wood or wood-effect materials, as well as creating a standout pairing for more bold and eye-catching colours.

Nebbia – neutral, mysterious and subtle

This trend reflects the veil of dark evenings, capturing a fog that encapsulates the scenery and creates a monotone aesthetic of dark and moody hues, evoking an atmosphere of mystery.

The colour is perfectly paired with any style and reflects industrial design, yet is also a subtle counterpart to brighter colours.

Terriccio – vibrant, abundant and earthy

Iceland is the land of volcanoes and its soil is rich in nutrients as a result. Volcanoes represent nature’s power, renewal and the circle of life.

This shade is the perfect match for black and anthracite accessories, which form a natural harmony with such a dark brown. Also working well paired with mint or other pastel shades, Terriccio’s gentle metallic shimmer makes it a real focal point.

Menta – natural, refreshing and harmonious

During the summer months, Iceland’s herbs, ferns, lichens and grasses provide appealing splashes of colour. Shades of mint evoke the spring – and the wonderful moment when you really feel the days getting lighter and the nights shorter.

This colour is perfectly paired with other pastels, which creates a look that is gentle on the eye and brings vibrancy into a room without feeling overpowered. Menta creates a stylish contrast to a rich dark brown.

Laguna – Nordic, versatile and fluid

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a well-known destination, but the island is home to many more small lakes and lagoons, as well. Every body of water is unique, with its very own shape, colour and appeal.

Laguna comes into its own alongside silver, light grey, green-ish grey, aged wood and asphalt grey. When paired with other colours, the grey takes a step back and provides additional depth.

Atlantico – mysterious, deep and intense

Iceland is surrounded by the Atlantic, the world’s second-largest ocean. The Atlantic and its seas cover around a fifth of the earth’s surface, connecting continents, offering a home to a diverse array of aquatic creatures – and harbouring no end of secrets.

This colour (pictured top) goes perfectly with various shades of blue that come together to form a harmonious whole. If you are looking for contrasts, you can pair this dark blue-ish grey with concrete for a minimalist effect, or with gold for a sophisticated touch.

For more information about surface trends and to view REHAU’s ranges, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/interiors. You can also download REHAU’s Designing Different report which outlines changes in consumer preferences here: www.rehau.com/uk-en/designing-different

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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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