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Ideal Standard is continuing its unique series of events, the Together World Tour, in Berlin, focusing on the architecture, design and culture within the iconic, German capital.

The Together World Tour, Ideal Standard’s innovative event series created especially for the international architecture & design community, will make its second stop in Berlin on June 16th 2021. The Together World Tour is an innovative fusion of digital content from the global bathroom product manufacturer, which aims to inspire attendees by diving into the design culture of six unique cities around the world.

Following the success of the first event in Milan on April 21st 2021, in which the striking, new Linda-X range was unveiled, the Berlin event will also preview a new addition to Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections, in the form of the Extra washbasin range. Extra has been conceived to suit any environment, coming in a variety of sizes to suit any space. Combining a timeless design with a strong, square shape, the Extra washbasins are a striking addition to any bathroom. 

The Atelier Collections are influenced by the brand’s rich design heritage and are the result of the partnership with Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A) and Roberto Palomba, Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer.

The Berlin event will focus on the striking variance of contemporary and timeless architecture in the city, and explore its vibrant identity.

The second leg of the Together World Tour will be held on June 16th, 2021 at 11 am BST.  The event will also let attendees unlock special extra features regarding the locations and the new additions to the collections.

To learn more about the tour so far and register for the Berlin event visit: www.togetherworldtour.com 

Unidrain has introduced a new industrial style addition to its GlassLine series of shower screens.

The new addition can perfectly be described as minimalism meets industrial. The Danish design company and creators of the original linear drain are best known for their sleek designs and the unique ability to highlight ‘invisibility’.

One of the most dramatic options and currently a key trend in bathroom interior design is to use black for fixtures and fittings. Unidrain has introduced a new version of their impressive GlassLine shower screen; defined with a distinctive black frame; this industrial, New York loft-style design complements the Reframe Accessories collection and the black variant of the HighLine Colour drain perfectly.

GlassLine Black Frame

Unidrain

More news from Unidrain

Utopia Bathrooms has announced the appointment of Chris Hewitt as Business Development Manager, Contracts Division.

Chris joins Utopia from Majestic Showers where he worked for over seven years in a number of sales roles before becoming General Manager. Chris has a wealth of relevant experience in the bathroom industry, supporting both retail and contract business in key roles. Chris’s experience includes working on the conversion of the former US Naval Office to luxury homes in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, now one of the most prestigious addresses in London.

Ian Hall, Joint Managing Director, welcomed Chris to the company saying “It’s an exciting time for Utopia and I’m very pleased that Chris has joined our team at this stage so that we can take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.”

Chris comments “I am delighted to join Utopia and am extremely impressed with the quality and range of products, not to mention the passion of everyone within the company. I look forward to talking to old and new customers in the industry and to meeting Utopia’s loyal customer base.”

Utopia Bathrooms

01902 406402

www.utopiagroup.com

Saneux has officially moved into a brand-new warehouse space in Gatwick.

The new space is next door to Gatwick Airport and provides the UK based bathroom manufacturer with excess of 8 times cubic storage space from their previous warehouse operation. They will still be retaining their office and showroom spaces in Croydon and Clerkenwell.

Saneux’s co-founder, Iain Cooper, says: “This is an exciting move for us. It was in the pipeline for a while but with a lot of new and exciting products being launched later this year, it was the perfect time to make the move. We are confident that we have the capacity to match our growth plan vision for the next 3 years, and we are looking forward to giving a much-improved service to our trade clients. I would also like to thank our loyal retail showrooms and merchants and look forward to be of service in the future.”

More news from Saneux

Virtual Worlds are urging us all to look out for the Virtual Worlds van on your travels! With a record number of kbb retailers requesting to have Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre displays, their installation team now have a smart set of on-brand wheels to get them to your showroom in style.

The sign written van is clocking up the miles, raising the profile of Virtual Worlds wherever it goes. With the find4d.com website clearly displayed on the side of the vehicle, passersby are encouraged to find out more via their nearest Virtual Worlds retailer.

The Virtual Worlds top-level set-up includes all furniture headsets and screens provided and installed, with no hidden costs, with the new vehicle ensuring a speedy, smart delivery too.

“The van sign writing tells the story of Virtual Worlds while our installation team are on the road, signposting passersby to the retailer locator website so they can easily find their nearest showroom,” comments Nathan Maclean, Managing Director at Virtual Worlds. “It’s all about spreading the word about the power of designing kitchens and bathrooms with Virtual Worlds 4D and while our installation team are busier than ever, the van and the branding are getting a lot of coverage.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds, please visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

About Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds is a UK market leader in innovation-led CAD technology for the KBB market.  Since launching in 1998, it has broken boundaries in virtual technology innovation – being the first company to develop 3D design software for KBB retailers and, most recently, launching its new 4D Showroom Technology. Virtual Worlds is a division of Logicom Computer Services (UK) Ltd

2020 Connect is a free four-day virtual event geared toward interior designers, retailers and manufacturers taking place from June 14-17, 2021.

The schedule is organised as follows:
JUNE 14 – OPENING CEREMONY
A global design contest ceremony followed by a welcome address by 2020 CEO Mark Stoever, two
inspirational keynote sessions by President of ThinkLab/Sandow Design Group Amanda Schneider and
NKBA CEO Bill Darcy, and a happy hour.

JUNE 15 – DESIGN DAY (2020 Fusion Live track)
Four guest speakers will give inspirational and educational sessions about the world of interior design,
including JKMR Director Jayne Barber, Simon Acres Group Founder Simon Acres, Foyne Jones & Jones
Digital Founder Peter Jones, and Bathroom Origins Sales & Marketing Director Sofia Charalambous.

JUNE 16 – ONLINE ENGAGEMENT DAY
Presentations and discussions on the future of the home improvement industry and how to improve
online consumer engagement for retailers, e-tailers, and manufacturers.

JUNE 17 – MANUFACTURING DAY
Presentations focusing on cabinet, furniture and millwork manufacturers looking to grow their business
through digitization, automation, and optimization.

“This is our second year in a row hosting 2020 Connect and we are looking forward to sharing valuable
information and advice with professionals in the home improvement industry,” says 2020 VP of
Marketing Ken Short.

“We’ve got amazing guest speakers and 2020 experts ready to share their wealth of knowledge, and we can’t wait to connect with everyone at our virtual event!”

Attendees will be able to explore over 55 sessions where they will get practical advice that will help their
business succeed. They can also visit virtual booths to see 2020’s end-to-end software solutions in action
and get a chance to speak to 2020’s knowledgeable team directly for any questions they may have.

Registration is now open.

Drummonds’ bathroom ware has been selected for golf legend Greg Norman’s 8-acre private estate in Florida. Bordered by water on both sides, stretching all the way from the Intracoastal Waterway to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean the estate consists of seven buildings, including the main house.

Designed by Greg’s wife, designer Kirsten Norman, the rooms take their inspiration from luxury yacht interiors. The couple love to travel and wanted to incorporate the memories of their favourite trips into the design of their home.

The bathrooms were to have a particularly elegant feel, reminiscent of tropical boutique hotels. However, having lived in London for several years, they also wanted to blend this tropical style with a classic, English aesthetic. Drummonds’ bathroomware was the perfect choice, offering distinctive statement pieces that fitted in perfectly with the luxury
interiors brief.

Drummonds’ freestanding Mersey shower takes centre stage in Greg’s bathroom. Not only does it enhance the moody masculine feel of the space, but it also offers spectacular views of the grounds and sea.

In contrast, Kirsten’s bathroom was to have a softer, lighter look, with a freestanding white bath forming the focal point and polished nickel fittings from Drummonds providing beautiful accent pieces. Overall, it’s a bright airy space with a tranquil feel .

As well as the main bathrooms, Drummonds’ classic bathroomware can also be found throughout the property; the impressive Tyne bath with a nickel interior and painted black exterior adds a touch of drama to the guest bathroom whilst nickel fittings and decorative accessories can be found in numerous other bathrooms and cloakrooms. On choosing Drummonds’ products, Kirsten says:

“I wanted something that you don’t see too often and Drummonds have a design aesthetic that is very distinctive and unique. I was extremely impressed with the quality and service provided.”

Inspired by period pieces and made using traditional manufacturing techniques, Drummonds epitomises classic English bathroom style, creating luxurious pieces that are built to last.

The Hoxton has announced plans to add five more properties to its European portfolio, with hotels set to open in Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Shepherd’s Bush (London) and Vienna over the course of 2022 and 2023.

The openings follow the recent launch of The Hoxton’s 10th hotel in Rome, which debuted earlier this month. As part of the expansion, The Hoxton’s co-working brand, Working From_, will also premiere its first mainland Europe location, bringing a new offering to Brussels.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult time for everyone, especially those in hospitality, and for all of those who, like us, love to travel and discover new places. Community has never felt more important, and we look forward to sharing Hoxton with more people in some of our favourite cities in Europe,” says founder and CEO Sharan Pasricha. “Our exciting plans for the next few years reflect our optimism for the bounce-back of travel and commitment to the industry we love. We can’t wait to expand our portfolio and open our doors in these great cities, ready for when city breaks and international travel is back and thriving.”

The Hoxton, Barcelona | Spring 2022

The brand’s new 240-room hotel in Barcelona fill feature a ground-floor restaurant, bar and terrace; a shaded rooftop taqueria and pool; an events space in the basement hosting local cultural programming; and The Apartment, a multi-functional meeting and events space. Among the guestrooms, all designed by Ennismore Design Studio, will be a new ‘Homey’ category, in which larger rooms will have their own lounge space and kitchenette. The property will be located in the Poblenou neighbourhood, a traditionally Catalan barrio now dotted with craft breweries, concept stores, design schools and markets. As for the city’s main sights, guests will be just 20 minutes from Sagrada Familia and the beach.

The Hoxton, Berlin | Summer 2022

The Hoxton, Berlin will be situated in Charlottenburg in West Berlin, close to the Kurfürstendamm shopping area. Occupying a former hotel, which Ennismore Design Studio will be transforming with inspiration from the neighbourhood and local scene, the property will comprise 239 rooms in varying sizes; an open lobby, bar and restaurant; and The Apartment meeting and events space.

The Hoxton, Brussels | Summer 2022

Housed in a brutalist-style tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM, the brand’s Brussels opening will feature 198 70s-style rooms; a double-height lobby, bar and restaurant; a rooftop bar/terrace; and The Apartment – all designed by Ennismore Design Studio. Arriving just north of the city centre, close to the Botanical Garden and the Northern Business District, and within walking distance of Grand Place, the hotel will also be home to Working From_, which currently has locations in Southwark (London) and Chicago. In Brussels, it will occupy five floors of the building, with open desks, studios, breakout spaces and communal pantries on each floor.

The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush | Winter 2022

The Hoxton, Shepherd’s Bush will become the fourth Hoxton in London and marks the first time heading west for the East London-born brand. Landing on Shepherd’s Bush Green in the heart of the neighbourhood and well placed near White City and Portobello Road, the Ennismore-designed property will comprise 237 rooms of various sizes including a new ‘Hideout’ category; a central bar and open lobby with vintage seating; a retro pastel restaurant, terrace and courtyard; a retail space; and The Apartment. Local art and design collaborations throughout will celebrate the area’s creative neighbours.

The Hoxton, Vienna | Spring 2023

Finally, the brand’s Vienna debut will be nestled in Stadtpark in a 1950s modernist building that was the former headquarters of Austria’s Chamber of Commerce. Its history will be reflected in the design, with Ennismore working to restore and reclaim original features of the building, incorporating inspiration from its past and local streets into their design process. The hotel will boast 196 guestrooms; a spacious lobby and coffee bar; a restaurant and terrace; rooftop bar and pool; a basement speakeasy; and The Apartment. It will also be home to an events auditorium, a first of its kind for The Hoxton.

Image Top: The Hoxton, Southwark

ARCHITECTUREBARCELONA

Minimalism is still king in the bathroom. Monochromatic colour schemes, thin edges and clean lines – both straight and elegantly curved – continue to dominate the shower space. These design features are proving even more popular in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers looking for bathroom products that are hygienic and easy to keep clean.

Seamless spaces

Choosing a minimalist shower doesn’t mean forgoing colour and innovative design. Bette’s revolutionary BetteAir is the world’s first shower tile made of glazed titanium steel, available in more than 30 colours and eight sizes.

Its floor-level installation means it blends seamlessly into the bathroom floor, and can be glued directly to the screed like a standard tile. Bette has ensured that the shower tile will sit flush by reducing its thickness to 10mm—the typical thickness of a large-format tile.

Designer Dominik Tesseraux says: “BetteAir has all the advantages of a tile without its disadvantages. With the shower tile, the floor of the shower is immaculately beautiful, free of joints and thus absolutely hygienic and easy to clean.”

Discreet solutions

Even with more standard shower surface design, manufacturers are ensuring products remain sleek without sacrificing style. Kaldewei’s KA 90 and KA 120 waste systems for enamelled shower surfaces – including its floor-level Cayonoplan shower surface – include the option for an enamelled waste cover in the same colour as the shower surface, making it even more discreet.

The KA 90 now features a flatter design, allowing it to be integrated almost flush, while the KA 120 waste system is available in round and square options. Both include a hair catcher as standard and a new plug-in connection for the waste cover, allowing the waste to be cleaned easily and safely.

Kaldewei – a flatter design & variety of waste options

Straight & narrow

The new Kinedo Brooklyn shower cubicle range by Saniflo highlights the popularity of showers with clean, straight lines. Bringing industrial style to the forefront, it is available in black with black silk screen printed lines, as well as a modern take on the traditional grey and chrome with transparent glass.

The Brooklyn cubicle comes with a pivot or sliding door, a white Biocryl shower tray with chrome waste, and metal handles. It has been designed for quick and easy assembly without silicone and predominantly without screws.

Kinedo Brooklyn shower design

Spacious curves

The new 700m curved showering panel in Kudos’s Ultimate range provides additional showering space in an elegant solution. Designed to sit neatly on a 1200mm bow-fronted shower tray, this new walk-in enclosure with 8mm curved glass has been created specifically for British bathrooms and is available in three sizes.

Also available as flat glass shower panels, Kudos’s Ultimate range comes in chrome, brushed or bright nickel, brushed or bright gold, and black. They can be installed on both shower trays and tiled wet-floors, making them a perfect option for the minimalist bathroom.

Style & substance

Inclusive design is not being left behind when it comes to the minimalist shower trend. HEWI is a key player when it comes to accessible, functional shower products that are hygienic and compliant with current British or International standards. Its range of products – including the HEWI S900 range and Doc M shower pack – allows customers to create fully compliant showering spaces without compromising on design.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also been prompting clients to consider the hygiene standards of their current bathroom spaces. HEWI’s active plus range has been developed with an antimicrobial effect using microsilver, which is effective against bacteria and fungi by inhibiting the growth of bacteria through the discharge of silver ions. This allows customers to future-proof their bathroom spaces as we emerge from the pandemic.

Shower design HEWI

Feature Contributors: Diane Larner & Ellie Clow

Brits spend 3.5 hours a week on the toilet, but only 2.7 hours exercising, according to a new study by the UK tile specialists, Topps Tiles.

According to a survey of 1,000 Brits on bathroom habits, the average person spends 5 minutes on the loo in one sitting and will visit the bathroom between 4-7 times a day – equating to 1.5 years on the throne over a lifetime.

The NHS recommends that we do 2.5 to 3 hours of exercise per week. The Office for National Statistics recently showed that even through lockdown, the average Brit was spending just 23.1 minutes per day exercising – meaning we spend more time on the toilet than we do keeping fit!

With Brits sitting on the toilet for 8 days a year, the type of bathroom entertainment people use to fill the time has also been exposed. It has become quite clear that mobile phones and relieving yourself on the loo go hand in hand for many – with 36% claiming that Facebook is their platform of choice in the bathroom.

Mobile phones aren’t the only company Brits have in the bathroom. 25% said that they were quite comfortable letting their household pet roam into the toilet with them, while 45% would happily leave the door open to friends or partners while using the loo.

Harriet Goodacre, Brand Communications Manager at Topps Tiles said:

“Bathrooms are an important part of any household. From providing a sanctuary for pampering to a place of bonding with babies or simply just getting a bit of alone time. But it’s a place we don’t talk about much – and we believe it deserves some celebration! 

“As this study shows, the way we spend time in our bathrooms is different from person to person but one thing’s for sure; we’re spending more time in there than we might have realised. That’s why we’re encouraging people to ignore any embarrassment, and simply enjoy their bathrooms!”

With 3.5 hours a week spent peacefully on the loo, Topps Tiles are encouraging us all to take the taboo out of bathroom talk – for our bathrooms are more than just a toilet and a sink.

The study also shows that Brits are using toilets as a space to escape to, away from the pressures of everyday life. 52% of women and 33% of men admit that the bathroom offers a welcome relief from social anxieties and uncomfortable situations in public – something that will be increasingly prominent as lockdown regulations continue to relax.

It is also clear that Brits will quite happily put more time into their bathroom activity compared to their physical activity – with the average person exercising for just 23.1 minutes a day, versus 37 minutes exercising the loo. 

Other activities that would be achievable with all this time Brits spend on the loo include sailing round the world a total of 15 times, which is slightly more heroic than getting stuck in a Facebook loophole. 

You could even read all those books that you just “haven’t had time” to, infact, there would be enough time to read 570 of them. Or if cooking is more your forte, then you’ll miss out on cheffing up 7,729 roast dinner opportunities; perfecting that crispy roast potato – what a shame!

You can find the full research here: https://www.toppstiles.co.uk/blog/news/behind-closed-doors-british-bathroom-habits-revealed