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UWLA calls on KBB industry to protect the planet’s fresh water supply

Yvonne Orgill UWL

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) is calling on the KBB industry to realise the importance of protecting the Earth’s fresh water supply. The call to arms was made on World Water Day – 22nd March. World Water Day focusses on the importance of fresh water and presses for the sustainable management of fresh water resources. 

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill, pictured, said: “The theme of World Water Day 2021 is ‘Valuing Water’ – a sentiment that we will be exploring at our virtual conference, Water Matters, on Tuesday 13th April. 

“Everyone has a part to play in making responsible water-saving choices, especially those involved in designing, manufacturing, selling, installing and purchasing, water consuming bathroom products.

“The Water Matters virtual conference is free to attend and brings together representatives from across Europe to discuss why water matters to them, and how they are communicating this important message in their own marketplace.”

Impact Entrepreneur Ben Keene will be guest speaker at the conference. Ben cofounded Tribewanted, an eco-friendly sustainable community in Fiji, and has spent 20 years exploring how to make a positive impact through building start-ups, communities and adventures around the world.

Keene said: “Water is life! Helping people understand the impact of their water consumption and nudge them towards positive behaviour change is an exciting challenge. I look forward to sharing some stories at the Water Matters event that I hope will accelerate your impact.”

Carlos Velazquez, newly elected president of UWLA, will also present on update on the progress of the Unified Water Label across Europe. He said: “This will be an important conference for anyone that wants to learn more about how to communicate with customers on water efficiency and environmental issues. We have brought together an outstanding line-up of speakers to share their strategies, and the commercial benefits that come from supporting and promoting the Unified Water Label.” 

More information and a registration form can be found here. 

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HiB launches striking Dusk cabinet to the range

Dusk Cabinet HiB

Bathroom supplier HiB has introduced a new cabinet to its range. Featuring dramatic black glass side panels and ambient downlighting, Dusk is an eye-catching focal point in the bathroom.

A touchless wave sensor activates the cabinet’s top light, which offers effective illumination across the face and integrated colour changing technology allows the user to change the light from cool white to a warm glow, with the touch of a button.

The stunning exterior isn’t the only thing that sets HiB’s new cabinet apart, as behind Dusk’s soft-closing doors there are a number of convenient features to enhance the users’ experience. Personal devices, toothbrushes and shavers can be charged with ease using the cabinet’s integrated 2 pin socket and USB point. A ‘keep clean’ mat is also included to help maintain hygiene and ensure that the cabinet stays neat and tidy. Ample storage is available thanks to the adjustable glass shelving, with the central divide(s) on Dusk 60 and 80 offering even more useable space for everyday items.

Available in 50cm, 60cm and 80cm widths, Dusk is a sophisticated and stylish cabinet choice for bathrooms of all sizes.

www.hib.co.uk

More news from HiB

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GROHE Eurosmart Hybrid with touchless control

GROHE Eurosmart Hybrid

Grohe has relaunched its Eurosmart brassware portfolio to introduce a 2-in-1 hybrid tap with hygienic touchless control. Originally launched over 20 years ago, Eurosmart is a best seller for the company.

The new Eurosmart range features a contemporary design and loop lever, which makes it easy to use for those with limited or reduced dexterity and a hybrid variant with manual and touch-free operation.

“Eurosmart evolves with every generation, which is crucial if you want to bring meaningful products to the market. Our environment is constantly transforming, and we need to react to changing needs with new product solutions“, says Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA.

“Right now, a global health crisis is forcing the world to rethink hygiene standards. Therefore, we have developed a hybrid version of Eurosmart, which combines hygiene-enhancing touchless and manual operation. Another example are the lever variants, which reflect the complexity of different living situations and the fact that every consumer has different requirements. Long levers simplify the daily work of doctors, while loop levers are perfect for children, the elderly and those with reduced or limited mobility. Eurosmart is the perfect proof that innovation is not limited to new lines. Innovating in a relevant way also means reinventing core products. Only these human-centric solutions enable us to create better homes.”

The Eurosmart hybrid means users can decide whether to use the manual lever or infra red sensor to reduce the risk of spreading germs and minimise cross-contamination.

All of the Eurosmart line is equipped with safe stop technology, which can limit the water temperature to reduce the risks of scalding. It also features EcoJoy technology which uses air injection to reduce water use but ensures a voluminous flow.

The Eurosmart brassware portfolio was launched on its GROHEX platform.

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Edyn outlines new Locke openings for 2021

Edyn outlines new Locke openings for 2021

Hospitality leader Edyn has shared plans for popular lifestyle brand Locke for the year ahead, this includes UK and internationally openings, a new property in Cambridge and the European expansion of the brand into Germany and Ireland.

The popular aparthotel portolion elevates the traditional aparthotel model by combining beautifully designed self-contained studio apartments – complete with fully fitted kitchens, living areas and laundry facilities. Locke partners with exciting up-and-coming designers and disruptive food and drink partners to give each location its own character and style.

Locke’s home-meets-hotel concept appeals to a broad range of travellers, appealing to both business and leisure guests and accommodating long- and short-term stays. Offering an elevated level of safety for its guests with the opportunity to live autonomously in each apartment, interest in this new format continued to grow throughout 2020, with Locke opening the doors of four properties over the course of the year. Across the edyn portfolio – which also includes serviced apartment brand SACO, The Moorgate and Wittenberg – occupancy for 2020 averaged 65%, significantly outperforming many comparable brands in the market.

“After demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of our business model throughout the pandemic, we’re excited to share further details of our Locke openings in 2021, which promises to be an exceptional year of growth for the brand across Europe.

As international business and leisure travel reawakens, we are seeing new trends, tastes and priorities emerging. Locke’s hybrid home-meets-hotel concept has never felt more relevant, and we’re looking forward to expanding the brand into new markets to meet traveller demand for more spacious, self-contained accommodation.” – Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn.

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Kaldewei introduces washbasins to its Cayono range

Kaldewei introduces washbasins to its Cayona range

Kaldewei has launched a new addition to its popular Cayono range of bathtubs and showers surfaces at ISH.

Kaldewei has completed its Cayona series with high-quality washbasins – whether as a trendsetting washbowl, countertop or undercounter solution. The perfectly coordinated design of the bathtub, shower surface and washbasin brings effective harmony to the bathroom in a charming way. The resulting visual calm also underlines the great demand for serenity and relaxation.  

Everything made from sustainable Kaldewei steel enamel, particularly easy to care for and 100 percent recyclable.

More news from Kaldewei

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Relax with Roca’s new Ariane and Raina baths

A freestanding bath can provide a focal point within any bathroom space, combining a touch of luxury with a practical bathing experience. The Ariane and Raina freestanding baths are created using Roca’s innovative Stonex® material. This strong and durable mineral composite is highly resistant to physical wear, aggressive chemicals and fading. The warm, smooth and glossy texture of Stonex® adds a layer of sophistication to the bathroom space.  

“We are delighted to further extend our freestanding bath portfolio” comments David Bromell, Head of Marketing at Roca. “The bathing experience is so personal and remains the focal point in achieving a sanctuary-like space where you can un-wind and renew. By expanding our collection of bath options, we are enabling this individual approach, both to wellness and the overall bathroom design.”  

Roca's new Ariane and Raina baths
Roca Raina Bath

Ariane (pictured top) has a stunning oval design, to complement a range of decors. The bath creates a visual statement with its deep sloping sides and comforting shape, to help create a luxury bathing experience. The bath has generous proportions of 1650 x 750mm and holds up to 240 litres of water, providing deep and luxurious bathing.  

Raina offers beautiful simplicity. The oval shape and slender lines create a harmonious and calm space to enjoy. With proportions of 1590 x 790mm, the bath offers a stylish focal point for any contemporary bathroom space.   With a range of innovative materials on offer, including Stonex®, Roca remains at the forefront of inspirational bathroom design.

For more information visit www.uk.roca.com.

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Divina Outdoor Spa Collection

Novellini Divina Outdoor Spa

Novellini’s Divina Outdoor SPA Collection includes top-of-the-range, Made in Italy, outdoor spas equipped with hydro massage. The collection, designed for head-to-toe wellness, includes 4 models of different sizes – M, L, XL and XXL – with fittings designed to accommodate from two up to six people.

The first Novellini spa collection was created as the ultimate expression of well-being where body, mind and environment co-exist in perfect synergy. The Divina Outdoor design, with its clean, simple elegant lines, encounters a careful examination of ergonomics and concealed silent avant-garde technology.

The Divina Outdoor is ideal for those moments of sheer relaxation, both day or night, owing to its RGB Chromolight LED lighting system, and in summer or winter, to its water heating system. All functions can also be controlled via an app that uses an integrated Wi-Fi Remote Control system. After a busy day at work, a sports session or even in those garden party moments with friends,

Divina Outdoor provides the benefits of a true outdoor spa at home. When soaking up the warm rays of the sun or lingering beneath a starry sky canopy, peace of mind is guaranteed with a variety of Whirlpool hydro massage units, a NaturalAir system and a Bluetooth sound system with concealed speakers, both inside and outside the tub.

An integral part of Novellini’s philosophy, makes Divina Outdoor the perfect spa to adapt not only to domestic spaces but also to the high-end hotel sector. The Ozone and Ultraviolet Acqua Clean sanitisation system cleans the water rapidly and instantaneously, eliminating even the most chlorine-resistant viruses, bacteria and micro-organisms.

Textured and weather-resistant surfaces ensure high levels of hygiene and durability for the Home SPA. Divina Outdoor bathtub liners are created using the highest quality acrylic, available in marble, pearl and white finishes. The side panels covering the spa are available in three different finishes: Natural Touch, wood-effect Dogati and Fiber Cross coatings.

The thermal cover, indispensable for any spa, insulates the tub and keeps the water temperature at a constant level. Foldable and created from materials suitable for outdoor use, the cover becomes a distinguishing feature that makes the spa aesthetically pleasing to the eye, even when not in use.

The Divina Outdoor SPA collection includes a series of accessories designed by architect Marco Pellici – chaise longue, side tables, steps and a shower column. A linear design, ergonomic comfort and perfectly matching finishes of the accessories provide for the creation of a complete look for the Outdoor Home SPA.The chaise longue features a comfortable, padded non-slip support available in a variety of FIBER CROSS colour combinations to match the spa, whereas the side tables and steps, which are also available in various models, finishes and heights, complete the comfort range of the Home Spa and allow it to be used in total safety.

The shower column, made of stainless steel and equipped with overhead and hand shower units, can be positioned wherever required owing to its clean, linear design. A virtual reality configurator is also available on the dedicated website – outdoorspa.novellini.com – which allows the Divina Outdoor to be visualised inside home spaces and the product configured in all its aspects by customers.

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LIXIL EMENA celebrates launch of ‘GROHE X’

Over 12,000 visitors explored GROHE’s hub on the first day of its launch, Tuesday 16th March.

The comprehensive brand platform offers informative multimedia content to both GROHE’s professional business partners and consumers. Tailored to the needs and interests of the respective target groups, a customised programme of content is available, which includes how-to videos, inspirational articles, and 360° virtual rooms that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the latest product highlights.

In addition, there are new video formats such as ‘A Glass of Water with…’, in which various GROHE experts offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of the global brand, or ‘Wow of the Week’, in which a particularly inspiring project or topic is presented each week. While visitors to the brand hub can explore the world of GROHE on their own, GROHE X also opens up new ways of interaction. Business partners can use the platform to make appointments with their sales representatives and thus exchange information directly about the innovations that have just been introduced.

“GROHE X is a milestone in our brand history. It opens up unprecedented opportunities to experience GROHE and to discover our products and the issues that drive us. You can connect with GROHE X wherever you are and whenever you want. GROHE X is thus bringing us closer together in a time when we need to stay physically distant. The positive feedback I have received from customers all over the world has reconfirmed that we took the right decision eight months ago. The digital journey we have embarked on with GROHE X has only just begun.

The platform is here to stay and will constantly evolve over the next months. My biggest thanks go to the team who made all this possible while working remotely. I’m extremely proud of the courage and leadership they demonstrated in transforming an idea into GROHE X,” says Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO.

For the launch of GROHE X, various event formats, both live and on demand for invited guests are available on the platform in addition to freely available editorial content. The highly anticipated GROHE X launch week commenced with a premiere keynote, which gave the global brand the opportunity to once again prove its status as a sustainability pioneer in the sanitary industry and announce its latest achievement: its four best-selling products as Cradle to Cradle Certified ® variants.

In contrast to the linear Take-Make-Waste model, Cradle to Cradle stands for continuous material cycles. A product is manufactured in such a way that, at the end of its life, the components can be used to create new products. To achieve certification a product is evaluated in terms of the following five categories: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness. “Achieving Cradle to Cradle certifications at Gold level is a huge step in our sustainability efforts. I am very proud that we are one of the first brands in the sanitary industry to once again make a clear commitment to sustainable transformation and set a new benchmark. Since the building sector accounts for more than 50 percent of worldwide material consumption, the moving away from a linear model in favour of a circular economy is essential to stop the exploitation of natural resources. We need to transform our business model towards a circular value creation and start considering products at the end of their life as valuable material banks instead of using new resources,” explains Thomas Fuhr, Leader Fittings LIXIL International and CoCEO Grohe AG on the importance of the circular approach within the brand’s sustainability strategy.

The significance of initiating a paradigm shift in the construction industry and putting a focus on green buildings based on Cradle to Cradle design principles was also the key issue in one of the platform’s panel talk discussions, when Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), Dr.-Ing. Peter Mösle, Partner Drees & Sommer SE and Managing Director, EPEA GmbH, and Thomas Fuhr discussed how sustainable architecture can be thought and implemented both today and in the future.

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BetteEve bath launches at ISH 2021 in 400 colours

BetteEve Bath launches at ISH

With the new BetteEve bath collection, the organic, ellipse shape makes its way into the bathroom. Inspired by nature, Bette has made the transition between the edge and the inner body 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

At the beginning of the 17th century, the astronomer, Johannes Kepler discovered the elliptical shape of the planetary orbits. The Baroque artists and architects enthusiastically took up this discovery and celebrated the elegant and balanced shape of the ellipse in buildings, parks, jewellery and picture frames. For BetteEve, designer Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux+Partner, Potsdam) has interpreted this form in a modern way to create harmony and sensuality in a glazed titanium-steel bath collection.

The aim was to achieve a perfect ellipse and also to give the impression that the bath had been smoothly hollowed out by running water. 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.

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 backrests on both sides and a central waste outlet.

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. Sound insulation is also included.

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The SBID International Design Awards launches for 2021

SBID Awards

The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) has officially opened its 12th edition of the SBID International Design Awards for 2021. The live event is being planned to take place at Nobu Hotel Portman Square in October.

Since it launched, the SBID Awards has received over 3000 entries from 1000+ companies in 85 countries. Having firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious interior design Awards in the global design calendar, the Awards represent the outstanding achievements, dexterity, mastery and quality services that go on to inspire the creativity of this diverse and ever-evolving creative industry.

Alongside 17 specialist Interior Design categories spanning commercial and residential sectors, the SBID Awards 2021 continues in its quest to champion and challenge industry-wide design standards, expanding entry categories to encompass added specialisms in Product Design and Fit-Out Design.

With the introduction of new design categories, also comes a panel of expert judges to lend their expertise. This year’s international jury; featuring Property Services Lead for the Department for Education; Creative Director at Amazon; Interior Design Principal at Walt Disney Imagineering Asia; Editorial Director at WGSN; Global Store Design Manager at Tiffany & Co.; Design Director at Starbucks Coffee Company EMEA; and Director of Major Programmes at the British Council. Inviting entrants from around the world, the SBID Awards presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase professional work to a host of renowned industry leaders and the wider design community on its inclusive and international stage.

In an ambition to reunite the industry, the SBID International Design Awards 2021 will open its doors once again for a global celebration of design talent. Offering unique and inventive event experiences, the annual awards programme will take place at London’s latest luxury lifestyle destination, Nobu Hotel Portman Square on Friday 22nd October 2021.

The Awards’ entries for 2021 will close at 5pm (BST) on Wednesday 30th June, with ‘Early Bird’ entry rates ending on 31st March. Download the full entry guidelines for all information about entering this year’s SBID International Design Awards.*

*Members of SBID can also take advantage of exclusive entry benefits, from discounted entry fees to complimentary submissions. Click here to find out more.

To register to enter, visit sbidawards.com

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