Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a new, minimalist collection

Bringing spa-inspired luxury to the domestic bathroom, RAK-Des from RAK Ceramics is a collection that ensures this most private of spaces is as comfortable and relaxing as any of our living spaces, while never compensating on practicality.

With clean, minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish that emulates the hotel feel, one of the many highlights of RAK-Des is the versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom. Freestanding, wall-hung and countertop basins all feature beautifully ergonomic shapes crafted from quality ceramic.

The washbasins can be combined with RAK-Joy vanities and RAK-Precious countertops for perfect harmony in the bathroom. RAK-Precious provides a luxurious alternative to the functional ceramic white, with surfaces that emulate the natural properties of materials such as stone, marble and cement, bringing the trend for industrial styling into the bathroom in a functional way.

With hidden fixations, the RAK-Des WC can be wall-hung or installed back-to-wall and features the latest in flushing technology for the ultimate in bathroom hygiene. RAK Ceramics WCs set new standards of

All in all, RAK-Des provides a complete sanitaryware solution for the modern bathroom that successfully combines form with function and gives designers creative freedom in this more personal of spaces.

RAK Ceramics

More news from RAK Ceramics

Tylö launches brand new wellness & steam products

Tylö has launched Vista, a slimline shower enclosure and Stella, a steam column, both products are ideal for homeowners. A steam enclosure or column can be placed in a bathroom instead of an ordinary shower to deliver a steam bath and a shower in one.

Vista is a slimline steam shower enclosure with true Scandinavian design. It has matt black, minimalistic profiles to deliver a modern and luxurious look. The glass walls are smoky grey for an extra graphic effect. In the ceiling there is a rain shower and an RGB (colour) light can be added for colour options on the back wall.

Stella, the steam column is embedded on this back wall. Its black front matches the enclosure and can be used on its own to design a personalised steam space. The hand shower, thermostat and mixer are of European high-quality material. The steam outlet is silent and has a fragrance compartment for that luxurious feeling.

Gustav Vassegård, Technical Designer for Tylö explains “We have looked for details that make the steam shower take its place in the room. We have minimized the profiles, to enhance the view ‘the Vista’ through the sober smoke-coloured glass. The black profiles, and the thin insulated roof, distinctly frame the mysterious cube of steam. Enjoying a cooling rain shower at the same time as the tropical humid heat envelops you is an awesome experience which we want as many as possible to experience”

The steam bath off a 40-45 degree heat and takes only 2 minutes to produce. A steam bath also uses less water than a shower, so it is good for us and the environment.

Research shows that steam can provide many health benefits. Steam expels toxins from the body, aiding better sleep. It also cleanses and softens the skin. Additionally, it relieves stress and anxiety, helps blood circulation and improves the immune system.

Global Group TylöHelo has several strong sauna brands in the portfolio and can be found on all continents for both residential and commercial sauna projects. We are the complete partner by providing a high-quality sauna experience, with a traditional sauna, steam bath and infrared warmth. Tylö was founded in 1949 and has since successfully evolved into a global wellness company. With a huge passion for sauna and wellness, solid traditions in craftsmanship and profound knowledge Tylö is redefining the sauna scene by always continuing to create top quality sauna products made to be a vital part of healthy living.

Bushboard’s 5 practical tips to support retailers

Under the easing restrictions, KBB retailers have now had their first week back in business and been open to invite customers into their showrooms. After a tumultuous twelve months, lots has changed and whilst many are raring to go, many others are still unnerved by the “new normal” and the remaining uncertainty.

To support its retailers in being confident to reopen their businesses once again, Wilsonart’s Sales Leader, Nick Jones, shares 5 practical tips from leading laminate worksurface brand, Bushboard to instil confidence and provide guidance to its retail partners.

Review your collections
Many retailers have been open for just four months out of the last twelve. A year is a long time in the design world and new trends have started to emerge. Now is the time to observe what customers are asking for and also demonstrate that you are at the cutting edge of kitchen design. Speak to your suppliers about trends, ask for look books and make sure you have the latest decors. In worktops, for example, the result of people living, working and cooking at home non-stop for 12 months is an increasing trend for surfaces that replicate natural materials from the outside as a way of creating a sense of disconnection from our busy lifestyles. With the kitchen becoming a multi-purpose space, broken-plan designs are on the rise and both contrasting and complementing worktop designs will be used to help separate different zones of the kitchen. However, the kitchen needs to seamlessly blend into the rest of the living décor so 22mm square-edged worktops will become increasingly popular to help achieve this sense of continuity.

Ensure you have these offerings on display! If you need further support on which trend-led surfaces will catch consumers’ attention, Bushboard’s business support team have a trend guide to help you find the right choice.

Market yourself
Now that stores are open again the competition is back on. How are you staying fresh, unique and innovative? Is your website and social media up to date? Don’t forget that presence is key. With Bushboard’s Resource Centre, printed materials and lifestyle imagery for every range are available for download and use across your websites, social and email, making a digital spring clean easy.

Make it Covid safe
Whilst it might seem obvious, ensuring a really positive and safe visit for your customers will really enhance their shopping experience. Retailers that are seen to be going above and beyond can really make all the difference when it comes to selling. Make the most of hands-free digital brochures – download from the Bushboard Resource Centre and make available on a tablet or phone and add to your website so people can browse using their own device if preferred.
Embrace the virtual appointment system

Some customers just don’t feel ready to come back into stores just yet. If you’ve been running virtual appointments now is a great time to keep maintaining this service. It’s a great option for streamlining those initial customer visits as you may be able to fit two to three online in the same time as one prospective client would take in store. Offering both options ensures that everyone still feels valued and wanted as a customer and that no one is excluded.

Make sure your displays are up to date
Whilst the retail sector has been closed, many brands have been working hard on revitalising their displays, POS and marketing support so that it’s in top condition for retailers when they reopen. Did you know that with brands like Bushboard it’s really easy to order a range of POS including stands, signage and brochures? Ensure you are communicating with your supplier partners to see what support and resources they can offer you! If you stock both Bushboard’s Omega and Options collections you can take advantage of a full-sized display worktop for your showroom completely free of charge.

www.bushboard.co.uk

BetteAir – a revolutionary shower tile made of glazed titanium steel

Bette has launched BetteAir, and claims it to be the world’s first shower tile made of glazed titanium steel. Heralded by Bette as a milestone in bathroom architecture, the tile shower tray integrates so perfectly the seams are hardly noticeable. What’s more, the floor-level installation of the shower tile is a real revolution, as it can also be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile.

The shower surface – made of glazed titanium steel – is designed to become an integral part of the bathroom floor. The pure design of BetteAir combined with revolutionary installation technology means the German bathroom manufacture is able to term BetteAir a shower tile.

Made of durable and easy to clean, glazed titanium-steel, Bette has reduced the height of the BetteAir shower tile to an unbelievable ten millimetres, which roughly corresponds to the thickness of a large-format tile. The precise corners also fit perfectly into the tile grid, with their radius of only eight millimetres.

Designer Dominik Tesseraux (Tesseraux & Partner, Potsdam) sums up the revolutionary development: “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.”

Flat, flatter, BetteAir

In the 1970s, shower trays were still up to 30 centimetres high. Over the decades, they gradually became flatter, but it wasn’t until 2006 that Bette succeeded in creating the first shower area made of glazed titanium steel, BetteFloor. The BetteFloor ushered in a new era of jointless, floor-level showering.

Now BetteAir goes a step further and completes the evolution of shower trays to shower floors. It is hardly possible to create a shower area that is flatter, at least if the water is still to run off cleanly. The minimum installation height of BetteAir is just 99 millimetres.

To achieve this, Bette has also rethought the waste, and enlarged it to 200 millimetres. All that is visible is a circular, three-millimetre gap in the middle of the brilliant surface, through which the water drains. The drainage capacity of 0.6 l/s is more than sufficient, even for opulent rain showers. The glazed waste cover is absolutely flat, so that no difference between it and the surrounding surface can be felt or seen. The waste cover can also be easily removed for cleaning, although there is not much to clean, as the waste is designed to be self-cleaning and to prevent hair from getting caught in it or in the pipe-work.

Revolutionary installation

A real revolution is the floor-level installation of the BetteAir shower tile, which can simply be glued to the screed like a conventional tile. To achieve this, Bette has further developed its proven solution of the Minimum Support and Installation Box, so that it can be used for the floor-level installation of BetteAir. The BetteAir is supplied largely pre-assembled and ready for installation. For bathroom fitters and tilers, this ‘plug-and-play’ solution means significantly less effort in installing the shower and reduced coordination between the trades – and so time and cost savings. Those who require even more flexibility during installation can install BetteAir using the tried-and-tested BetteInstallation System Universal.

Many colours, formats and options

The BetteAir shower tile is available in eight sizes from 900 x 900 to 1400 x 1000 millimetres. This means that shower areas can be created in many dimensions, from the small standard format to the XL area for maximum showering pleasure.

To ensure that BetteAir blends seamlessly into all surroundings or stands out from them in contrast, the shower tile is available in a choice of 31 colours, including popular sanitaryware colours, exclusive matt colours and a special effect colour. On request, BetteAir can also be equipped with an anti-slip surface, either with BetteAnti-Slip Pro, or the new BetteAnti-Slip Sense for gloss colours, which offers even greater slip resistance.

BetteAir is also supplied as standard with basic sound insulation for quiet showering. If it is professionally installed using the minimum support and installation box, the sound level is only 19 dB(A), which more than meets the increased requirements of sound insulation level 3 of VDI 4100 and is certified by DEKRA. This reduces the sound to a whispering level, which makes it ideal for use in flats or other buildings were sound minimisation is required.

Installation

The installation steps for the floor-level installation of BetteAir are revolutionarily simple. The BetteAir installation box is glued onto the unfinished floor, the installer’s new pipe-work is connected to the pipe-work already provided within the box, and the cover is put on the box to protect the contents during the installation of the bathroom floor. The insulation is put in place, and the screed is applied. The box is then cut to the same level as the floor screed and the sealing frame is glued to the box. (The sealing frame with is integral fleece is compliant with DIN 18534-1 standards, certified by KIWA) The sealing compound/liquid latex is then applied over the surface and up to the edges of the box and over the fleece, to complete the waterproofing seal. The temporary box cover is removed, and the waste unit is connected to the pipe-work in the box, the BetteAir is glued down, the tiles are laid, and the edges are sealed with silicone – finished!

Dimensions

BetteAir is available in the following sizes: 900 × 900 mm, 1000 × 900 mm, 1000 × 1000 mm, 1200 × 800 mm, 1200 × 900 mm, 1200 × 1000 mm, 1400 × 900 mm and 1400 × 1000 mm. The rim height is 10 mm for all formats, the corner radius R8 and the diameter of the outlet 200 mm. Overall, installation heights from 99 mm are possible.

Colours

Sanitaryware colours: White, Pergamon, Manhattan, Bahama Beige, Edelweiss, Jasmine, Ebony, Carneol.

Exclusive matt colours: 22 colours from deep black to grey and beige tones, to matt white.

Effect colours: Blue Satin

Options: BetteGlaze Plus, BetteAnti-Slip Pro (evaluation group B according to DIN 51097), BetteAnti-Slip Sense (evaluation group C according to DIN 51097).

www.my-bette.com/en

And for the BetteAir

UWLA calls on industry to realise the importance of water usage

The Unified Water Label Association is calling on the kbb industry to realise the importance of using water wisely on Earth Day, (22 April).

Earth Day is an international event that calls on world leaders to come together to prevent the coming disasters of climate change and environmental destruction. Using a theme of ‘Together, we can Restore Our Earth™’, the day runs parallel to the Biden Administration’s global climate summit, with EARTHDAY.ORG hosting a live digital event.

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “Climate literacy is one of the key themes for this Earth Day, as research has found that this is key to building a greener workforce and a consumer movement that will help solve climate change.

“This is a theme that is also part of UWLA’s communication strategy. We believe that everyonehas a part to play in making responsible water-saving choices. If those involved in designing, manufacturing, selling, installing and purchasing water using bathroom products, all work together to help each other, and consumers understand the issues around water scarcity, then we can drive home the message that for the sake of the planet we must use water wisely.

“We explored this at our recent Water Matters event, when Impact Entrepreneur Ben Keene raised some interesting questions on this topic. He asked the bathroom industry to come together and be creative in meeting this challenge. He suggested that it is necessary to be bold in order to help people understand the impact of their water consumption, and nudge them towards positive behaviour change.

“Our #dontforgettheplug marketing campaign is also addressing this message. Currently being rolled out across the UK and Europe, it highlights key messages to promote the benefits of supporting the Unified Water Label.

“Those interested in finding out how they can become involved by supporting the UWLA or joining our campaign can find out more here.”

Stempelhusene – a cooperative housing project

Unidrain has recently been involved in the design and construction of Stemplehusene; an exclusive housing development in Rødovre.

The new Stempelhusene development comprises of four yellow, brick-clad apartment blocks containing 88 apartments designed and built with a focus on quality from the outset.

The location was selected as the ideal venue when the supermarket chain Irma vacated their former headquarters in the western part of Rødovrebecame. Stempelhusene is the first of Irma’s cooperative housing projects. The cost of a brand new apartment can be prohibitive for many, in a cooperative building the ownership is divided between the residents, making it not only more cost-effective to acquire but also prevents a quick resale for profit.

Simple aesthetics and stylish materials characterise the Stempelhusene apartments, every item from the bricks to the bathrooms’ linear drains has been carefully selected; creating elegant homes ready for the residents to occupy.

The Stempelhusene apartments have been built to help ensure that elderly residents and families with children can move into the exclusive area for less money than if the apartments were owner-occupied homes.

Carefully selected bricks and drains
Although they are priced at less than the surrounding apartments, no compromises have been made on the materials or the architecture. “The yellow bricks were laid according to a strict plan, and Unidrain’s linear drains adorn the bathroom floors” explains architect, Line Ryming from Arkitema Architects, the agency who designed Stempelhusene. “From the outset, we focused on the aesthetics; the stylish little details, which often make all the difference,” she says.

For instance, the bricks are in different shades of yellow and in two of the buildings they are laid with the reverse side out which gives the masonry a coarser look. This provides each of the four buildings a distinct look although initially they appear to look the same.

“Long before we knew that Stempelhusene apartments were going to be used for cooperative housing, we wanted to get the details right. For example, the balconies have been given smoke-stained glass screens that match the buildings’ golden tiles, plus the buildings are angled in relation to each other, which creates an interesting outdoor space between each of them. Every apartment has been designed to receive maximum daylight, as they all let in light from two corners of the world,” says Line Ryming Funch.

“We knew we wanted to fit the bathrooms with Unidrain’s linear drain. It has a simple and exclusive look and creates a seamless unity between the shower and tiles.” Said Line Ryming Funch.

The bathrooms in Stempelhusene were prefabricated by Badelement a leading bathroom manufacturer; who were delighted when asked to install Unidrain’s linear drain.

Badelement’s Managing Director Hans Henrik Nielsen says: “The line drains are both stylish and easy to install, we always hope we’ll be allowed to install linear drains. They look exclusive and they’re easy to mount.”

PJH extends bathroom furniture range with Volta

A versatile range, the contemporary new Volta family includes a wide choice of cabinetry suitable for bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms, including slim units for compact spaces.

Available in both wall-hung and floor-standing styles, Volta provides plenty of practical storage solutions as well as an ultra modern coordinated look to help streamline bathroom spaces and create an on-trend interior. With a high gloss lacquered finish, three flawless colours to choose from – Anthracite Gloss, Grey Gloss and White Gloss – provide consumers with the perfect palette to suit personal tastes and bathroom styles.

Supplied rigid for ease of installation, all the Volta units are colour coordinated throughout and include luxurious soft-close cabinet fittings and a sleek bar handle. To complete the look, the range also includes a Volta floor-standing 500mm WC unit and 350mm tall unit with two doors.

Complete with a five-year guarantee, the new Volta Modular Furniture range is now available from PJH Group and can be ordered via the PJH Partners Portal for next day delivery. For further information, 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

Express your style with HiB Novum’s Fabrica range

Statement bathrooms require eye-catching furniture possessing functionality and flair. HiB Novum’s new Fabrica range oozes luxury and sophistication, while also giving homeowners and designers the chance to express their style through bathroom furniture.

Fabrica’s distinguishing feature is the combination of colour and texture, with Dark Emerald, Midnight Blue and Carbon Grey options complete with a sleek, tactile design. The range has been developed to answer the growing call for more choice, but with the added benefit of interchangeable details that offer enhanced personalisation.

HiB Novum Fabrica Midnight blue — Midnight Blue

Handles and brassware options are all part of Fabrica’s appeal, with finishes such as brushed brass, black and chrome offering a new level of design expression, creating a bathroom that is decadently stylish. The vanity unit can be paired with a wash basin or vessel basin with countertop, with further accessories such as optional legs, to suit each customer’s personal preferences.

To accommodate a variety of bathroom sizes, Fabrica is available in 50cm, 60cm, 100cm and 120cm units. The Fabrica Cloakroom range is available for those with an ensuite or smaller space, while those with larger bathrooms may choose to explore the 100cm and 120cm options, which present the opportunity to install couple’s vanity stations with two basins and mirrors to offer that additional touch of extravagance and luxury.

To ensure that the bathroom remains free from unsightly clutter, Fabrica has ample storage, with soft-close drawer runners for gentle closure and elegance.

Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB, said: “Fabrica’s rich unit colours and multitude of personal touches make it a really sophisticated and striking design. It is such an eye-catching unit that suits a wide variety of styles and bathroom sizes. As a statement furniture piece, it really draws attention.”

For more information about the HiB Novum Fabrica ranges visit https://www.hib.co.uk/product/fabrica/

More news from HiB

VitrA’s Voyage bathroom collection

VitrA Bathrooms has worked with award-winning multi-disciplinary artist Arik Levy to create the Voyage bathroom collection. With more than 130 products available in the range this extensive collection offers endless possibilities for customisation.

The vast number of furniture and sanitaryware pieces can be individually tailored using the extensive range of colour, material and size options. The sheer variety of horizontal and vertical units and wall panels create the ideal layout to suit any bathroom, shower or en-suite space.

Voyage is entirely wall-hung, making it exceptionally versatile and ideal for small or awkward spaces. Both open and closed storage options are available – from hooks and open shelving through to mirrored wall boxes and various storage units – and each piece can be positioned anywhere in the room to suit individual needs. Coordinating accessories, including a heated towel rail and a toilet roll and brush holder, are also available to complete the look.

Voyage bathroom furniture is available in five different dual colour finishes, including flamed grey and natural oak, planked sand and stone grey, and flamed grey and forest green.

The sanitaryware is cast from hygienic and easy-to-clean ceramic; the Voyage collection includes a range of countertop and wall-hung washbasin units that offer a convenient combination of wet, dry and semi-wet areas, blurring the lines between a traditional bowl and a vanity unit.

Inspired by his time living and working in Japan, Arik Levy worked closely with VitrA’s in-house design team to create a bathroom collection that allows both mind and body to relax. He comments: “Taking time for ourselves in the bathroom each day can be extremely purifying. Our daily habits are deep-rooted, but I hope that the Voyage collection will help us to indulge ourselves and make time to enjoy our daily rituals”.

www.VitrA.co.uk