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Today, Ideal Standard is introducing its brand-new design-led range, Atelier Collections, created in collaboration with renowned Italian studio PS+A. The bold designs have been created to work in harmony to allow complete customisation on every project.

The products bring together the skills of Palomba Serafinia Associati (PS+A), through its founder Roberta Palomba, with Ideal Standard’s broad manufacturing expertise.

The ranges draw inspiration from iconic Ideal Standard products of the past to create exciting new collections for the present. Roberto Palomba, with 25 years of experience in international design, has created unique collections that include an exclusive range of ceramics, brassware and furniture.

Inspired by Ideal Standard’s leading product lines from the past, the Conca range (pictured top) nods towards the iconic Ideal Standard basin, offering minimalist designs. The Blend range of WCs has been created to perfectly complement these basins.

Core to the Atelier collections is colour. PS+A have created a new, bold colour palette, some of which draws on colour influences that can be found in Ideal Standard’s design heritage, and others which reflect and define new colour trends. Launching in March, the colours have been applied to the Ipalyss range of super slim washbasins, designed by Robin Levien. Incredibly striking in colour and design, new shapes and sizes are also being introduced, creating an extremely durable and versatile range, made possible by Ideal Standard’s Diamatec® technology.

Additionally, there is also new brassware, with two new lines of mixer taps, Check and Joy. They are available in chrome and PVD finishes to offer a stylish simplicity.

Commenting on the new collections, Roberto Palomba said: We are particularly proud of the results of our partnership with Ideal Standard. We maintain a very simple approach for our creations: quality paired with intuitive design that also keeps an eye to the past, while ensuring the levels of practicality, purity and elegance meet the needs of modern society.”

Torsten Türling, Chief Executive Officer at Ideal Standard added: “Throughout our history, we’ve worked closely with the leading designers of their era. Master designers have a unique ability to capture the essence of the time and translate that into designs that shape the evolution of society and influence the culture of design beyond the bathroom. This essence of design is what we wanted to capture again and this is reflected in Atelier Collections.”

The Atelier Collections will be available exclusively through independent retailers, with Ideal Standard committing significant investment into showroom and marketing support for the collections.

David Barber, Managing Director for Ideal Standard UK and Ireland said: “The Atelier Collections mark a new era in Ideal Standard’s design journey and we understand the importance of these ranges for our retail partners. Not only are we committing to a consumer advertising campaign to drive footfall to showrooms, but we are also working with retailers to provide support and tailor-made packages to ensure they are fully equipped to serve their customer base.”

To learn more about the Atelier Collections and to view the full brochure please visit: https://www.idealspec.co.uk/sectors/design-solutions_s63_c1.html

The Atelier Collections can also be seen in person at the London Design & Specification Centre in Clerkenwell, London. To book an appointment at the showroom visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/about-us/contact-service/london-design-and-specification-centre

About Ideal Standard International

Ideal Standard International is one a leading manufacturer of high-quality private and public bathroom solutions. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the privately-owned company employs around 9,000 people and operates 16 manufacturing sites, serving over 100 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Using the latest technologies and working with world-class designers, the company is focused on developing innovative bathroom solutions across multiple product categories including bathroom Ceramics, Taps & Fittings, Bathing & Wellness and Furniture & Accessories. Its products are sold under strong international and local brands such as Ideal Standard, Armitage Shanks (UK), Sottini (UK), Porcher (France), Ceramica Dolomite (Italy) and Vidima (Eastern Europe).

VASCO is expanding its range of electric heating solutions, to include an updated Wi-Fi-controlled electric radiator, the Niva, together with a hybrid version of the designer radiator the Niva Mix.

Electric radiators are the perfect partner for new ‘green’ builds and renovations; especially when
combined with the installation of ground source heat pumps or solar panels.

The newly upgraded Niva range of electric radiators are easily controlled you can choose from a radio frequency version, which is not connected to your home internet and comes with a compliant thermostat as standard.

The electric radiator also has a VASCO Climate Control app (you will need the E-Volve Wi-Fi control version), this and the control unit can be ordered separately. The compact Wi-Fi module uses Bluetooth to communicate with a small temperature sensor located in the same room as the radiator. A third version, which allows you to control the radiator with your home automation system, is also available.

The Niva is a dry thermal panel electric radiator and does not contain any water; it heats up very quickly as it uses VASCO’s new infrared technology to generate a comfortable, radiant heat.

The upgraded electric Niva allows you to control and limit the radiator’s surface temperature, which is an extremely practical feature in rooms where safety is paramount, such as nurseries, it is far lighter than a water-filled radiator making it much easier to install based on a plug-and-play principle.

Niva Mix: hybrid radiator available in 2 sizes
The VASCO Niva Mix is an exciting new hybrid radiator. It is an ideal solution as it offers two options: it can be connected to a hydronic central heating system or run on electricity. This makes the Niva Mix hybrid radiator perfect for areas that need to heat up quickly when the central heating system is switched off, such as bathrooms.

The minimalist, sleek and stylish electric Niva and Niva Mix radiators are available in an extensive range of colours that will work with any interior.

Wide range of accessories
All VASCO accessories that are suitable for the hydronic Niva radiators are also available for the upgraded electric Niva and the Niva Mix.

Smart Bathrooms

About Vasco – www.vasco.eu
Vasco offers a wide range of innovative and sustainable total solutions in the field of heating, ventilation and cooling for an optimal indoor climate. For example, Vasco delivers high-quality and internationally acclaimed design radiators that are characterized by a combination of top design and functionality. The quality brands for panel radiators are Superia in Belgium and Brugman in Germany, France, Poland and the Netherlands. In addition to radiators, Vasco is also an important player in the field of ventilation and underfloor heating. Vasco radiators are guaranteed with a quality guarantee for a period of 10 years on waterproofness and lacquer. The production companies are located in Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. Vasco, headquartered in Dilsen (BE), has approx. 500 employees and is part of the Swiss Arbonia Group.

Roca’s new multi-device website www.uk.roca.com now offers a site with a more intuitive design and increased functionality. With improved browsing and product search, a more accessible website has been created for all audiences, offering customised content to help customers with their everyday needs. 

OPTIMISED MULTI-DEVICE DESIGN

Roca’s new website guarantees perfect browsability on computers, smartphones and tablets thanks to its responsive and fully adaptable design. With an exceptionally fast load time, its contents are displayed in the most convenient layout for the user’s device, adapting the menu structure and content order to make them more accessible to multi-device browsing.

EASY BROWSING

With a state-of-the-art web design, products become the focus and are also more accessible. An optimised algorithm improves the direct search of words through a smart browser, while the filter system and the improvement of product classifications, makes it easier to access the different product categories and their options. 

CUSTOMISED CONTENT

In order to provide the best user-experience and to respond more accurately to individual needs, Roca’s new website organises the content in a more user-focussed way for the brand’s different audiences: end users or professionals.

The new website invites users to browse and discover an extensive range of bathroom products to inspire and help find the ideal solution for your bathroom project. The website is designed to make it easy to search for a product, refine your selection, make your choice and buy through your nearest retailer.

AWARD WINNING

The new Roca website has been awarded a prestigious bronze award by the Association of Art Directors and Graphic Designers within the web category of the recent ADG Laus awards.

For more information and to experience the new website, visit www.uk.roca.com

Bisque Radiators has announced it has been presented with the BUILD Home & Garden Award for Most Stylish Designer Heating Company.

This award has been handed to Bisque in recognition of its ongoing commitment to creating innovative, design-led heating solutions for the last forty years (and counting).

Founded in 1979 by Geoffrey Ward, Bisque Radiators (now part of the Zehnder Group) has been a trailblazer in the design and engineering space. Over the years its portfolio of luxury radiators and accessories has been bolstered by collaborations with the likes of Paul Priestman and Leo Salzedo, designers of the popular Hot Spring and Archibald radiators respectively.

For the last four decades Bisque has always placed style at the forefront of design without sacrificing technical efficiency. Various models such as the etched copper Arteplano illustrate the brand’s bold style sensibilities, while its unique made-to-measure and colour-matching services allow customers to create truly one-of-a-kind, bespoke designs.

Winning the BUILD award is yet another fantastic achievement for Bisque, with BUILD’s expert panel acknowledging winners based on a select criterion including expertise and knowledge within a given field; dedication to client service and satisfaction; and an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.

About Bisque:
For the last 40 years, Bisque (part of the Zehnder Group) has established itself as the pioneer of beautiful radiators for stylish interiors. It was the UK’s first ever heating brand to offer a selection of electric, dual
fuel and plumbed models inspired by luxury interior design, and since then has made a name for its innovative selection of iconic radiators. Its reach and widespread appeal has only further been strengthened by its bespoke
offering, including made-to-measure sizes, colour-match service and sustainable collections. Its rich heritage and versatile selection has thus resulted in Bisque becoming the go-to brand of choice for architects and interior designers in the UK.

Six new retailers have joined the Kbsa in February, bringing the total to thirteen new members so far this year.

The members include; Inhouse Designs, Oxford; Handsons Interiors Ltd, Lincolnshire; Artizan Interiors, Surrey; Somerton Kitchens, Somerset; Bathroom & Kitchen Planet Stirling and Foundation member Harrison Smith Interiors Ltd, Doncaster.

James Owens from Somerton Kitchens said, “We are delighted to join the Kbsa and help give our customers additional confidence and peace of mind when ordering kitchens from us.

“The member benefits available to us through Kbsa such as the finance packages will be welcomed by our customers, and we will also gain commercial value from features such as the legal support.”

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “I am delighted that membership growth has started so strong in 2021.    We remain committed to working on behalf of the independent sector, protecting their interests and helping them make the most of future opportunities.”

The Unified Water Label Association is to host a European virtual conference, Water Matters, to explore how the bathroom industry can work together to better inform customers about using water efficiently. The event takes place on Tuesday 13 April at 1pm BST (2pm CES), and will be free to access.  

The event includes a panel discussion with representatives from four different companies operating in Europe and two industry speakers from global home furnishing brand Ikea and German DIY retailer Globus.

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “The time is right to bring together different sectors of our industry to discuss how they are communicating the benefits of using innovative water efficient products, for the benefit of the planet. There is a renewed awareness amongst governments and consumers that climate change should be taken seriously, and with the Unified Water Label gaining ground across Europe, there is much to be gained from sharing experiences.

“We are excited to bring this event on-line, offering the opportunity for more people to join us, encouraging everyone to do a little so that together we can achieve a lot.”

Click the link to join

Roca has introduced a new range of innovative touchless products to deliver hygiene solutions.

Specifiers can select from basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user to electronic flush plates with movement sensors and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture.

Offering an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom, infrared sensors allow users to activate the water flow in taps, flush the WC or control the mirror light without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.

Touchless dual flush valve

Promising zero contact and maximum hygiene, the touchless dual flush valve reduces the need to touch flush buttons. With a minimalistic design, the EM1 valve can be simply retrofitted to upgrade an existing push button to an automatic toilet flush button, making it quick and easy to install with minimal effort. There is no electric connection needed and it is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) that guarantee more than 40,000 flushes. It is also easy to use – with just a simple wave of the hand, the EM1 recognises the required flush (full or half flush volumes) and with the sleek sensor push button, you can flush your WC in an easy and hygienic way.

Roca touchless technology

Electronic basin mixers

Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor that activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer.

Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home. Easy to install, the electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage.

Touchless mirrors with LED lights

Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort model, allow users to activate functions such as the ambient light or the demister device through movement, which means less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.

Electronic operating plates for toilets

Roca’s EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates make it possible to activate the toilet flush without touching it. With a stylish, contemporary design and very easy installation, they are automatically activated when moving a hand in front of them, ensuring maximum hygiene and avoiding any contact.

The backlit surface is divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full. They can be set off by simply bringing the hand closer or by choosing the automatic option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches, or when a specific time has passed after its use.

Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, providing an extra layer of safety within every type of bathroom.

More news from Roca

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increasing need for hygienic washroom and bathroom solutions. Inclusively designed products with built-in antibacterial properties and touch-free design are now part of the essential war-chest for public and commercial spaces.

A single cough can produce up to 3,000 droplets which can remain on metal, glass or plastic surfaces for up to nine days. A study by Imperial College London showed that viral DNA left on a hospital bed rail in an isolation room had spread within ten hours to 18 other surfaces.

For hospitals, washrooms, hospitality venues and the home, we can expect to see a combination of touch-free solutions and antibacterial coated products become commonplace. Even with the vaccine in place, we will still need to control the spread with an inventory of defensive measures to combat the virus and its mutations.

Reducing touch-points

David Bromell, Head of Marketing, Roca agrees “There is a growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions which have become a more pressing consumer priority as a result of the pandemic. Roca has introduced a new range of innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene.”

From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate the water flow in taps, flush the WC or control the mirror light without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.”

Roca Prisma Zoom

Sensor technology

HiB’s in house product team has also focussed on incorporating sensor technology into the design of mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories in order to revolutionise the way we interact with our bathrooms.

Wave sensors and sensor activation assist in reducing the spread of potential viruses and bacteria from shared surfaces. The new Dusk cabinet from HiB features a touchless wave sensor to activate the cabinet’s top light.

Viral-guards & bacteria elimination

Hand in hand with touch-free solutions, eliminating the growth of bacteria on surfaces is also an essential part of the armoury for Covid-safe design. especially when you consider people touch their faces at least 23 times an hour.

VitrA’s ranges are designed to guard against virus and bacteria build-up and incorporate special finishes on ceramic ware and tiles. These built-in antibacterial properties – such as VitrA Shield – help maintain hygiene levels for all environments, whether domestic or commercial.

VitrA meets the covid challenge

Hygiene stations

A number of easy-to-access hand-sanitisers – especially touch-free versions – not only help create a safer environment, they also give the customer peace of mind.

Stephen Maley, HEWI’s UK Sales Director comments “Hygiene is becoming increasingly important in people’s minds. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced many aspects of our daily lives. Companies, hotels, and all institutions with highly frequented entrance areas are faced with the challenge of raising hygiene standards as soon as customers, guests, patients and visitors enter their facility. “

HEWI (also pictured top) offer a selection of contemporary solutions for all areas.

A material world

Flush-to-floor shower trays leave no place for germs to hide, in addition, Bette uses glazed titanium-steel for all its baths, shower floors and basins. The BetteFloor flush-to-floor shower areas come in a large range of sizes and colours and offer ease of use and durability.

As Bette tell us “The material chosen plays a huge part in determining how quickly and effectively debris from tooth-brushing and washing in basins, and from washing in baths and showers, can be removed. Materials that can become scratched can harbour dirt and bacteria, as can tiled shower areas, so there is likely to be more demand for scratch-proof, non-porous and easy to clean materials, such as glazed titanium-steel.”

Whatever the project, a future-proof, holistic approach for germ-elimination – whether designing for healthcare, hospitality or residential – will be key as we continue to fight the war on germs.

If you know of other products in this arena that the Bathroom Review community should know about, then contact the editorial team, we’d love to hear from you.

The iconic duka shower enclosures feature a striking matte black finish and are metropolitan in mood.

The matte black profiles distinctly enhance the glass and, together with other matching details such as the hinges, handles and supports, give shape and presence to the shower enclosure. This style can be seen on duka’s acqua 5000, acqua R 5000, gallery 3000, libero 3000 and libero 5000   enclosures.

The libero 3000 enclosure also includes geometric silk-screen printing on the glass reminiscent of wrought iron frames typical of industrial spaces, creating a striking effect that adds character to the room and makes the shower enclosure a statement piece.

libero 3000 is available with a six-square or eight-square grid. The support of the glass wall is fixed to the side profile that closes the grid continuously, for a precise and visually clean result.

duka enclosures are available with 6 or 8 mm thick safety glass and can be adapted to any space or environment. Each shower enclosure is made to order, hand finished and supported by the best technologies. The design and attention to detail of each model are combined with the essential criteria of innovation, practicality, safety, high quality and customization.

duka shower enclosures

www.duka.it

info@duka.it

+39 0472 273 100

Virtual Worlds has recruited seven new team members for its modelling and cataloguing teams in order to get products on to the system faster. Retailers are also being encouraged to report any issues they find.

The improved process adds a newly developed ‘rule-based’ quality control system to deliver a faster turnaround before the catalogue is released in beta format, resulting in quicker access to new products for Virtual Worlds users.

Retailers can opt-in to the Beta catalogues program simply by updating their download settings and are being asked to report any issues Virtual Worlds can address them before the full catalogue release, improving the service overall for all Virtual Worlds customers.

“We are aware of how important it is to have the latest manufacturer products available within Virtual Worlds,” comments Managing Director Nathan Maclean. “We have been working on ways to get updates to our customers more quickly, including investing in staff infrastructure, to make the process faster. Once we are happy that the catalogue process is robust, the beta program will be shut down and transitioned as our new standard in releasing better quality catalogues within a shorter timeframe.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds call 01908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

About Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds is the 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