Champalimaud Design has recently completed work for the historic Swiss hotel Badrutt’s Palace. The legendary hotel is known for its discerning clientele seeking the best hospitality experience in both Summer and Winter seasons.
The room re-design celebrates the much loved classical elements of the hotel, whilst incorporating contemporary elements expected by the modern luxury traveller. The refurbished 31 guestrooms and 9 suites will be ready for guests this winter.
Champalimaud Design Partner and CEO Ed Bakoscomments on the projects’ inspiration, “We thought about all the reasons people come to St Moritz and designed around that mindset. Badrutt’s guests have always sought adventure, comfort, and great experiences that are both social and private. The rooms were designed to facilitate long stays, and recognise that guests will arrive with outdoor gear as well as evening wear, so we developed great closets and intimate personal spaces. One of the great features guests will appreciate are the new bathrooms, which are elegant with references to the old world detail one expects at Badrutt’s Palace with contemporary touches.”
The design for the rooms is a continuation of hotelier Hans Badrutt’s passion for collections. Each of the colour stories for the suites were built around and inspired by the Persian carpets from the Hotel’s collection of rare carpets. The design is layered with a mixture of other antiques from the Hotel’s collection as well as more contemporary furnishings and lighting to give the rooms a curated residential feeling that speaks to the property’s history in a modern way. The team integrated modern conveniences and technology, which created spaces that combine old and new. Each of the suites has its own personality which is expressed through bespoke fabric and colour selections.
Ed continues, “One of the most spectacular aspects of St Moritz is the quality of the light, and we designed the rooms with that in mind. The subtle texture is made rich by the reflected daylight, and we crafted great lighting to bring it alive at night.”
Entries are now open for The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, the event is now exclusively online, an independent competition dedicated to excellence in hospitality design.
With a new format, there will be 10 categories for each of the five regions (Europe, Americas, Asia, Middle East & Africa and Australia & Pacific). All entries will qualify for the best overall Restaurant and best overall Bar for their region. Additionally, two global prizes will be awarded to Best overall designed Restaurant & Best overall designed Bar.
For over a decade we have welcomed entries from over 100 countries covering every imaginable hospitality space; From independents to multiples, from ships to airports, museums to burger vans, from revered Michelin-starred establishments to the fleeting dynamism of pop-ups.
The highly influential and international judging panel comprises of 38 leading figures working across design, architecture, hospitality and lifestyle and includes Amanda Elder (Chief Commercial Officer, Kempinski Hotels), Sarah Douglas (Editor in Chief, Wallpaper*), Knut Wylde (General Manager, The Berkeley) and many other global influencers.
The Scottish Government operate a 4 level COVID protection system to help tackle the spread of the virus.
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is actively seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish government as it believes that current advice is less than clear in relation to tradespeople working in other people’s homes.
Both the English & Welsh advice is clear, allowing tradespeople to continue their work in other people’s homes, however the advice to Scottish tradespeople states:
“Tradespeople providing services in other people’s homes in level 4 areas Tradespeople should only go into a house in a level 4 area to carry out or deliver essential work or services, for example:
• to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers”
The ambiguity relates to the term “essential work or services”, however the advice includes authority to “deliver, install or repair key household furniture”.
As kitchens and bathrooms are (in our opinion) essential, especially when there is a lockdown situation, we believe (as the English & Welsh have concluded) that tradespeople should be allowed to continue, in accordance with Safe Operating Procedures – but of course this is a matter for the Scottish government to rule upon.
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented today by saying: “Once again, this lack of clarity between our so called United Kingdom is causing real confusion, which we urge the Scottish government to clarify as a matter of urgency”.
The Kbsa has announced it has begun the New Year with four new retail members. The members are located throughout the UK and include; Aspire Trade Kitchens in Glasgow, St. Neots Interiors Limited in Cambridgeshire, Alexander with two showrooms in Worthing and Horsham and Kitchen Culture in Kent.
Tracey Bond, MD at Kitchen Culture said, “We will have access to some great business support benefits from the Kbsa but for us it is all about the community, having the opportunity to improve, grow and learn alongside other like-minded businesses. We are thrilled to be part of something that helps independent retailers work together, especially during these challenging times.”
Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “I am delighted to welcome these four new members into the association. 2021 promises to be just as challenging as last year and we remain committed to work with government on behalf of the sector, and provide members with invaluable support and business services, helping retailers be stronger together.”
Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced tougher measures to help slow the spread of Coronavirus in England.
The new measures, which take effect from Wednesday 6th January 2021 will include restrictions on movement and further social exemptions.
Government guidance states that every KBB showroom in the UK has to close and will not be able to operate by appointment only.
The advice on which businesses should close states that “showrooms such as those for bathrooms, kitchens, tiles, and glazing” should close whilst builders merchants and suppliers of products and tools used in building work and repairs may remain open.
For workers in construction and manufacturing the guidelines state: Where people cannot work from home – including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers.
To find out more about how this affects tradespeople click the link
It might sound like a particularly gruesome illness, but VitrA tell us Biophilia is predicted to be big in bathrooms for 2021. Biophilia is the integration and inclusion of nature as a focal point – with lavish greenery, natural wood finishes and subtle shapes and colours.
A biophilic bathroom design features shapes and colours that have a relationship with the great outdoors. Various ferns and air plants like Tillandsia will thrive in humid bathrooms. Succulent plants (plants that store water in their leaves) also love bathrooms. To complement glossy leaves and foliage, white remains the top choice for sanitaryware – but splashes of subtle colour can be added with vessel basins.
“The return to the full-colour suite may not be around the corner,” comments VitrA’s Margaret Talbot, but a subtle hint of colour in a soft earth tone adds character and distinction to a bathroom.” is the other bathroom buzzword for 2021 –the art of creating a harmonising scheme that meets all the family’s needs while also being practical, clutter-free, and easy to look after.
Clutter-free modern shapes create a peaceful atmosphere – something everyone is seeking after the stressful ups and downs of 2020. Plants play to this desire with consumers who have had time to spend time outdoors this year or are yearning tropical influences from missed vacations.
The connection between water, wellbeing and nature has never been easier with waterfall showerheads, walk-in showers, and statement baths. Elegant furniture that reflects this need for relaxation with nature-inspired wood finishes, presented with lush leaves and foliage will be popular with consumers happy to spend on home improvements in the absence of far-flung holidays.
Countertop basin from the VitrA Outline collection features VitrA Clean Glaze for added hygiene and easy cleaning shown in one of four matt colours – all inspired by nature. White also available.
Cleanliness is very much in our thoughts and products that offer hygienic benefits, and easy cleaning will be a powerful feature in 2021.
Customers will appreciate sanitaryware featuring a glaze that does not allow grime to linger and slows bacteria’s growth. Rimless toilet designs and those that offer integrated disinfectant flushes will be popular.
Shower toilets will be seen in more and more British bathrooms thanks to their unrivalled hygiene and comfort advantages.
“There are many benefits to shower toilets,” comments Margaret Talbot. “Hands-free cleaning is hygienic and helps to stop the spread of illnesses, plus the cleaning and drying functions negate the need for toilet paper. For the consumer looking to stay at home, one is a vital consideration.”
V-Care Prime launched Nov 2020. Arik Levy Designed for VitrA – the new multifunction shower toilet joins a comprehensive line-up from VitrA at a range of price points.
Margaret Talbot predicts that sales of wall-hung fittings will also continue to grow. “Easy to install frame systems and retrofit products such as Vitrus have made wall hung easy for anyone wanting the most hygienic and up to date look. Wall hung fittings give an uncluttered look which is very much in line with the bathscaping trend, and the bathroom is much easier to clean as there are no nooks and crannies and the floor can be cleaned without fittings getting in the way of the mop. Many of our wall-hung WCs feature Rim-ex – a rimless design that gets rid of one of the most unhygienic aspects of WC design without compromising flush performance.”
About VitrA
VitrA is part of the Eczacıbaşı Group. Founded in 1958, VitrA has in recent years has expanded into international markets with over 70 per cent of VitrA’s total output now being sold outside of Turkey. From 13 production facilities in Turkey, Germany, France, and Russia, VitrA produces a full range of bathroom products including over 5.6 million pieces of sanitaryware a year along with complementary bathroom furniture, brassware, and accessories ranges, which are distributed to over 75 countries on five continents. VitrA UK, based in Oxfordshire, has been supplying the UK bathroom market for over 25 years and is an active member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).
In January 2021,VitrA will open a flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events, and workshops.
Pivtured Top: Equal bathroom furniture collection in black patterned oak reflects the consumer interest in finishes reflecting nature – pictured here with a Prickly Pear Cactus.
Online bathroom specialist My-Bathrooms have become the latest retailer to support The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) objectives, by becoming a Corporate Sponsor.
Via its network of approved installation partners, My-Bathrooms provide a turnkey supply and fit service to consumers via its website (www.my-bathrooms.co.uk) and is looking to connect with installation businesses to promote partnership benefits. The tie in with BiKBBI is a vehicle to connect the online business with a network of independently accredited institute members.
BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors support the organisation to promote education, high standards of professionalism and compliance, all areas that My-Bathrooms are passionate about.
My-Bathrooms MD Justin Adgar (pictured), commented on the sponsorship by saying: “BIKBBI is at the forefront of professional standards and it’s important that industry businesses like ours support them to do so. We’re particularly impressed by their approach to Apprenticeships and the obvious industry benefits that will follow.
Our national network of installation Trading Partners udertake comprehensive training on our product and installation method, which is currently achieved by in-house training supported by our suppliers; However, we understand that the topic of education is much wider than our own approach and we won’t be able to influence mass change on our own… this is where our collaboration with BiKBBI will help.”
Damian Walters, BiKBBI Chief Executive stated: “It’s great to be working with a familiar face in Justin and a business that shares our values, especially on the subject of education. We look forward to developing this partnership over time and are thankful to My Bathrooms for their support”.
Trade and constructionsectors prove to be essential, providing a backbone to the economy.
The Prime Minister has announced a Tier 4 ‘Stay At Home’ alert level in response to the rapid spread of the new Coronavirus variant. This will see various parts of the country set to remain in their homes; if they are unable to work from home, they will be allowed to travel to work. This is particularly applicable to the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The tightening of restrictions has caused serious concerns for the UK’s economy, with many sectors and businesses fearing that they will have to close their doors for good. In light of these concerns, the industries that are allowed to remain open will prove to be the backbone of the economy during these concerning times. The construction and manufacturing sectors have seen particular growth following the lift in the spring lockdown according to PMI data, and this upward trajectory is hoping to continue.
Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, discusses how British construction and manufacturing will fare in the winter and highlights the impact Tier 4 will have on SMEs in the trades.
“The economic recovery we have seen over the past months is indeed welcome, but of course with much of Britain being placed into Tier 4, this month and the subsequent winter season are of course going to present yet more challenges. That’s why it would prudent to look towards sectors that remain open, such as construction and the trades, to provide the kind of stability we need at the moment.
The new restrictions have had a negligible impact on the construction sector so far, and overall activity around construction has to be welcomed. Given the bonanza that housebuilders are currently experiencing from the stamp duty reduction, it’s no surprise that they are the best performing sector of the construction industry. Whether this boom for the housing industry will be followed by a bust is unknown. At the moment, most firms are just grateful for the good business they are getting right now given how much other sectors are suffering.
It is disappointing that the supply of building materials remains a constraint and it could be argued that suppliers over-reacted to the first lockdown, creating this situation. The reduction in the rate of PMI growth could be the first signs of a drop in demand from lockdown related macroeconomic damage. Let’s hope that isn’t the case.However, it looks like the new restrictions will not impact the specific sub-sector of home improvement either, although the jury is still out. It may be that homeowners become more anxious over time, particularly if the virus continues spreading rapidly. The biggest concern overall is about the supply of materials. Fortunately, at the moment the indicators are that the shortage is easing.”
twenty2degrees, the design partnership that created the interiors for landmark London hotels, The Dixon and Hilton Bankside, has announced its appointment by Olympia London to design the interiors of the new Hyatt Regency London Olympia in West London.
As part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia London into a world-leading cultural destination, Hyatt Regency London Olympia will be located directly adjacent to the exhibition centre within an architecturally significant listed Art Deco building that previously served as a multi-storey car park.
Taking their cue from the architectural heritage of the building, that was completed in 1937, as well as from the hotel brand’s design values, twenty2 degrees’ schemes envisage a subtle introduction of Art Deco references into the refined and contemporary interiors that are the hallmark of the Hyatt Regency brand. The style will be clean and simple, using high quality materials and the ambience welcoming and offering the stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency brand ethos. Regular Hyatt Regency guests will find familiar features treated to twenty2degrees’ “measure of difference” which thoughtfully integrates context related to the history and culture of the immediate location.
The open-plan ground floor public areas will include Hyatt Regency staples such as The Market Café and Bar as well as “Make Space”, an area for informal meetings, together with a lobby lounge. The palette will be warm and comforting. A double height atrium over the bar will open up the area and lead to a mezzanine level where there will be an intimate lounge.
There will be 196 guestrooms and suites designed within Hyatt’s “Light & Airy” brand aesthetic to offer a calming and relaxing ambience. The guestrooms will include a ‘Groom + Prep’ zone, encompassing the entrance corridor, bathroom and open wardrobe, and a ‘Work + Play’ area combining the bed and desk, separated by Hyatt Regency’s ‘Tranquility’ sliding door with wired glass panels giving a nod to the history of the building. The twenty2degrees’ guestroom schemes will introduce forms together with a custom-designed carpet drawing on the Art Deco influence but the overall impression will be light and pared-back. Bathrooms will feature industrial-style floor tiles and pale marble vanities. The suites on the upper levels will offer views towards the surrounding leafy residential areas of Hammersmith & Fulham and neighbouring Kensington.
“We are delighted to have been entrusted with such a significant hotel development,” says Nick Stoupas, Founding Partner of twenty2 degrees. “This hotel will be a game-changer in the experience of visitors from all over the world attending events in Olympia as well as a destination for Londoners attracted to the area by its new cultural offering.”
Intatec, a leading heating and plumbing product manufacturer has rounded off 2020 with its best ever month of trading and a major industry award win.
Intatec, based in Hixon, Staffordshire, achieved its best ever month across all sales metrics in October 2020.
This was followed by a double success at the annual H&V Awards, which recognises success in the world of plumbing, heating and ventilation.
The company, which began trading in 2002, has remained active throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, with a record 340,000 individual items picked, packed and dispatched in October.
Part of the boost in sales comes from products such as its non-touch infrared tap, with adjustable 20 second timer designed for public washrooms, as well as its ActivFlo water conditioning unit that alleviates limescale issues in hard water areas.
Director, Stuart Gizzi, said: “Our team has pulled together magnificently throughout 2020, despite the challenges faced by all businesses as we adapted to ever-changing Government and health and safety guidelines.
“The credit for our success in October is shared across the board.
“This year has been difficult for everyone, but I’m pleased that we have been able to play our part in the supply chain that has continued to support our customers with the products they need to deliver their projects, many of which have been destined for improvements in healthcare settings.
“To have achieved what we have in such difficult circumstances is astounding and a source of great pride for myself.
“We have a number of exciting product launches coming in 2021 and we are looking forward to a brighter future for everyone.”
October’s success was followed by Inta taking home top prize in the Smiths Brothers Stores Commercial HVAC Product of the Year category and Highly Commended in Safety Initiative of the Year at the H&V Awards.
Inta’s thermostatic TMV 3 non-concussive tap took home the product of the year prize. The first-of-its kind tap combines time flow control, which prevents water wastage with thermostatic control, which allows accurate blending of water temperatures.
The company’s renewed and revised anti-scald information booklet, titled ‘Inta’s Guide to Thermostatic Protection’ listing key safety information and product relating to anti-scald technology, was recognised in the safety initiative category.
This achievement marked the culmination of a decade of success, which has seen Inta nominated in at least one category every year since 2010.
Mr Gizzi said: “To be consistently in the conversation for leading products and initiatives in our industry is where we aim to be and I am delighted to have achieved this.”
