Created to be used with their Ultimate wet room panels, Kudos Showers has introduced a range of interconnectors, glass-to-glass corner posts, corner profiles and mirrored décor panels for further design personalisation in the bathroom.
These additions have been introduced to complement the four tinted coloured glass panels introduced in 5 sizes in November last year. The interconnector enables the connecting of two panels within the enclosure to create a larger showering area. Or can be used to incorporate panels of colour into the area or to add one of their new mirrored décor panels, inline or as a return, leaving the choice up to the homeowner for complete design personalisation.
The Interconnector comes in a choice of coloured finishes including Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass and the glass-to-glass corner posts come in these coloured finishes too with the addition of Polished Gold, Gun Metal, Brushed Bronze, Polished Bronze and White. The mirrored décor panels come 1950 high and are 400mm wide.
Kudos is a brand of showering products, trading as RONAL Bathrooms UK. The Kudos brand is designed and manufactured in the UK where they have been producing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. The Kudos portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
The new Spring/Summer bathroom collection from PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand includes a luxurious new modular furniture family called PUSH.
A premium range, PUSH – named after its push-to-open drawers and doors – is offered in wall-hung vanity and midi-boy units and features a beautiful, chamfered edge design. Its sleek, handleless form makes it an effortlessly stylish furniture choice, perfect for contemporary bathroom spaces.
To complete the range is a coordinating, floor-standing WC unit which can be teamed with any of the back-to-wall WC toilets within the Bathrooms to Love collection.
Three flawless, matt lacquered finishes are available within the new PUSH range; Matt Clay, Matt Storm Blue and Matt Cotton, all with colour coordinated internals. These colour options embrace this season’s Bathrooms to Love theme – ‘Nature’s Palette’, inspired by natural shades and textures. The stunning Matt Clay colourway (as pictured) also takes the star position on the front cover of the brand new Bathrooms to Love brochure, just out.
The PUSH furniture family offers a number of customisable options too. It is available in a wall-hung design, but if a floor-standing look is desired there is an optional extra of elegant, decorative legs in the same three colour choices.
Basin units are also available in a wide choice of configurations. Choose from units with an integrated thin edge white ceramic basin; units with a colour matched worktop – so add a choice of washbowl; and twin basin four-drawered units. With basin unit sizes ranging from 600mm to 1200mm, there’s a unit suitable for both small and larger bathrooms.
In addition, Hettich soft-close push-to-open fittings are featured on all drawer and door units for a smooth gliding action and longevity.
Now in stock and available to order from PJH, the stunning new PUSH range comes with competitive display deals, product swatches and a package of showroom support. This includes QR codes with AR links for customer’s to view PUSH in their own space, as well as this engaging new video: PUSH by BTL
Supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, PUSH can be ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
Grant Westfield, UK manufacturer of wall panel brand Multipanel, and newly launched Naturepanel, has announced the publication of an EPD (an environmental product declaration).
Grant Westfield’s EPD is a certification that is produced by conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its products. The analysis looks at the full product lifecycle of Grant Westfield’s products, from the product construction, raw materials, packaging, transportation, and installation process to how the product is disposed of at the end of its life.
How can tradespeople, architects and specifiers use EPDs?
EPDs can be used to compare and select products that have the lightest impact on the environment. In the pledge to reach net zero by 2050, builders, architects and specifiers can use EPDs to compare the impacts of materials at the product selection stage, ensuring that the most sustainable options are specified. This allows designers to increase the number of points a building receives, which in turn can increase the market value of a project and reduce the overall ownership costs.
Michael Dobson, sales director, Grant Westfield, said: “At Grant Westfield we understand the importance of a transparent supply chain and our EPD certification provides specifiers, architects and builders greater visibility on the environmental impact of materials, helping them make more sustainable choices.
“Our panels are manufactured in Britain, using raw materials sourced in the UK and Ireland, it’s efficient to transport and requires less energy to produce than ceramic tiles. Choosing Multipanel or Naturepanel over tiles results in a 60% CO2 reduction, in 2023 that reduction was the equivalent to driving around the Earth’s circumference 628 times! The publication of our EPD through an official program operator helps verify this significant environmental impact, and we’re proud to share the results.”
Other examples of CO2 savings if wall panels were chosen instead of tiles include:
In a residential home, choosing panels over tiles would save the equivalent of a kettle being boiled 2235 times
If all new built homes in the UK in 2023 used wall panels instead of tiles, the CO2 reduction would equate to enough energy to run 2500 homes for the year.
There is also new guidance by NHBC (Technical 9.2/06) which comes into force from 1 July 2024, which introduces the need for additional impervious waterproofing material behind ceramic tiles. This added layer will have further environmental impact when choosing tiles during a bathroom refit.
In addition to its EPD, Grant Westfield has also obtained FSC® certification [FSC 128180] for its products, ensuring that materials are responsibly sourced from managed forests and controlled sources. The company also implements a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives within its manufacturing and design processes, including sourcing materials locally and recycling post-production waste into biomass fuel and other products.
Grant Westfield’s bathroom wall panels, which hold a 30-year guarantee and are 100% recyclable, exemplify the company’s commitment to longevity and sustainability. By offering durable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wall coverings, Grant Westfield aims to minimise environmental impact while promoting a circular economy.
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation has announced that the global software solutions brand Cyncly will continue its corporate sponsorship, formally under the Compusoft brand.
Cyncly’s software transforms how customisable products and spaces are imagined, designed, sold, managed and made. The business serves more than 70,000 customers across its global portfolio of brands, including Compusoft, the initial sponsor of the BiKBBI, in over one hundred countries.
Alex Ainge, senior director – head of KBF Retail Sales (SMG & Mid-Market) – EMEA at Cyncly, commented, ‘Under the Cyncly umbrella, we provide a range of market leading software solutions in connection with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design and KBB business management, so it makes sense to strengthen and continue what has long been a successful relationship with BiKBBI. Through our experience, we’ve come to understand just how pivotal design software is in the installation process.’
BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said ‘The work that we do to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector is reliant on support from all areas of the industry and Cyncly’s continued support is great news for the institute, but also for our stakeholders and the wider sector. Our partnership with Cyncly began in 2019 via the Compusoft brand, and we look forward to collaborating with them as they continue to expand their business to include products developed with and for front line installers.’
Global bathroom brand Roca Group has announced a long-term renewable energy purchase agreement (VPPA, or Virtual Power Purchase Agreement), spanning ten years from 2025 to 2035, tied to the new solar plants Trévago I & II, located in the province of Soria, Spain.
The solar production facilities Trévago I and II are scheduled to begin operations in July 2025 and have a capacity of 86.84 MWp. 80% of the total capacity will be dedicated to Roca Group, which is expected to generate 120 GWh of clean energy annually, the volume needed to cover the electricity consumption of all group operations in European territory.
The projects are being developed by Bruc Energy, a renewable energy generation company, and the agreement has received legal advice from Baker McKenzie on behalf of Roca Group, and Allen & Overy on behalf of Bruc. Additionally, strategic support has been provided by Schneider Electric through its VPPA advisory services, coordinating the entire process.
This initiative will result in a reduction of over 50,000 tons per year of CO2 equivalent, emissions, corresponding to the group’s electricity consumption in Europe.
It marks a new milestone in Roca Group’s decarbonisation roadmap, complementing the recent start of operations of the world’s first net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant. The group has already achieved a 39% reduction in its direct CO2 equivalent emissions and a 47% reduction in energy intensity between 2018 and 2022, moving closer to its net-zero ambition by 2045.
Today, after over a year in development, Schlüter’s bathroom sales team comprises seven area sales consultants, boasting a combined 175 years sales experience, covering the entire UK and Ireland. The team works with key retailers to create showroom displays of Schlüter products using well-designed point of sale collateral to showcase key products.
With an enduring dedication to protecting tile and stone, Schlüter-Systems now has a strong UK network of luxury bathroom showrooms and installers. Thomas Etheridge explains the company’s aims, “With more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone, including a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and shower drainage systems, the brand is an ideal choice for the premium end of the bathroom retail sector. This is especially the case for those looking to take a system-led approach to their bathroom designs and installations. The vastness of Schlüter’s product portfolio gives retailers the opportunity to offer add-on sales to their customers, increasing the average spend on a bathroom. It also means that retailers can simplify their supply chain.”
Building on its excellent reputation in the project specification and tile distribution markets, Schlüter-Systems aims to offer unmatched levels of training, service and supply to bathroom showrooms and their installers. The centrally located UK base of Coalville in Leicestershire is the ideal place from which to service the needs of the bathroom retail sector, with stock regularly leaving the warehouse for next day delivery. The specialist team began working with premium bathroom retailers last summer and is already in partnership with multi-branch players such as CP Hart and West One in London as well as independent showrooms including Warren Keys Bathrooms of Man on the Isle of Man, Studio One South West in Plymouth and The Water Gallery in Esher.
“While our existing routes to market remain important to us, we feel that our offering is ideally suited to premium bathroom showrooms and installers so it was the natural next step for the brand in the UK,” continues Thomas.
“Our products are designed to work together as a system – hence our name. Rather than bathroom retailers buying from several different suppliers for what we do, everything is simplified by coming through us. By working with Schlüter-Systems, retailers only pay for one lot of delivery costs, can reduce their admin and have one point of contact for any queries. We’ve also heard from retailers that have worked out they can fit up to six additional bathrooms in a year on our underfloor heating product alone, as our products are quicker to install.”
“Our experienced technical team can offer advice on product suitability, and we’ll even visit a property to check how the installation is going, if required. Ultimately, we want to ensure that tile and natural stone installations stand the test of time,” Thomas concludes.
“Our founder, Werner Schlüter, says our products cannot be sold; they must be understood. That gives you a feel for the ethos of the business.”
Photographed top are: left to right: area sales consultants James Callinan, Sean McCreadie, Stuart Gillson, Michael Kimball-Smith, bottom left to right:Michael Dar, Graham Rose and Phil Cutts
Kaldewei is launching a comprehensive washbasin campaign for 2024, unveiling new designs and expanded size options tailored to private customers, hotels, and the project business.
The campaign underscores Kaldewei’s commitment to innovation and sustainability with the introduction of elegant bowls and built-in washbasins crafted from recyclable steel enamel in 13 versatile colours. These additions enhance Kaldewei’s portfolio, catering to a diverse range of clientele, from homeowners to commercial enterprises in the hospitality and project sectors.
A standout feature of the campaign is the Kaldewei Avellino washbowl. Available in 13 colours, its delicate structure and slender silhouette offer aesthetic appeal and hygienic functionality. The plastic-free washbowl is available in three sizes, has a long life, is recyclable and offers 100 per cent circularity. It works in both private bathrooms or exclusive hotel bathrooms that want to avoid plastic and minimise their ecological footprint.
For project installations, Kaldewei introduces the Object R and Object Q built-in washbasins, renowned for their robust steel enamel surface and timeless design. The Object R boasts soft, feminine lines, while the Object Q offers a classic rectangular shape. These washbasins are ideal for modern guest bathrooms and high-traffic public sanitary areas, providing durability and ease of installation.
Additionally, Kaldewei expands its existing Miena and Nueva bowl series with new size options, offering enhanced flexibility for designing premium washing areas. Made from Kaldewei steel enamel, these washbasins guarantee quality and durability, and because the material, a combination of steel and glass, is made from natural raw materials and is plastic-free, they ensure eco-friendly disposal at the end of their lifecycle.
After a very successful show in 2023, Saniflo is doubling its presence at the Installer Show this year – NEC in Birmingham on 25, 26 and 27 June, stand 4E22 – with an innovative stand design that features Saniflo on one side and the Kinedo shower brand on the other.
A wide variety of Saniflo’s comprehensive portfolio of pumps, macerators and lifting stations will be on display including models aimed at the commercial sector, such as the Sanifos underground lifting station and a Sanicubic GR – one of the larger floor standing lifting stations in the range.
A working display of the popular Sanicubic 2 Pro floor standing pump range and the Sanicom grey water lifting station will also be on the stand. The domestic range will also be very well represented with a range of macerators, shower pumps, condensate pumps, sump pumps and two WCs with integrated macerators; the Saniflush and Sanicompact. Both models are ideal for bathrooms with limited access to gravity drainage where space is at a premium or where the owner prefers to conceal the macerator within the WC.
The Kinedo shower brand is most closely associated with the innovative range of all-in-one shower cubicles, but also features a range of stunning shower enclosures and lightweight cuttable shower trays; many of which will be showcased on the Kinedo stand.
Walk-in models on display include the eye-catching Ekinox Duo in cobalt blue, along with a Kinequartz solo with smoked glass and a Smart Design Solo Nordic with its oak-look frame. The popular Smart Design enclosures with sliding and saloon doors will also highlight the versatility of the range, whilst all models will be paired with Kinemooon, Kineline and Kinerock Evo trays in natural stone designs and in a range of 5 colours.
The luxurious new Kinewall by Kinedo shower panels launched earlier this year will also be installed in the showers using designs such as banana trees, white waves, herringbone and vertical wood creating a colourful, eye-catching display. Saniflo is looking forward to welcoming customers, both old and new, onto stand 4E22.
Appointments with members of the Saniflo or Kinedo sales team will be available to book in advance by emailing marketing@saniflo.co.uk
Surfaces manufacturer Cosentino expands its Hybriq+® technology with Silestone®XM. This new iteration maintains Silestone®’s range of colours and collections while reducing crystalline silica content to just 10%, enhancing sustainability and versatility.
Seven years in the making, Hybriq+® technology debuted in 2020, marking Cosentino’s strong commitment to R&D&I in decorative surfaces. It revolutionised Silestone® for enhanced safety and sustainability.
Silestone® shifted to sustainable manufacturing powered by 100% renewable electricity and 99% recycled water. Its composition was overhauled, with a substantial decrease in crystalline silica content through the incorporation of premium minerals and at least 20% recycled materials like glass. Remarkably, these changes maintain Silestone®’s exceptional physical and mechanical properties alongside its renowned high-quality design and colour depth.
This year, Cosentino unveils a significant milestone with the introduction of Silestone®XM. This brand will encompass all new collections released in 2024, along with existing colours manufactured with less than 10% crystalline silica. The ultimate objective is to transition the entire colour portfolio under this new brand.
Debuting at KBIS trade show in Las Vegas, Silestone®XM made its first appearance. It has since been showcased at the ARCOmadrid contemporary art fair and the C.Next Retail Iberia & Latam convention. Soon, Silestone®XM will introduce the EARTHIC® by Silestone®XM capsule collection, a collaborative effort with Italian studio FormaFantasma. This collection will take center stage at the EARTHIC® LAB X FORMAFANTASMA installation, set to be unveiled by Cosentino during Milan Design Week at Fuorisalone.
Another of the collections under Silestone®XM category this year will be Le Chic Bohème, an extension of the already acclaimed Le Chic series introduced in 2023, which was an advanced design exercise that recaptured the beauty of textures and classic style veined patterns in Silestone®.
Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit seamlessly integrates balanced proportions with function, offering efficient washing-area solutions to include basins, bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors.“The idea was to structure surfaces and create a sense of order that positively influences the quality of the overall room,” Citterio explains.
Antonio Citterio’s approach to the Aurena collection emphasizes practicality and efficiency. The perfectly proportioned surface in the washing area is made entirely of ceramic and separated from the wet area. Integrated dividers on the vanity tops simplify accessory storage. A basin can be integrated into this ceramic console, or the console can be combined with an above-counter washbasin made from ceramic or glass.
The architect opted for compact basin sizes, which allowed him to prioritise large vanity tops. An aluminium profile frame with a stainless-steel finish is used to unite the console with the vanity unit, with a projection on one side for a subtly integrated towel holder.
“I try to give straightforward answers to reality. At the washbasin, we need elements for hanging a towel, large vanity tops, and storage space, and it should all fit together perfectly,” says Antonio Citterio.
Crafted entirely from aluminium with an inlaid mesh base, the shelving unit provides an open storage space and is complemented by two drawers under the double washstand for added convenience. The Aurena range includes a closed alternative, a furniture unit with two drawers, which can be mounted in a floating position on the wall or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.
The Aurena collection offers a harmonious blend of materials, with ceramic available in White or Black. Choose from super-matte carcass colors such as White, Taupe, or Graphite, which can be paired with identical matte or high-gloss fronts or customized with special front fills.
For a touch of warmth and sophistication, textured wooden surfaces create an inviting ambience. Alternatively, opt for the timeless appeal of white marble-look ceramic panels or the understated luxury of black lacquered glass.
The Aurena series extends beyond the washing area, with matching bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors designed to create a harmonious bathroom concept. Integrating innovative materials such as DuroCast Smooth and DuroCast Plus ensures durability and elegance, while soft geometric forms and concealed illumination add a touch of sophistication.
Completing the ensemble are accessories from the Starck T range, perfectly coordinated in finish to complement Aurena’s aesthetic. This architectural range caters to diverse settings, from private residences to upscale properties like hotels and medical offices.
Aurena by Antonio Citterio introduces HygieneGlaze® Plus, setting a new standard in hygiene and ease of cleaning. With a keen understanding of residential and commercial needs, Citterio’s design ethos transcends mere functionality, offering a holistic experience that blends aesthetic allure with practicality.
