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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.

Duravit-Aurena-Bathroom-Series-Antonio-Citterio

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.

More news from Duravit

CRL has appointed a new sales representative – Jordan Borrow- who is joining the business to support its network of customers in the northwest of the UK.

With four years of experience working with a stone fabricator in this area of the country already, Jordan brings local and industry knowledge with him to CRL, at what is a busy time for the CRL Stone brand.

In his new role Jordan will be responsible for business development and relationship building with kitchen and bathroom showrooms and fabricators, as well as developing the CRL Stone name further.

Commenting on his appointment Jordan said: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge, supporting our current customers as well as bringing in new business and helping to grow the CRL Stone brand.”

Dave Beckett, CRL Stone’s sales director, adds: “Jordan’s role is crucial to developing CRL’s presence in the north-west, and he will be key to the further development of our business in this area of the country.”

For more information call CRL Stone on 01706 863 600 or visit www.crlstone.co.uk

Turkish conglomerate Eczacıbaşı Group’s leading brand, VitrA, and British designer Tom Dixon have unveiled an installation at INTERNI CROSS VISION 70, which is set to define the trend for future sustainable design.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Interni Magazine and titled “Re-Ceramic”, the installation explores the critical theme of waste reuse and recycling. Tom Dixon explains, This installation is a narrative journey through the recycling process. Utilizing the casting technique, we immerse the viewer in the transformative journey of ceramics from ‘primordial mud’ to durable, functional art.”

The world’s first washbasin crafted from almost 100% recycled materials

The ‘Liquid’ line of sanitaryware is a centrepiece of the exhibition; this revolutionary product line was developed to almost entirely utilise recycled ceramic waste, representing a significant leap in sustainable design. VitrA says this approach not only showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship but also sets a new standard for the industry.

Tom Dixon was awarded an OBE for his services to British design, and VitrA’s shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and design excellence is evident in this collaboration. The Liquid line reflects respect for natural resources.

Design community invited to Interni Cross Vision 70 to experience the best in design

INTERNI CROSS VISION 70 offers a platform to explore the symbiotic relationship between industrial innovation and artisanal tradition, themes that are deeply embedded in the Italian design ethos.

The exhibition celebrates the power of design to address complex global challenges, such as the climate crisis, through creative and technological innovation.

As the design community gathers in Milan to explore the future of architecture, design, and art, VitrA and Tom Dixon’s installation blurs the boundaries between art and industrial manufacturing to showcase the transformative power of design. By challenging conventional practices and embracing circular economy principles, Re-ceramic not only represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable design but also ignites a conversation about the role of design in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

For more information about the recycled washbasin, please visit Recycled Washbasin (vitraglobal.com)

*The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials generated and disposed of during the ceramic sanitaryware manufacturing process.

Fixture manufacturer GRAFF has expanded its Art of Bath portfolio with its new bathroom brassware featuring cutting-edge sensor technology. Launching in July 2024, GRAFF’s touch-free sensor mixers respond to a simple wave of the hand to control the flow of water to provide a sleek, hygienic solution for contemporary bathrooms.

Designed to meet the demands of public bathrooms, GRAFF’s sensor taps feature an intuitive, discreet design and modern silhouette to enhance interiors and provide a luxurious experience. The touch-free technology prevents wear and tear of handles and fixture surfaces, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance, while its versatile design complements an array on interior design styles.

GRAFF founder and CEO, Ziggy Kulig, comments: “The contemporary profile of our sensor taps is supported by our advanced technology and engineering expertise, instilling a sense of confidence and assuring hygienic ease and reliability. These taps are engineered for convenience and conservation – water only flows when the sensor is activated – eliminating the waste of water that occurs when taps are left running.”

Designed to maintain a pristine environment where hygiene is of the utmost importance, the sensor taps are available in GRAFF’s full selection of fine handcrafted finishes, providing a range of styles to suit any interior. For optimal performance and truly elevated design, GRAFF’s Steelnox Satin Nickel finish is designed to prevent fingerprints and water spots.

GRAFF’s captivating designs are supported by use of the highest-quality materials, a rich heritage of European craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Expertly pairing water-saving technology with versatile, minimalist design, the new sensor taps lead GRAFF’s mission for a greener future.  

It was, without a doubt, a brave move – but from today’s perspective, it was definitely the right one for Duravit: “Conquering the bathroom with design”. The complete bathroom manufacturer took its first daring step in 1987 with the unmistakable “Giamo” bathroom series from product designer Dieter Sieger.

Today, forty years later, it says its success has been confirmed as Duravit looks back on the creation of over 100 design projects with 24 design partners and looks forward to further pioneering designs that continue to be developed.

Duravit Design DNA

This process, which involves external designers and the in-house design team working closely together, has produced a unique design DNA over the years: the unmistakable, precisely formulated design language
that forms each individual bathroom range. Despite the individuality, extravagance, and boldness to work with extraordinary materials and unusual colours, Duravit’s product portfolio exclusively combines design ranges that align with the aspiration at the heart of its brand. At the same time, the eternal, timeless design combines the highest product-quality standards with comfortoriented technology for the last word in feel-good bathrooms.

A particular benefit of this approach is that a customer’s dream bathroom is assembled from a range of different design lines to create an individually styled product that reflects their personal preferences. The design DNA guarantees a harmonious and stylish overall look.

Trust, understanding, and responsibility: the unique designer network

To achieve this objective, Duravit relies on esteemed collaborations with international design partners. A valuable partnership of over 30 years with Philippe Starck, down-to-earth furniture and bold colours with Christian Werner, Japanese influences from Sebastian Herkner, while Cecilie Manz interprets Nordic influences. Antonio Citterio recently designed a unique architectural series, and then there’s the cross-generational collaboration with Sieger Design, which today is run by the sons Christian and Michael.

Award-winning excellence: prize-winning products for the perfect feel-good individual moment

Over recent years, Duravit has not only transformed the domestic wet cell into an all-round feel-good
bathroom but has also won over the distinguished members of renowned design awards juries. The
company currently holds more than 200 international awards – and counting.

Duravit DurasSquare

Showers and tapware brand Methven has launched a virtual showroom to allow customers to explore its product range from the comfort of the office or home.

The highly detailed online experience replicates the setting of Methven’s Warrington Experience Centre, allowing users to peruse products on display alongside their specs and imagery, as well as marketing materials such as brochures and videos.

Launching the virtual showroom platform allows Methven to provide customers with an opportunity to build their understanding of how different ranges and technology, such as the twin-jet Satinjet technology are suited to different markets, as well as seeing alternative products at a glance.

Emma Foster, head of marketing and Product at Methven, said: “We recognise that we’re moving into a new era of customer experience, where digital is so crucial – however, it isn’t enough now to simply direct customers to a static website where products are listed in a matter-of-fact way.

“In line with the hard work and innovation that has gone into creating our Experience Centre in Warrington, we wanted customers to have a unique experience when connecting with us digitally.

“The launch of our virtual showroom complements the in-person benefits of our Experience Centre, allowing visitors to get under the skin of our products while understanding the wider context of our values as a brand.

“We see the two working in tandem together going forward and are excited for the new ways in which this allows customers to engage with us.”

The Virtual Showroom launch comes as Methven kick starts its new product and consumer experience push for 2024, following on from the launch of the 200-page One Book and the Avoca range, which consists of a cold start basin mixer, thermostatic bath filler, thermostatic bath shower mixer and a cool touch bar valve with Satinjet® showering technology.

To visit the Methven Virtual Showroom, visit https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=zujn99tTu3d

Drummonds has announced a seminal collaboration with celebrated interior designer Steven Gambrel. The newly launched Colvin collection is an eight-piece family of bathroom storage and accessories designed by Gambrel and handcrafted at the Drummonds brassware foundry.

Famed for his layered architectural style, which uses opulent materials at an imposing scale, Gambrel’s spaces are tempered by sparse lines and an abundance of natural light. The result is a quiet grandeur that remains relatable and inviting, a quality which underpins his collection for Drummonds.

Gambrel comments, “The materials we celebrate throughout the house – heavy plaster walls, marble mantles,nantique brassware – these are the perfect elements to build a bathroom. We’ve moved far beyond the white sanitary box of previous eras.

“I’ve always loved hardware – doorknobs, hinges, brackets – anything really. I often use it as a grounding element across a series of rooms. I see it like jewellery. And if I’m matching hardware to high walls and large, heavy doors, I need it to look strong and architectural. I wanted to continue that into the bathroom as well.”

Comprising of a mirror, storage shelf, towel bar, bath rack, single robe hook, double robe hook, loo roll holder and waste bin, the collection is handcrafted at the Drummonds foundry using a blend of brassware techniques; from he ancient lost wax casting method to precision CNC lathe and milling. Each piece is available in all nine of Drummonds’ house brassware finishes to coordinate with other fittings such as vanity basins, taps, showers, and lighting.

Drummond’s creative director, James Lentaigne reflects, “Our artisans began as restorers of antique bathrooms and carried the traditional skills over to our factory when it was founded nearly 30 years ago. We have honed these techniques to the point where we really are the finest in the world; we can make brassware designs that are intricate, detailed and sophisticated with a flawless level of detail that most factories would struggle to achieve.

“Even with this knowledge, Steven’s designs broke new ground for us and we are extremely proud of the collection. Passing through the hands of five or six skilled artisans, each piece is flawlessly crafted and finished in solid brass and takes weeks to make. There are no compromises. We want to make products that look good now nand will look good in 50 or 100 years time.”

The Colvin collection will be available via Drummonds’ New York and London showrooms from May 2024; advanced orders may be taken beforehand.

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced that SONAS Bathrooms is its latest corporate sponsor.

The sponsorship includes supporting the government-sanctioned organisation and its work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards, compliance and sustainability in the KBB installation sector.

SONAS Bathrooms is one of Ireland’s leading bathroom brands. It expanded into the UK market in 2023, with more than 45 years of experience in distributing its complete range of bathroom products to retail partners in Ireland. The business sees its sponsorship and support of BiKBBI as a key step in the brand’s journey to replicating its success in Ireland into Britain.

Ger Fahy, CCO of SONAS Bathrooms, said: “As SONAS, we view installers as the backbone of the KBB sector. The insight and feedback from professional installers like the BiKBBI members, is highly values in our product development process. Becoming a corporate sponsor of the BiKBBI enhances our opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals who value high-quality products supported by team of technical experts. We are excited about working together with the BiKBBI members to drive positive change within the industry.”

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said ‘The work that we are doing in the installation community is fundamental to the future of the KBB installation sector and therefore it is vital that we have the support of the wider industry – after all, every KBB manufacturer, supplier, distributor and retailer is reliant on installation at some point in the cycle. We are thrilled to welcome SONAS Bathrooms onboard as a corporate sponsor. We understand their ambition for growth in the UK market and we very much look forward to working with the SONAS team as we continue to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector through our focus on education, standards, compliance and sustainability.’

Bathroom furniture manufacturer Utopia Furniture Limited is the latest manufacturer to join the National Building Specification and list its products on NBS Source, the manufacturer product platform.

As Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, explains “We have had a thriving Contracts division at Utopia for more than three decades.  Keen to expand our reach further amongst building professionals, we have chosen NBS Source to target specifiers looking for best-in-class product and specification data when working on construction projects. We recognise the importance of architects and specifiers being able to find our products at crucial stages of the construction journey, and being a part of NBS Source gives us peace of mind that we’re available to them when it matters most.”

NBS Source will give Utopia the ability to build and maintain relationships with architects and specifiers throughout the whole construction journey, resulting in a much smoother and more collaborative process, a proposition that saves valuable time and resources, and increases the likelihood of a product being selected.

A leading manufacturer of beautiful bathrooms for 35 years, Utopia designs and manufactures all its furniture in the UK.  The specialist Contracts team, led by Chris Hewitt, works closely with builders and developers from concept to completion on projects to supply innovative and on-trend bathroom solutions.

View Utopia NBS Source listing https://shorturl.at/estxZ.

For further information about Utopia Contracts, visit www.utopiagroup.com or contact contractsupport@utopiagroup.com.

A stylish mirrored cabinet with numerous practical features, the new SOMARIS from Keuco is a true all-rounder for the bathroom.

The SOMARIS mirror cabinet from Keuco has an unobtrusive design. It is extremely versatile with external configurations, including symmetrical or asymmetrical doors, four variants for side panels, technical configurations, and an interior with more attractive features.

The SOMARIS mirrored cabinet is available in one of four different side and rear walls, with a mirror option in white or black and an oak wood look to complement any bathroom design in order to create personalised bathroom spaces.

The body of the mirror cabinet is made of aluminium, a sustainable waterproof and especially long-lasting material for the bathroom, even after years it still retains its durability. SOMARIS comes in various sizes and can be fitted with one, two, or three doors. A key feature is the option of asymmetrical mirrored doors, the different sizes, can be configured so that when standing in front of the washbasin, the mirror surface is split to the side, not in the middle. This allows the user to open one door whilst maintaining an unbroken mirror image on the other.

The Keuco SOMARIS has an uncluttered look with its handle-less design. Precise edges accentuate the mirror cabinet’s sleek exterior, and to maintain a minimal look at the washbasin, a recessed version is available in addition to the on-wall version.

Technical features

All the controls are practically arranged on the underside of the aluminium mirror cabinet, which allows it to be operated when open or closed. Icons on the mirror surface indicate the hidden corresponding buttons and, on either side, the LED light ensures a perfect illumination, this can also be dimmed to any level. There is an optional mirror heater which guarantees a clear reflection after showering – this is especially useful in small or windowless bathrooms, and it automatically switches off after 20 minutes.

Interior features

Inside the body of the cabinet is a generous interior that offers ample storage space and practical features. The glass shelves can be arranged to adapt to the sizes of products, big and small, and an electric socket at the side allows a toothbrush to be charged inside the mirror cabinet. (The socket is protected by a hinged cover). Soft-close hinges ensure a quiet and gentle closing of the doors, and opening the mirrors on both sides of the doors makes it possible to view yourself from behind.

Keuco Somaris Bathroom furniture