The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation has reported Hansgrohe is its latest KBB brand to become a corporate sponsor of the institute. The bathroom and kitchen company pledged its support to help work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards and compliance in the KBB installation sector.

With its brands AXOR and Hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group is a family business founded in the Black Forest, Germany, in 1901. It is known for its long-lasting, high-quality products and for how seriously it takes its responsibility towards people and the environment. The 120-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen mixer tap, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower. In 1990, the Hansgrohe Group founded the UK subsidiary, which currently employs around 90 staff in the office and in the field, and recently invested more than £5m into its UK business.

Julie McLean, marketing director for Hansgrohe UK said: “The UK KBB installation sector is vital to manufacturers like us. That’s why so many of our product innovations are linked to benefits for installers – from our spare parts guarantee to ‘fit and forget’ designs that help ensure a quality finish and longevity for their customers. We are therefore delighted to support BiKBBI in its important work championing installers, retailers and the KBB industry, and the significant contribution they play in the wider economy.”

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said ‘2023 was an extremely active year for the institute as we continued our work education, standards, compliance and sustainability – all of which are fundamental to the future of the installation community that serves the KBB sector. It is vital that we collaborate with the wider industry, so to start 2024 by welcoming Hansgrohe, a much-respected business and brand, on board as a corporate sponsor is a real highlight for our organisation. It is also a significant step in our quest to garner support from more manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, all of whom are reliant on installation at some point in the cycle, as we work towards closing the communications gap, improving the skills shortage and ultimately building a sustainable workforce.

‘We are thrilled to have Hansgrohe supporting the work that we are doing to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector and very much look forward to working with the team and supporting them as they embark on an exciting phase within their business.’

Shower designer and manufacturer Roman Ltd has announced the transformation of its Head Design Centre. Following a series of minor updates over the past two decades, the showroom has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, showcasing various new features and advancements.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s shower solutions, the redesign highlights Roman’s expertise in solid surface moulding and fabrication and integrated furniture capabilities. Roman is displaying its upgraded and relaunched Solid Surface Anti-Slip Gel Coat Shower Trays and Infinity Slate Trays. Over 40 display bays clearly highlight all aspects of Roman’s manufacturing capabilities.

This makeover signifies a milestone for Roman, demonstrating their dedication to creating inspiring spaces that reflect the latest in sustainable bathroom design. The upgraded Design Centre serves as a hub for industry professionals, architects, and design enthusiasts, offering a first-hand experience of Roman’s unparalleled craftsmanship.

David Osborne, chief executive officer, commented: “We are excited to share our latest transformations. The Roman team looks forward to engaging in conversations within the retail, design and project sector, welcoming both old friends and many new faces.”

Severe droughts in the Catalonia region of Spain have led to the government declaring a state of emergency. New measures introduced in response to the worst drought on record in the area include a ban on residents washing their cars and filling up empty swimming pools.

Yvonne Orgill MD at UWLA says, “This is a disastrous situation so early in the year, and makes our water efficiency message absolutely critical, not just for Spain but for the UK and Europe.

“After the exceptionally hot summers last year, people are going to be fearful of another year of hardship.  The local emergency restrictions in Catalonia such as a sharp reduction in the use of water for crop farming and industry, alongside the capping of water supplies per inhabitant per day, will impact everyone on a daily basis.

“These type of measures are only going to become more frequent unless people begin to take seriously the dangers of warming our planet, recognising that it is not something that will happen in the future but is here and now, affecting every region in the world.

“The need to use water wisely becomes more important every year, which is why the UWLA is committed to raising awareness of the Unified Water Label, and the benefits it can bring for water efficiency in the home.

“The Unified Water Label is a smart tool that provides a means to identify water using products with a common label that offers clear, concise and easy to understand messaging about water and energy usage.

“The bathroom industry is taking action, working in partnership with us to bring about change. In the UK we have support from across all sectors, manufacturers, retailers, installers and government bodies.

“Innovative products developed to use less water and energy, without any loss of performance, are displaying the Unified Water Label, and making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices.

“The Unified Water Label Association is dedicated to driving home the water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home.

“Those interested in supporting the UWLA or joining us to embrace a cleaner, greener bathroom revolution can find out more by visiting the website www.uwla.eu.”

Photo by Oleksandr Sushko on Unsplash

ARCHITECT@WORK has announced the upcoming London edition (20 – 21 March 2024), showcasing more than 200 curated product innovations.

With each offering rigorously vetted by a dedicated team of architects, this event presents an opportunity for the London architecture and design community to stay abreast of the latest developments. Renowned internationally as the premier showcase for the architectural trade, attendees (register now) can immerse themselves in the cutting-edge innovations set to debut at the show.

Please see below some of the innovations that will be presented at ARCHITECT@WORK London 2024:

MATKI | EAUZONE ARCH WET ROOM PANEL

Pictured top – the ingenious dual-function over-head shower brace not only keeps the panel secure, it also seamlessly delivers water to the centrally mounted deluge, making the EauZone Arch Wet Room Panel a perfect symphony of aesthetics and engineering. This fusion of practicality and stylish sophistication means this newest member of the Matki family creates a focal point that lends a spa-like ambience to your home. The minimal framing adds a graceful accent, creating a feeling of space and freedom within the shower area.

INTERFACE | PAST FORWARD

The Past Forward collection is a tribute to 50 years of modular carpet tile innovation, combining iconic designs from the past with contemporary performance. Featuring 14 products with a bold design and colour palette, Past Forward reimagines nostalgic motifs, seamlessly blending retro charm with modern aesthetics. From ornate rococo and renaissance visuals to retro patterns with scribbles and geometrics, vintage-inspired patchwork styles, and traditional Turkish motifs, the collection offers a diverse range of traditional, vintage, and retro designs.

KARCHER DESIGN | SATIN BRASS

With its luxurious gold and bronze tones, Satin Brass creates an atmosphere of elegance and warmth. The matt surface provides a subtle yet impressive presence and adds a special touch to any room. Modern shapes combined with a brushed, satin brass look give Karcher Design products a new expression of class and style. The timeless design is a real eye-catcher and sets elegant accents in any room.

PANAGET | NOISETTE

An extra-matt light brown Ecostrong lacquer, the Noisette finish gives a particularly elegant brushed effect. Its light brown colour is inspired by the wood floors of yesteryear, while at the same time highlighting the uniqueness of the wood. Panaget has succeeded in developing this new lacquered finish that has all the advantages of lacquer, such as easier maintenance, with the appearance of an oiled floor. The finish also offers ​ a matt, contemporary shade that enhances and sublimates the material.

SOTEXPRO | NEW TEXTILE WALL COVERING

By introducing this new product line to its collection, Sotexpro aims to keep all current benefits of its textile, especially the control of the full production process, inside its French facilities, the French properties of its base fabrics, and a low environmental impact. So from the weaving up to the lamination backing, Sotexpro ensures a fully integrated production while offering texture and warmth to the interior furnishing.

STON | CORIANDOLI

Coriandoli is a fully customisable mosaic programme made from more than 95% recycled glass. The wide range of colours – over 120 standard shades – and the wide range of shapes and finishes make it interesting for completely new projects, both in colour-block or in multicoloured geometric decorations inspired by vintage patterns. The collection is made entirely from glass scraps, mixed with the pigment, pressed into moulds, and fired in the kiln at high temperatures. The material is characterised by very high mechanical properties that allow it to be used on both walls and floors, both indoors and outdoors, including areas with intense foot traffic.

WEVER & DUCRE | TAPIS SOFT

Designed to subtly absorb ambient noise, Tapis Soft, a multifunctional light, gracefully leans against the wall like a gentle wave. Ideal for busy areas like receptions, it comes in four shapes and three colors, offering versatility by also functioning as a stylish overhead light.

Alongside the exceptional exhibitors, ARCHITECT@WORK’s talks programme remains a highlight of the event. For the 2024 edition, the theme “People + Planet: Designing from the Ground Up” promises captivating discussions, inviting exploration of cutting-edge topics such as biophilia, neurodiversity, wellness and embodied carbon. Additionally, attendees can anticipate insights into innovative applications of materials including timber and natural stone.

Please click here to view the full list of exhibitors at the London edition of ARCHITECT@WORK 2024. For visitor passes, please click here to register.