Bath, shower tray and washbasin manufacturer Bette GmbH & Co. KG has announced two key management appointments to further strengthen international sales and project business.
Markus Maedje has joined as head of international sales, responsible for the support, development and management of all markets outside of Germany, including the UK. He will focus on the strategic development and organisation of international sales activities. He brings a deep understanding of the contract and retail business, having previous roles at Duscholux and Grohe. He comments: “My primary goal is to further expand Bette’s international presence and open up new market potential.”
Tobias Mehlsam has joined the Bette management team as head of national/international project business. Project business has become increasingly important to Bette in recent years and, in this newly created position, Tobias will assume overall responsibility, managing operational and strategic development. Tobias has extensive experience in marketing, technology and purchasing, gained at companies including Hasenkopf and Dupont.
Comments Bette managing director Thilo C Pahl: “These two appointments are part of Bette’s strategy to continue to grow both nationally and internationally. With their experience, both managers will make a significant contribution to further strengthening the Bette brand and developing new market opportunities.”
The phrase “every Englishman’s home is his castle” rings true for interior designer Nicole Franken and her husband, architect Professor Bernhard Franken. Located in Offenbach am Main, Hesse, this 300-year-old castle has been transformed into 26 private apartments, with the couple’s residence standing out thanks to their design expertise.
Transforming history with modern design
Nicole and Bernhard Franken, who run the architectural firm Franken Generalplaner in Frankfurt, undertook a total renovation of one of these apartments to create what is now their own home. The renovation took four months to complete, and as part of this process, the couple merged two bathrooms into one within a stylish mirrored space. For this, they selected Unidrain’s iconic line drains for two shower enclosures, as well as exclusive products from the Reframe Collection, to complete the vision for their new, historic home.
Rumpenheim Castle, originally built in the 17th century in the Baroque style, has a rich history as the summer residence of the Prince of Hesse-Homburg and a favoured destination for royal visitors, including Princess Mary of Teck. Despite the destruction it faced during World War II, the castle was rebuilt in 2002, retaining many of its historical architectural features, which inspired the Frankens’ renovation.
Nicole Franken talks about the underlying vision of the Unidrain solutions and how the couple have integrated them:
“We’ve been very intentional about respecting the castle’s history and combining the many historical styles has been so inspirational. Our bathroom has deep, green, 70s-inspired marble wall tiles that complement the original baroque style of the castle. We’ve installed Unidrain’s invisibly elegant line drain and Reframe accessories as an eye-catching minimalist contrast.”
The Frankens carefully selected elements that blend old and new, achieving a harmonious architectural balance. Their choice of Unidrain products was driven by their sleek, understated design, which seamlessly fits their vision.
Nicole emphasises, “We love Unidrain’s solutions because the line drain and the Reframe Collection each embody timeless, sleek, understated design. That’s what makes them so sophisticated. The drain is especially elegant, with its invisible technical solution. This is a prime example of less is more!”
Achieving architectural synergy
The minimalistic elements found throughout their apartment create a synergy of classic and modern styles, highlighting their architectural vision. Nicole concludes, “Minimalist elements throughout our apartment help create the perfect synergy of classic and modern. We’re delighted with the Unidrain solutions, as they accentuate our architectural vision perfectly.”
By blending the castle’s historic grandeur with modern design elements, Nicole and Bernhard Franken have created a unique and harmonious home, demonstrating the transformative power of thoughtful architectural design.
Leading distributor PJH has appointed Cindy Allcroft as campaign manager. Cindy will spearhead the company’s strategic marketing campaigns across its comprehensive range of products, including Bathrooms, Appliances, Sinks & Taps.
Cindy returns to PJH after six years, having gained further marketing insight into the world of the B2C sector at Certas Energy and the Merchant sector at John Davidson Pipes. In her new role, she will oversee the development and execution of multi-channel marketing campaigns, aligning them with PJH’s broader marketing objectives. Her focus will be on enhancing customer engagement and driving growth.
Cindy shared her enthusiasm about her new position, stating, “It feels wonderful to return to PJH, a company that values growth and innovation. I’m excited to apply the marketing skills I’ve developed over the years and lead our campaigns to new heights. The company’s commitment to digital transformation and enhancing customer experiences aligns perfectly with my vision for our future projects.”
Kimberley Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Cindy back to the growing marketing team. Her extensive experience, coupled with her innovative approach to marketing, will be instrumental as we continue to expand and adapt in this fast-evolving industry. Cindy’s strategic insights will undoubtedly play an important role in our continued success.”
For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk, www.partners.pjh.uk or call T: 0800 8 77 88 99.
Acquabella’s Akron is a versatile and durable material, ideal for architects and interior designers aiming to create stand-out bathroom spaces. This innovative material combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, ensuring every bathroom renovation project stands out.
Akron® is a composite of high-quality mineral fillers and polyurethane. These materials undergo a process that combines and compacts to create a solid, reinforced mass, offering great impact resistance. It guarantees hydrolysis resistance properties, preventing damage when it comes into contact with water. Its surface is treated with a coating to ensure a total physical-chemical integration with the base. This coating provides excellent chemical and physical properties and does not emit air-polluting organic compounds, earning it the A+ certificate.
One of the standout benefits of Akron® is its durability. The combination of resin and high-quality mineral fillers makes it highly resistant to cracks and scratches. In the event of any damage, Akron® is easily repairable, significantly extending its lifespan.
Furthermore, Akron® ensures extra safety as it is 100% silica-free and boasts the highest level of anti-slip properties (Class 3). Its textured surface offers a robust grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls, making it particularly suitable for families with young children or elderly members.
Hygiene is another key aspect of Akron®. Its antibacterial properties prevent the growth of microorganisms and mould, thereby avoiding unpleasant odours and potential health issues. Additionally, as a non-porous and seamless material, Akron® does not accumulate dirt, making it incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
Akron® also offers design versatility as it is available in various shapes, sizes, and colours. Customisation possibilities are endless, with eight different textures ranging from the Slate texture to the modern Quiz texture, as well as a palette of over 2,000 colours, from neutral tones to vibrant hues. Akron® can be found in all of the company’s product lines, including shower trays, countertops, sinks, bathtubs, wall panels, and other accessories.
The quality of Akron® products has been recognised by numerous international juries, awarding accolades to products such as the Smart Quiz and Tempo Arabba shower trays, as well as the Opal Quiz and Noon Slate bathtubs.
To learn more about the advantages of Akron®, watch the new video and explore the full range of features this remarkable material offers.
Kinedo has appointed Scott Taylor as area sales manager for Kinedo in Scotland and North East. He will also be representing Saniflo in Scotland.
Scott, who formerly worked in sales and key accounts for a range of bathroom brands, including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Laufen and Ideal Standard, joined the team in April. Thanks to his extensive contacts in the industry, he is already working hard to increase awareness and displays of the innovative range of Kinedo products, including the range of cuttable trays, the new Kinewall wall panel range, the all-on-one shower cubicles and the range of walk-ins and enclosures. He also provides front-line service to merchants and specifiers for Saniflo products across Scotland.
Outside work, Scott’s time is taken up with an energetic 10-month-old Border Collie, and he is also gearing up to partake in a London to Paris bike ride for charity.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW)is a London-based free design festival that returned for its 13th edition in the EC1 neighbourhood. Organisers marked a record-breaking 20% increase in pre-registrations compared to 2023. The international design festival featured over 600 curated events, supported by more than 160 local showrooms and 300 exhibitors across 12+ venues.
At the event, architects, specifiers, interior designers, and the general public were invited to explore a diverse range of innovative furniture and lighting products, as well as the latest in kitchen and bathroom designs. Additionally, unique materials, decorative accessories, and more were showcased, providing something for everyone with an interest in contemporary design
Diane Larner attended the event and collated six inspirational bathroom highlights from the show.
GRAFF Designs showcased its latest innovations at CDW 2024, unveiling two exquisite collections: the Wellness Shower Collection and the innovative Sensor Taps.
Made using broken and discarded ceramics, along with other waste materials, VitrA’s ceramic washbasin was on display at CDW 2024.
Jedd Barry
Jedd Barry, head of marketing & design
This year’s Clerkenwell Design Week was a highly memorable and successful edition. Thousands of architects and designers braved the rain on the opening two days to explore more exhibition venues, more showrooms, more installations and brand activations dotted around the historic area than ever before. Despite the rain, visitor numbers increased by 3% and feedback from both visitors and brands involved has been overwhelmingly positive, which drives our ambition to continue growing CDW in 2025 and beyond.
We’d like to thank all stakeholders involved in making CDW what it is and helping to cement its position as the UK’s leading design festival. The A&D community come together to deliver three days of inspiring design-led content and for that I am thrilled.
Ben Bryden, sales and marketing director, RAK Ceramics UK
Clerkenwell Design Week never disappoints. This year’s event was as bustling as ever and it’s become a highlight of the RAK Ceramics calendar. From champagne and cocktails to creative workshops and a vibrant Arabian Nights themed closing party, the Design Hub was buzzing with activity throughout the week.
It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our latest products, of course, but also importantly a time to network and for the design community to come together and feel inspired.
About CDW
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is an annual event held in London’s Clerkenwell district, renowned as a creative hub for design professionals. The festival typically spans several days and encompasses various exhibitions, installations, talks, and workshops across multiple venues.
CDW attracts architects, interior designers, product designers, manufacturers, and design enthusiasts worldwide, offering a platform to showcase their latest work, exchange ideas, and explore emerging trends in design. With a focus on craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability, CDW celebrates the ingenuity of the design industry whilst fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.
Bathroom Review and Kitchens Review are proud media partners for this event.
Iris Ceramica’s Bottega d’Arte line elevates the look of ceramic cladding thanks to a focus on craftsmanship and high-end design. This collection highlights the brand’s dedication to its heritage by using red clay, a material integral to the Iris Ceramica Group’s identity.
By combining traditional production techniques with modern aesthetics, Bottega d’Arte delivers a refined solution for contemporary interiors. The process involves blending technological expertise with artisanal experience to create innovative ceramic cladding solutions. Its red clay processing techniques impart a handmade quality to the material, resulting in a visually stunning material that brings an artistic elegance.
Available in a single 15×15 cm size, Bottega d’Arte offers five unique finishes: TerreLustrate, TerreLucide (also available in a 7.5×15 cm brick format), TerreCotte, TerreCotte Oro, and TerreLucide Oro. These finishes highlight the natural beauty of red clay and provide a versatile range for designers.
The colour palette of Bottega d’Arte is divided into three families:
Natural: Highlights the opacity of colours with a satin feel, enhancing subtle shades.
Shiny and Reflective: This creates a soft, shiny effect, accentuating intense chromatic variations.
Polished: Features pearly iridescent reflections that illuminate and brighten the material.
Five finishes are available in a single 15x15cm size to demonstrate the charm and beauty of red clay: TerreLustrate, TerreLucide (also available in the 7.5×15 cm brick format), TerreCotte, TerreCotte Oro and TerreLucide Oro.
The very name Bottega d’Arte (literally ‘art workshop’) reveals its significance – referring, on the one hand, to the Art and Crafts movement of William Morris, who fought to give the so-called “minor arts” the same dignity as the so-called “fine arts”, and on the other to an intimate relationship with production, as in a Renaissance workshop; not simply an experimentation laboratory, but rather a space in which truly timeless works come to life.
Bottega d’Arte captures the attention of designers as a style and elegance trendsetter, on a par with haute couture fashion houses.
Sanitaryware and surfaces brand RAK Ceramics launched the RAK-Ingot washbasins, offering a touch of elegance to bathrooms. These washbasins feature sleek shapes and luxurious finishes, making them a versatile addition to any modern bathroom design.
The RAK-Ingot washbasins are available in four distinct shapes: oval, rectangle, round, and square. The square basin measures 400x400x10mm, the circle measures 360x360x110mm, the oval measures 550x350x115mm, and the rectangle measures 500x350x100mm. These varied dimensions ensure they fit seamlessly into a wide range of bathroom layouts.
The hallmark of the RAK-Ingot washbasins is their exquisite finishes, available in three stunning options: Matt Black, Brushed Nickel, and Brushed Brass. Each finish exudes luxury and refinement, adding a touch of opulence to any bathroom space. These finishes are meticulously crafted to complement the current trend for metallics and unique textures in contemporary bathroom design, allowing homeowners and designers to create truly bespoke spaces.
The RAK-Ingot washbasins are engineered for seamless integration with RAK Ceramics accessories, mirrors, and taps. This holistic approach to bathroom design ensures a harmonious aesthetic, elevating the overall bathing experience.
The RAK-Ingot range extends to stainless steel Recessed Niches in Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel finishes. Available in various sizes including 30×30, 30×60, 30×60 with 1 dividing shelf, 30×120, and 30×120 with 2 dividing shelves, these niches provide practical storage solutions while effortlessly complementing the RAK-Ingot washbasins.
Luxury manufacturer GRAFF Designs showcased its latest innovations at CDW 2024, unveiling two exquisite collections: the Wellness Shower Collection and the innovative Sensor Taps.
During the exhibition, visitors could immerse themselves in GRAFF’s product portfolio, which included the debut of its new Wellness Sanctuary Shower Collection. This luxurious range, drawing inspiration from the majestic downpours of the rainforest, introduced a novel offering to the UK market, blending innovative spray technologies with a touch of aesthetic elegance. Equipped with advanced push-button controls, enhanced water modes, and adjustable functional showerheads, this contemporary collection marked the dawn of a new era in showering experiences.
In addition, GRAFF unveiled its Sensor Tap collection, specifically tailored for the discerning UK market. Featuring state-of-the-art sensor technology, these bathroom mixers were meticulously crafted to cater to the rigorous demands of public restrooms, offering hygienic and intuitive hands-free operation. Characterised by sleek modern silhouettes, these designs seamlessly integrated elevated functional sensor technology with captivating aesthetics. The collection boasted GRAFF’s full spectrum of handcrafted finishes, ensuring a perfect match for any interior style.
GRAFF’s captivating designs are supported by the 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.
Commenting on the show, GRAFF’s CEO Ziggy Kulig states, “We are excited to be exhibiting again at Clerkenwell Design Week. We are honoured to meet industry professionals from all over the world and share the beauty of GRAFF with them. We relish the opportunity to present ourselves as the market leaders in luxury brassware.”
Established in 1982, GRAFF embarked on a mission to redefine the bathroom experience through avant-garde products that epitomised innovation, quality, and unmatched functionality. These core values have remained steadfast pillars of GRAFF’s philosophy, known as ‘The Art of Bath’. Over the years, GRAFF has maintained its commitment to excellence, producing brassware solutions for residential developments, hospitality establishments, and dining venues worldwide. Each GRAFF shower, mixer, and accessory is meticulously crafted to elevate the luxurious bathing ritual. With a dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, GRAFF continues to set the standard for sophistication and indulgence in bathroom fixtures
Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit was showcased at CDW 2024. The range 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.
The Golden Ratio is regarded as a formula for aesthetic harmony in architecture. For Duravit’s new Aurena series, Antonio Citterio has created a perfectly proportioned washing area, where he uniformly divides the wet and dry areas.
The surface made entirely of ceramic offers the option of an integrated or above-the-counter basin; the dry area has integrated dividers, which are precise and elegant, making it a perfect way to store bathroom accessories. The counter is supported by an aluminium profile frame with a stainless steel finish, and there are options to have either open storage with aluminium shelving or closed with a double drawer. The vanity can be wall-mounted or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.
Citteroio’s designs for matching bathtubs, toilets, bidet, and a mirror create a stylish and balanced concept. The integrated bathtub is made from the new cast-mineral material DuroCast Smooth, whilst the back-to-wall models and free-standing bathtub are made from DuroCast Plus. The chamfered edge at the rim of each bathtub provides an elegant finish, and the wall-standing variant features a storage box that forms a connecting element between the organically shaped bathtub and the wall. It has been designed in keeping with the washbasin vanity tops.
The soft geometry is echoed in the oval mirror of the Aurena series, which has a hidden illumination strip laid behind its frame in White.
