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Bath maker BC Designs has launched its latest bathroom centrepiece in the form of a new freestanding bath. 

The Copper/Acrylic Boat Bath is larger than most in the BC Designs bath product portfolio, standing at 1800mm in length. 

Made from pure copper on the outside, the acrylic inner contrasts beautifully against the warm patina of the copper exterior. 

As the new bath features the extensive use of copper, there are also benefits to the metal and its hygiene factor. Copper is somewhat of a supermetal and kills common viruses (everyday colds, etc.) within minutes and COVID-19 within a couple of hours.

Pair the new Copper/Acrylic Boat Bath with a matching copper roll-top basin for an opulent finish. 

For more information on BC Designs, visit www.bcdesigns.co.uk

Bathroom manufacturer Tissino has launched three new additions to its heating range: Emilio, Bartolo, and Fabio. The new additions have been designed to work as standalone pieces or with other products that Tissino sells. 

Emilio is an open-ended modern radiator with each of the four sizes available and reversible so the open end can be either side. It is available in Chrome, Matt Black, Matt White and Matt Graphite. The four sizes available are 1132 x 500mm, 1132 x 600mm, 1708 x 500mm, and 1708 x 600mm. 

Bartolo is an ultra-modern take on the typical ladder rail and is available in Chrome, Matt Black, Matt White – which works with Tissino’s furniture ranges – and Matt Graphite, with each of the colourways in a flat finish to complement the modern look. Retailers will be able to specify from six sizes ranging from 1090 x 500mm up to 1738 x 600mm. 

Fabio is a true designer ladder rail with a square outer frame with ultra-slim 16mm horizontal rails. Available in multiple colourways, including Chrome, Matt Black, Matt Graphite, Matt White, Matt Grey, Soft Taupe and Midnight Blue. Retailers can choose from four different sizes 1200 x 500mm, 1200 x 600mm, 1800 x 500mm, 1800 x 600mm. 

Each of the new additions is part of Tissino’s Esclusiva range, which is a collection of premium products available to all of the company’s bricks and mortar retailers only. 

For more information on Tissino, visit www.tissino.co.uk

Europe is on track to meet its climate-neutrality goal by 2045, with major reductions in CO₂ emissions required by 2030. The heating sector, the largest energy consumer, is crucial to achieving these targets. By 2030, emissions in the building sector must be reduced by 44% compared to 2020 levels, equivalent to a 53 million-tonne CO₂ reduction. Modern heating technologies and government subsidies offer homeowners significant opportunities to contribute to this transformation.

Sustainable heating solutions

The German heating industry offers a range of sustainable technologies that can be tailored to existing and new buildings. Heat pumps, which extract energy from air, water, or the ground, are a leading option. Hybrid systems, combining gas-condensing boilers with heat pumps, help reduce fossil fuel consumption, while biomass solutions using renewable fuels like wood pellets provide further eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, ‘H2-ready’ gas heating systems can be converted to hydrogen in the future, ensuring long-term climate-neutral sustainability. With various options available, homeowners can select the system that best suits their needs and environmental goals.

Financial incentives

Homeowners can benefit from generous state subsidies for installing climate-friendly heating systems. From 2024, a 30% rebate is available, with additional bonuses for replacing outdated systems. For households earning under €40,000 annually, the subsidy can reach up to 70% of installation costs, making eco-friendly heating not only sustainable but also cost-effective.

ISH 2025: A hub for innovation

At ISH 2025 in Frankfurt (17-21 March), leading manufacturers will showcase the latest heat generation, distribution, and storage technologies. The event will highlight cutting-edge solutions, including energy management systems and efficient heat transfer technologies.

Expert discussions at ISH 2025

In addition to the exhibition, ISH 2025 will host key events such as the ‘Building Future Conference’, where experts will discuss strategies for implementing the heating revolution. Other conferences, including the ‘German Energy Consultants Conference’ and the ‘House of Energy Congress’, will focus on sustainable building concepts and energy efficiency.

Join the heating revolution at ISH 2025, where innovation and expertise converge for a sustainable future.

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has urged homeowners to look at water efficiency in the home to help save on household bills as they face rising water bills in 2025.

The advice comes in response to the news from industry regulator Ofwat that a typical water bill will rise by an average of £86 from April this year, with average water and sewerage bills rises of £157 (36%) expected over the next five years. 

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “One mistake people make is not upgrading from outdated, inefficient products to more innovative solutions. The industry is leading the way with a wide range of products that carry the Unified Water Label, which clearly identifies how water and energy-efficient the product is. Water and energy are inextricably linked in the home. Reducing water will reduce energy, which is kinder to the environment and will also save the user money from utility bills. Around 18% of energy consumption in UK homes is spent heating water, and about 12% of a typical gas-heated home’s heating bill is from the water for showers, baths and the hot water tap.

“People can also improve water and energy efficiency in the home by changing their habits and better maintenance. For example, fixing leaking taps or cutting back on the time in the shower are examples.

“The UWLA works with industry to help them communicate and educate consumers on the importance of changing behaviours, as minor changes can bring about significant benefits.

“Consumers can look for the Unified Water Label on products, websites and packaging. The UWLA website also has a wealth of free information, tips, and advice for homeowners. The website also gives access to the product database enabling visitors to select new products, with over 160 brands, and 20,000 products there is plenty of choice.”

Visit the website here for more information

Since its introduction in 1999, the PLAN series has revolutionised bathroom furniture and accessories, offering stylish solutions crafted to meet the highest standards of design and quality. To celebrate this anniversary, KEUCO has decided to enhance the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to display PLAN’s vision for the future.

PLAN has always been associated with precision, straight-lined shapes, functional extras and perfectly coordinated products. PLAN accessories are renowned for providing a stylish solution for all bathroom requirements, especially the Care range, which ensures safety and comfort.

To continue PLAN’s success, KEUCO is ready to break new ground. Artificial intelligence encourages rethinking, offering a great opportunity to view different processes and perspectives. An opportunity was seized when, for the first time, images were created with models generated by AI. The aim is to show the retrospective view of PLAN – the pride of what it was and how we can also look forward at the same time.

Design that lasts

Product developer and designer Reiner Moll created a long-lasting, purist design language with clear and straight lines with PLAN. Creating a product that stands for impressive simplicity in high-quality execution, which has won numerous prestigious awards and is proof of PLAN’s outstanding workmanship and unique character. With each product telling a story of sophistication and care.

Whether glossy chrome, velvety matt aluminium finish, purist stainless steel or accentuating matt black, PLAN surfaces refine the straight-lined design and showcase the aesthetic shapes with masterful precision.

With hundreds of individual products, the range offers countless well-thought-out possibilities, ensuring that PLAN has more than one solution to meet a requirement.

Specialist home interest agency Cairn has been appointed to launch an innovative new technology for Sensio Lighting.

Cairn was approached directly for the opportunity, thanks to the team’s knowledge and experience within the KBB sector. The agency was tasked with leading the six-figure project, to “set the gold standard” for how the company will launch future products into the UK market.

Sensio is a KBB lighting specialist that launched its new Lumino lithium-ion powered illuminated mirror range in 2024. The patented technology is a significant advancement as it’s better for the environment, doesn’t require mains connection and can be retrofitted into any bathroom.

Karl Hallam, head of marketing at Sensio, said: “We reached out to Cairn after receiving an industry recommendation and were immediately impressed with their market knowledge, fresh ideas and their full-service offering. They have supported us through every stage of the launch; from a big campaign idea, to messaging, visual assets, sales tools and video production.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work Cairn has delivered, and the team has absolutely nailed the brief. They have created a blueprint for how we will be running our future marketing campaigns in the UK.”

Manchester-based agency Cairn has a strong pedigree in the kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms sector, and it has a client portfolio that includes Kutchenhaus, Blum, Whirlpool, and nobilia.

Will English, Cairn’s co-founder and managing director said: “It’s a real testament to our industry experience to be approached by an progressive brand like Sensio. It’s rare to work on a campaign for a genuinely new, ground-breaking technology.

It’s allowed us to flex our creative muscles and build a multi-channel campaign which is already delivering results.” 

Cairn offers strategic brand planning and channel-spanning creative comms, delivered by a team of activation specialists across digital, off-line, PR and web design and development.    

Cairn’s purpose is to ‘take brands further’, whether that’s scale-ups focused on the next phase of growth, established brands pursuing new opportunities or businesses simply seeking a fresh approach to their communications.

For more information and an introduction to the team, please visit: wearecairn.com or call 0161 537 8780.

Cosentino, a global leader in surfaces, introduces its latest collection, Silestone® Ukiyo. Following the successful launch in 2023 of Dekton® Ukiyo, the first collection of ready-to-install fluted tiles in the industry, this collection extension brings nuanced texture to Silestone® surfaces to create depth, dimension and character.

Designed for contemporary residential and commercial interiors, Silestone® Ukiyo will be available in matte or polished finishes and two fluted options: GV2 with grooves set 25 mm apart and measuring 5mm wide and 3 mm deep; and GV3 with grooves set 11 mm apart and 4mm wide and deep. Silestone® Ukiyo’s large format facilitates its use in broader applications, minimising joints to create a more seamless finish. Its slimline weight also opens the way to multiple tiling and decorative applications due to its lightness and practicality.

Designed to add texture and interest, most colours in the wider portfolio are now available with Ukiyo, including the recent EARTHIC and Le Chic Boheme collections by Silestone®XM.

Silestone®XM is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporates a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition and contains less than 10% of crystalline silica belonging to the category introduced this year.

The collection includes:

Raw D from EARTHIC – A dark natural stone-effect backdrop that creates a mood of tranquillity and elegance. Featuring diffused scattered streaks of bronze woven through a charcoal landscape, Ukiyo enhances Raw D’s drama and contemporary style.

Bohemian Flame from Le Chic – This colour presents subtle sinuous veins with metallic inlays in copper shades. It is inspired by the movement of the golden flows of lava that generate scars on volcanic soil and is reminiscent of the calmly moving golden flame of candles accentuating tiny metallic pieces.

Parisien Bleu from Le Chic – Taking inspiration from the French Capital, this colourway boasts a deep bluish tone with a strong personality and powerful character. Inspired by the shades seen in famous Imperial Roman stones, combined with fine veins in ochre tones.

Versailles Ivory from Le Chic – Very subtle two-toned marbling in the background – the gradient effects mesmerise with the flickering lights of its golden sparkle. Bringing warmth and glamour, Versailles Ivory speaks luxury and elegance reminiscent of the exuberance of the Palace of Versailles.

Lime Delight from Urban Crush: The textured beige tones of Lime Delight provide a versatile base for any interior, from calm and minimal spaces to unexpected, bold looks. Warm and bright, it replicates the beauty and luminosity of the renowned Marbella limestone. 

Blanc Elysee from Le Chic Boheme – A delicate lattice of golden, grey, and copper veins run through a bright cream background that evokes the timeless elegance of classic Parisian palaces.

PJH, the UK’s leading distributor of bathrooms, appliances, sinks and taps, has announced an exclusive new distribution partnership with Abode for its brand new ‘FOCUS 60’ Bathroom Collection.

Having collaborated with Abode previously and remaining a major distributor of the Abode kitchen sink and tap portfolio, this move further strengthens the partnership, offering an even greater choice of Abode products to all PJH customers throughout the UK.

Exclusively available from 6th January 2025 through PJH, the unique new Abode FOCUS 60 Bathroom Collection, centres around the 60cm wash zone, offering an inspiring suite of coordinated products that seamlessly blend luxury and functionality. This reimagined, ‘boutique’ bathroom range includes all the elements of the basin space, including meticulously crafted washbasins, countertop shelves, brassware, showering, mirrors and accessories.

Speaking about the new distribution partnership, Kim Cooper, PJH’s head of marketing & product, said: “We are delighted to partner with Abode once again to exclusively distribute this beautiful product collection, bolstering our own offer for our valued bathroom retailers and customers. The FOCUS 60 range brings a unique new choice to our own product offering, perfectly complementing our popular Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO brand collections.”

The new distribution alliance underscores PJH’s commitment to offering unparalleled choice and service excellence to its customers across the UK. Through its ‘FIRST CHOICE’ service promise, PJH offers a fast and reliable delivery service to both store and home addresses via its own fleet of vehicles, including real-time tracking, to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.

Peter Phelan, sales director at Abode, added: “Partnering with PJH yet again to distribute our brand-new FOCUS 60 Collection was a clear choice. We see PJH as a pivotal support to the retailer for quick availability, efficiency and a first-class service. Now thanks to PJH, UK retailers can provide their customers with a complete Abode bathroom where everything from the basin, bath and shower to the finishing touches are interlinked.”

All FOCUS 60 product lines are designed to complement each other, featuring on-trend finishes, innovative functionality and elegant new looks. ‘CAVA’ basins and ‘Tableau’ shelves in a Chalk or Pebble matt finish, are crafted from Abode’s exclusive new RemaStone – an eco-conscious material constructed from 35% recycled content and plant-based resin, making it 20% lighter in weight, as well as a sustainable choice. In perfect contrast, minimalist Black or Brass ‘IOX’ basins utilise 3mm gauge stainless steel and a premium PVD Nano coating making it water repellent for easier cleaning.

The full Abode FOCUS 60 Collection can now be ordered from PJH via the PJH Partners Portal™ website, www.partners.pjh.uk, or by contacting your regional PJH sales manager. Alternatively, contact PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or email sales@pjh.uk

Thanks to a Saniplus UP from Saniflo, a new garden retreat in the capital has been elevated to a new level of comfort and convenience. The solution, expertly chosen by former DJ and TV presenter Sam Pinkham, owner of Shack Cabins, for one of his customers, facilitated the luxury of a fully functional WC in a stylish garden office and leisure space.

The garden building, which was supplied and built by Shack Cabin, sits slightly below the level of the main house, presenting a unique challenge for traditional waste drainage. The quiet Saniplus UP macerator system provided the ideal solution, efficiently pumping waste to the main soil stack. Installed discreetly behind a demountable panel, the unit is hidden yet accessible for maintenance. This seamless integration means visitors to the space would never know it was there.

The Saniplus UP, part of Saniflo’s renowned macerator range, is designed for use with a full bathroom suite. It features a powerful motor capable of pumping waste up to 5 metres vertically or 100 metres horizontally, making it ideal for projects where gravity drainage isn’t an option. Its compact design and near-silent operation make it a practical and discreet solution for challenging installations.

Sam Pinkham explained why he chose the Saniplus UP: “The Saniplus UP was the perfect choice for this project. It’s incredibly easy to install and delivers reliable performance. My customer is over the moon with how it’s transformed their garden building into a versatile space with a fully functional bathroom. Without the Saniplus UP, this level of convenience wouldn’t have been possible.”

Sam’s journey to founding Shack Cabins is as unique as the garden buildings he creates. Sam entertained audiences across the UK for years as a radio DJ and home & holiday programme presenter. Inspired by the buildings he had seen whilst working on TV – and seeing how garden buildings could add value to a property as either a work from home or accommodation option – he launched Shack Cabins, where he brings bespoke, high-quality garden spaces to life.

The customer’s newly enhanced garden shack now serves as both an office and a relaxation area, complete with the modern convenience of a private WC thanks to the versatile and practical Saniflo solution.

Saniflo’s innovative range of macerators and pumps is designed to make bathroom and kitchen installations possible anywhere in the home or garden, regardless of the existing plumbing setup. The Saniplus UP, in particular, is renowned for its robust performance and quiet operation, making it a go-to choice for challenging projects like this one. For more information on Saniflo’s products and how they can help bring your dream spaces to life, visit www.saniflo.co.uk. To learn more about Shack Cabins and their bespoke building solutions, visit www.shackcabins.com

SANIPEX GROUP has appointed Francesca Vianello as showroom design and specification assistant at its BAGNODESIGN A&D Gallery in Clerkenwell, London’s design capital.

With over 20 years of experience in the interiors industry, including expertise in lighting, mosaics, tiles, furniture, and, crucially, bathrooms, Francesca brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her new role.

Francesca’s appointment strengthens the team at the Clerkenwell showroom, which is at the heart of London’s thriving architectural and design community. The BAGNODESIGN A&D Gallery is an inspirational space, showcasing a curated selection of premium products, from innovative bathroom solutions to sophisticated outdoor furniture and lighting collections.

Commenting on her new role, Francesca said: “I am genuinely excited to explore the amazing potential of the SANIPEX brands, and to inspire the A&D community with our vast choice of products – not only for bathrooms! Our lighting and outdoor furniture are also superb.”

As SANIPEX GROUP continues to push the boundaries of design excellence, Francesca’s expertise and enthusiasm will help position the brand as a leading destination for architects and designers seeking high-quality, versatile solutions for both residential and commercial projects.

For more information about Sanipex Group UK, please visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

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