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Schlüter®-Systems launches customisable washbasin/vanity unit

Kerdi Board W

Building on the success of its acclaimed KERDI-BOARD, Schlüter-Systems has launched the customisable, prefabricated KERDI-BOARD-W, enabling homeowners as well as architects and contractors to create a vanity unit quickly and cost-effectively. 

KERDI-BOARD-W, like the company’s durable and waterproof, extruded rigid-foam KERDI-BOARD, is immediately ready for tiling, while it is light weight and easy to handle; and can be combined with the KERDI-LINE-VARIO drainage profiles. 

Kerdi Board W

For increased versatility, the 1¼ inch connection thread included in the set is ideally suited for combination with commercially available siphons or traps.  The ready-to-use pack also contains KERDI components for secure waterproofing: including the permanently attached, elasticated KERDI collar and the KERDI-KERS corner pieces (right and left), which facilitate reliable connection to the adjoining wall. 

Two variations from the KERDI-LINE-VARIO range of drainage profiles are available to choose from, which should be fitted over the outlet.  These can be individually cut to size, are height adjustable and are shipped with two matching end caps.

Designed to be used with a wall mounted tap, the unit can easily be adapted to a multiplicity of on-site situations. It can be installed as a floating version with the optionally available wall brackets or can be supported on legs made of 50 mm thick Schlüter®-KERDI-BOARD. 

To finish a project off with a sophisticated flourish, Schlüter’s LIPROTEC system offers an extensive selection of profiles for custom illumination of the washbasin/vanity unit.

As well as the comprehensive product information, design details and demonstration videos available on its website, Schlüter-Systems in the UK also offers a technical advisory service ready to help both property owners and professionals.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

Other news from Schlüter®-Systems

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Homeowners unaware of water regulations despite recognising plumbing risks

WRAS

A survey of 2,000 British households sheds light on homeowners’ perceptions of water regulations and plumbing risks revealing a concerning lack of awareness, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in property maintenance and public health.

The study, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) aims to gauge the familiarity of homeowners with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, uncovering a stark reality: only 15% of respondents are acquainted with the regulations, representing a decline from 21% in 2021. The regulations impose a legal duty on everyone to use suitable water fittings when connected to public water supplies. Anything from pipes, fittings, taps, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, to coffee machines, boilers and toilets, need to comply.

Despite this low regulatory awareness, the survey indicates a prevalent recognition of the risks associated with faulty plumbing products among homeowners. An overwhelming 94% of respondents acknowledge the potential property damage resulting from faulty plumbing, suggesting there is a significant gap in understanding the regulatory frameworks that govern these essential home systems.

The findings also spotlight a notable awareness (73%) among homeowners regarding the potential health risks posed by untested plumbing products. Non-metallic materials used in water fittings can contaminate drinking water. While 73% had awareness of this, it emphasises that a large portion of UK households need better information about whether plumbing products have been tested to make informed decisions.  

Another positive revelation emerges as 62% of homeowners demonstrate awareness that plumbing products connected to the public water supply must undergo testing to ensure they meet suitable quality and standards. This signifies a willingness among homeowners to engage with regulatory compliance once they are made aware of its significance.

However, confusion persists regarding the responsibility for checking compliance of plumbing products. Only 25% of respondents correctly identified that homeowners or landlords bear this responsibility. This lack of clarity suggests an urgent need for education on the roles and responsibilities within the plumbing supply chain.

Understandably, many people might expect all products sold to have been successfully tested, but unfortunately that is not the case. This means its really important for anyone buying plumbing products to check compliance.  WRAS also believes that manufacturers should always be clear about whether their products have successfully passed mandatory conformity tests.

WRAS approval manager Ian Hughes said “the WRAS approved product logo gives customers assurance that the products have been independently certified to demonstrate compliance with the regulations“.

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Grohe announces Primaflow F&P as new UK distributor

Grohe Primaflow F&P

Grohe has appointed Primaflow F&P as its new UK distributor for its trade range of bathroom and kitchen products, covering the UK market. Primaflow F&P is the UK’s largest distributor of plumbing, heating, and bathroom products, offering nationwide next-day delivery from its extensive network of distribution centres.

As of January 2024, the distributor will stock Grohe’s portfolio of bathroom and kitchen products designed for trade and showrooms. The range has been built to ensure next-day access to key bestselling lines such as Eurosmart, Essence, Tempesta and Euphoria and supports the products featured in GROHE’s trade and showroom brochures.

James Sturdy, who will be heading up the account for Grohe comments: “We’re delighted to be working with Primaflow F&P, they are well known for their service levels and this will enhance Grohe’s offering alongside our existing distribution partners. This new partnership will only strengthen our offering to our customers and reiterate our position as a go-to brand for complete bathroom and kitchen fittings.”

Andrew Ballantine, managing director of Primaflow, F&P, said “We’re excited to have a globally recognisable name such as Grohe to join our existing branded bathroom offering. We are committed to a strong stock profile, providing our customer base with Grohe products on their normal delivery service, bringing quality product and service together.”

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Danish design aesthetic steals the limelight

Bathroom Review Unidrain Reframe Pedal Bin Danish design

Unidrain’s pedal bin has won the German Design Awards 2024 in the category ‘Excellent Product Design’. The award was given for ‘outstanding design quality’, and as the jury says: ‘Those who beat out the high-calibre competitors have successfully proven that they are among the best’.

“We’re very pleased that our approach – combining a Danish Design aesthetic with innovative engineering – is being appreciated by experts in the industry.
 
“It’s not the first time, either. You may recall that our Reframe Collection has won the German Design Award before. For example, in 2019 the award was given to no less than two products in the series: the soap shelf and shower wiper set and the toilet brush.

“All this reaffirms us in our conviction that clean lines, careful thought and quality materials will always be a winning combination.” Comments marketing manager Kim Maretti.

Every detail surrounding the Reframe Pedal bin is concise and stylish. Its timeless, elegant, and simplistic aesthetic belies the carefully considered design solutions that have addressed specific practical challenges. With no external mechanics, clean lines surround the pedal bin, making it easy to clean and delightful to view.

Contact Unidrain today to find out more! export@unidrain.dk

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The Great British Rain Paradox survey highlights UK water crisis

Despite a selective chorus of voices warning of an impending water crisis, Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, argues the government and key stakeholders must urgently educate the public.

In the heart of our country, a looming crisis is quietly unfolding, largely ignored by the public despite its impending severity: water scarcity.

The combination of a surging population and climate change effects such as rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events significantly threaten our water security. Indeed, parts of the Southeast are already classed as ‘water-stressed’.

The Great British Rain Paradox survey paints a startling picture – while 72% of the British public believes that the UK has sufficient water to meet daily demands, the reality is far different. Only 10% of people consider water consumption a critical environmental issue, ranking significantly lower than plastic pollution (39%), energy consumption (22%), and food waste (16%). This alarming discrepancy in perception highlights a critical need for awareness and education.

Water companies and their associated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have historically been the messengers for water reduction calls. However, they must first address critical issues to regain credibility. High on the agenda is reducing water pipe leakage and tackling sewage pollution. Without public trust in their capabilities, their messages to educate the public about water scarcity and reduce demand will likely fail.

Without any current comprehensive government action on education concerning water reduction, the onus will fall on the next administration to coordinate a national public information campaign. The objective must be to enlighten the public about the impending water scarcity crisis and instigate simple steps to reduce consumption. A proactive approach should also include promoting or incentivising the retrofitting of water-efficient fittings in properties, ultimately driving widespread change.

In addition, architects and designers hold a unique position to contribute to this cause. A national public information campaign would enable you to advocate louder for water-saving initiatives within the bathroom space. By incorporating water-efficient fittings in your designs, you contribute to the larger conservation effort and position yourself as a pioneer in sustainable design. Your influence extends beyond aesthetics; it encompasses the responsibility to foster a collective understanding of the water scarcity challenge and to drive tangible change.

The water crisis in England may be quiet, but its consequences are deafening. It’s time for the next UK Government and key stakeholders to amplify their voices, implement innovative solutions and advocate for lasting behavioural change. The future of water sustainability lies in our collective hands, and the bathroom sector can be at the forefront of this transformative journey.

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PJH boosts Bathrooms to Love BOND with new website

Bathrooms to Love BOND

PJH has launched a new Bathrooms to Love website www.bathroomstolove.uk), with many new features and tools to support the retailer as part of its Bathrooms to Love BOND initiative.

With the retailer always in mind, as well as boasting an inviting and elegant design that is intuitive to consumers looking to elevate their bathroom spaces, the new Bathrooms to Love website also hosts Enhanced Stockist Locator Pages, which can be managed and kept up-to-date easily through their PJH Partners Portal™ account. These Retail Showroom pages provide a new dedicated platform for retailers to promote their services such as branding, opening hours and installation capabilities, allowing them to directly connect more personally with customers and drive business to their showrooms.

With full product catalogue listings, this dynamic platform seamlessly combines information and inspiration, with users able to browse ‘By Style’, where they will find bathroom design inspiration in the form of style blogs, or ‘By Product’, where they will find the whole product offering split into categories. In addition, the popular Bathrooms to Love social media platforms are actively driving more traffic to the site and ultimately, end-customers to retail showrooms.

Thanks to cutting-edge Augmented Reality technology, customers can visualise how Bathrooms to Love products will look in their own spaces – this immersive experience ensuring that every potential purchase aligns perfectly with their vision. Consumers can also create a personal Wish List of favourite products, which through a brand new “Showroom Locator” tool can also be sent to their chosen retailer. The facility to order or download a brochure is also offered.

Sally Hough, Multi-channel Marketing Manager, PJH, said: “Supporting the retailer through our Bathrooms to Love BOND initiative, the new Bathrooms to Love website takes our online presence to a whole new level. This provides retailers with the tools to showcase their services and bridge that all important gap between the consumer and retailer on their buying journey. It’s an invaluable marketing and support tool for our retailers and, coupled with our social media channels – Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and TikTok, will help to drive footfall and sales directly to their business.”

Regularly updated, in line with PJH’s popular social media accounts, the new Bathrooms to Love website will always reflect the very latest on-trend bathroom styles, colours, finishes and designs, to bring a whole new level of ideas and possibilities to the consumer, whilst promoting sales to its retailer network.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99  / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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KBB Birmingham shares exhibitor highlights

Returning to the NEC Birmingham from 3-6 March 2024 is the UK’s largest dedicated kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition, kbb Birmingham.  Showcasing over 250 exhibitors, from 20 different countries across the KBB sector, the biennial event will feature the latest industry product innovations and advanced designs across the four-day show.

“We can’t wait to welcome thousands of designers, retailers, installers, property developers and buyers to discover the impressive array of exhibitors that are showcasing the latest KBB trends and innovations at our event in March. There will be plenty to explore, with brand-new launches and the chance to see live product demonstrations throughout the four-day event.” comments Sam Fisher, Event Director for kbb Birmingham.

Bathroom Highlights

This year’s kbb Birmingham features exciting bathroom brands including VitrA, Roca, Merlyn, House of Rohl and Vado. Some of the exhibitor highlights to look forward to from the bathroom sector include:

Whitebirk Sink Company (H84) uses the skills of master craftsmen to manufacture its traditional handmade fireclay sinks. Kréte, its concrete range of bathroom basins will launch at the show, made from materials sourced in the UK and fully recyclable. With a variety of sink and tap types in different designs and materials, products can be tailored to exact requirements.

Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms (E54) is a family-run business dating back over 100 years. Kbb Birmingham will see the launch of two new furniture collections, including the Esme floor-standing cloakroom unit. The unit is compact and slimline and features luxurious soft close doors that provide quiet and controlled closure with plenty of storage space for bathroom essentials. The brand also uses Eco-Stone gel coat technology as an environmentally friendly alternative, potentially saving 1.4kg of plastic from polluting the environment each year.

Newly exhibiting for 2024 is the Artweger JOICE Walk-in+ barrier-free walk-in shower, by Leda Bathrooms (C72). The brand proudly supplies beautiful bathroom furniture for the less abled, blending style and accessibility for the bathroom. Leda Bathrooms is a ‘zero landfill’ company, with all waste and byproducts screened for recycling and the remainder used for power generation.

Brassware manufacturer, Ramón Soler (J91) from Barcelona will showcase its comprehensive range of eco-efficient and highly reliable hydrotherapy shower systems, bathroom taps, kitchen mixers, and bathroom accessories. The brand prioritises research to optimise the consumption of water, energy, and materials within the home and during the production of its products.

Presenting innovative and avant-garde decorative concepts for the shower space, Acquabella (D44) will launch its Noon Slate Bathtub. Combining elegance with functionality, its contemporary design blends seamlessly into a variety of bathroom styles characterised by an exclusive material with the durability of Akron® and the natural appearance of slate.

Kitchen Highlights

The show floor will be full of leading kitchen brands from the kitchen sector including Haier, Rangemaster, Nobili, Loch Anna, Novy, RotPunkt and Caple all at the event. Discover some of the exhibitor highlights to look forward to from the kitchen sector:

One of the world’s largest furniture fitting manufacturers, Hettich (R70) will feature its new LightTower® – an illuminated tower unit larder storage, with no mains wiring required and based on the AvanTech YOU platform drawer system.

Miro Products (J90) will exhibit its wide range of kitchen extractors for the UK market at this year’s show. The stylish and unique range of high-performance products all feature the latest cutting-edge technology designed for the demands of modern-day kitchen living.

This year’s sponsor of the kbb Innovation Awards and the world’s leading manufacturer of kitchen and furniture fittings, BLUM (C90, C85, B98), will launch REVEGO, a pocket door system designed to intuitively change entire spaces for multifunctional use. The journey at the Blum ‘Village’ will include a display which will enable visitors to explore living spaces ranging from the compact through to open plan, presenting different solutions and stories along the way.

Renowned for its high-quality furniture, innovative product design, and pioneering technology, Sachsenküchen (N70) will showcase AccuraBox – a precision drawer system with six customisable options and a sleek new black design, in addition to its 2024 kitchen collection. With sustainability at the heart of the brand, they were recently certified as a CO2-neutral manufacturer by the German Quality Association (DGM).

The QVac built-in vacuum sealer by BORA (K90) reduces food waste by maintaining taste and appearance for up to three times longer. With three functions: vacuum sealing, resealing bottles, and marinating, the QVac which will be demonstrated at the show, continues to revolutionise the kitchen as a living space. Throughout the kbb event, Bora will showcase how its products are used in the kitchen with live cookery demonstrations.

Clearwater Products (M113) combine functionality, great design, and reliability in its designs for kitchen sinks and taps. The company will display its wide range of hot taps, pull-outs, and sinks in materials including Quarex Granite, Cast Iron, and Nano-coated stainless steel.

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Can a toilet make a design statement without compromising functionality or hygiene?

This was the question Duravit explored with the Italian industrial designer Antonio Bullo. This led to their recent collaboration: a toilet that combines a hygienic ceramic interior with a customizable exterior made from DuroCast Smooth.

“I created Millio to breathe new life into objects that are otherwise confined to their bare essentials,” said Antonio Bullo, explaining the basic idea of the toilet. The design includes three surface finishes that are available in different colors. “Millio goes beyond mere function by dissolving the division that currently exists between sanitary ceramic and the bathroom.

Millio is completely integrated into the aesthetics of the bathroom,” Bullo went on to say, describing his creation.

The best of both worlds: innovative material composite.

The toilet is comprised of two distinctly separate parts, yet they are a perfect fit: a ceramic toilet interior and a mineral-material exterior that is pleasantly soft to the touch.

The unique material combination offers the best of both worlds: the customizable exterior provides the maximum opportunity for versatility of design and is combined with outstanding hygiene thanks to the ceramic toilet interior. Duravit’s choice for the exterior is DuroCast Smooth, a durable material that is more than equal to the rigors of everyday use.

WC design with maximum individuality

DuroCast Smooth provides a gel coat finish that enables a variety of colours and textures to be combined, making it extremely versatile in terms of design opportunities.

The colour palette comprises five contemporary colours curated by designer Christian Werner and is available in one of three different grooved and patterned surface textures. The colour concept includes other Duravit products that can be merged in various ways – from a monochrome bathroom in Parlour Blue right up to a multi-coloured composition.

A special option is available for order quantities of 24 units and above. Ordered in such numbers, Millio can be manufactured in any colour, opening completely new design opportunities for projects.

For example, if the colour of a brand identity is to be consistently integrated into a building project, such an offering can be included within the overall design concept.

Design that meets the highest hygiene standards

As a ceramic specialist with decades of experience, Duravit selected hygienic ceramic as the material for the body of the Millio toilet. The inner basin of the glossy white surface was additionally finished with the HygieneGlaze antibacterial glaze to offer maximum hygiene. After just six hours, 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are inhibited and after 24 hours 99.9% – an unprecedented level. The exterior made from DuroCast Smooth is affixed to the ceramic bowl via a waterproof bond, making it easy to clean. Similarly, the pore-free surface of the mineral material plays its part in keeping the toilet clean and hygienic.

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KBSA celebrates 17 new retail members

KBSA 17 Retail Members

The Kbsa has announced a record number of new retail members joining in the last two months of the year.

A total of seventeen new members have been accepted for membership, completing an exceptionally successful year of growth for the Kbsa.

The retailers are based across the UK and include:

  • Dale Jones Kitchens, Greater Manchester
  • Eclipse Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd, Wigan
  • Kitchen Culture (Cambridgeshire) Ltd, Cambridge
  • Gainsborough Kitchens Ltd, Lincolnshire
  • Thomas Vaughan Ltd, Glamorganshire
  • Creating Spaces Group Ltd, Halifax
  • Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd, Lincoln
  • The KBB Centre, Ipswich
  • Creative Interiors By Design, Suffolk
  • Icon Kitchens, Croydon
  • The Little Kitchen and Bathroom Company, Derbyshire
  • Crown Homeworks Limited, Grantham
  • Phoenix Kitchens Ltd, Metheringham
  • Dale Interiors of Jacksdale Ltd, Nottinghamshire
  • Cook & Sleep Kitchens and Bedrooms, Lincoln
  • Kings Norton Kitchens Ltd, Birmingham
  • Barras Home Improvements Ltd, Coventry

Retail and Corporate membership director Malcolm Scott said, “I am delighted to welcome all seventeen retailers into the Kbsa.

“As the UK’s only trade association that supports the independent KBB retailer, the Kbsa offers unrivalled support and business benefits that enable retailers to operate more efficiently and profitably.

“We are continuing to invest in our 5-year plan to increase the profile of the Kbsa and improve member benefits, which has undoubtedly helped us achieve substantial growth in membership this year.

“2024 promises to be a great year for the Kbsa as we become bigger and stronger, there has never been a better time to join the Kbsa.”

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PJH Macmillan fundraiser boosted with 3-peaks & coffee!

PJH Macmillan

Having nominated Macmillan Cancer Support as its Charity of the Year, PJH, the bathroom, appliance, sink & tap distributor, has successfully passed the halfway point of its ambitious £10,000 fundraising goal, with an amazing £6,136 raised!

Thanks to incredible staff support and motivation, PJH has doubled the amount raised since the summer (£3,000 was the total in September), by way of a Three Peaks Challenge, Macmillan Coffee Mornings and a Funday held at the PJH Cannock Distribution Centre.

PJH pledges to match the £10,000 goal once this target has been achieved, and staff throughout PJH’s UK network are demonstrating extraordinary dedication in their fundraising efforts, determined to exceed the target and make an impact in its support of this worthy charity.

Taking on the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, six PJH colleagues successfully covered an impressive 24 miles including 5,200ft of ascent. Conquering the Yorkshire Dales peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, the team finished in high spirits, delighted in raising vital funds for Macmillan.

Meanwhile, numerous Macmillan Coffee Mornings took place across a number of PJH sites where staff got baking plenty of Bakewell tarts, chocolate brownies and Victoria sponges, washed down with a good cuppa! PJH’s Head of Retail Customer Experience, Brett Jenkinson even dug out his pinny for the special occasion to serve refreshments to the whole office at Cannock!

Colleagues at Cannock also took the fundraising one step further by enhancing their coffee morning with the addition of a full range of fun-filled activities throughout the day to raise yet more funds. From sponsored leg waxes to a Tombola, and Medieval Stocks to raffles, staff went all out to get the donations rolling in.      

Katy Burns, PJH’s HR Business Partner, said: “We chose Macmillan as the 2023/24 PJH charity of the year, as it is such an amazing organisation that makes a huge difference to the lives of millions of people affected by cancer. All PJH fundraising events present the opportunity to raise awareness of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity and communicate the incredibly important work it does in supporting people affected by cancer. PJH colleagues have really got behind so many fundraising activities so I’m sure we’ll smash our target!”

For further information on Macmillan Cancer Care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk, and for PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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