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Vimar adds luxury to Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia

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Vimar has announced a collaboration with the Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia. The partnership enhances the hotel’s luxury experience with cutting-edge electrical solutions.

Situated halfway between Piazza Duomo and the iconic Navigli district, the Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia has been beautifully transformed from its original 1960s structure into a symbol of modern luxury. The renovation, led by Studio Marco Piva, has preserved the building’s distinctive exterior while reimagining its interior to meet the needs of international guests.

Central to the guest experience are the hotel’s bathrooms, which feature Vimar’s exclusive Eikon Exé series devices. These stylish controls integrate seamlessly into the contemporary urban loft design of each of the 159 rooms, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space.

The choice of finishes and materials in the bathrooms reflects a five-star luxury lifestyle, with warm wood-like textures complementing sleek glass and metal elements. The Eikon Exé series stands out with its traditional controls and precision geometry, meticulously arranged throughout the bathrooms, bedrooms and communal areas. The devices, available in an anthracite grey metal finish, harmoniously blend with the hotel’s elegant design, providing guests with intuitive access to lighting and other functions.

Additionally, the hotel features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool and lounge bar, where guests can unwind with stunning views of Milan while conveniently charging their devices using Vimar’s Plana series outlets, securely housed in Isoset IP55 enclosures.

The Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia embodies a cosmopolitan vibe, reflecting global influences while catering to diverse guest preferences. This innovative lifestyle hotel, with its focus on luxury and thoughtful design, exemplifies Vimar’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience through quality and innovation.

For more information about Vimar’s products, visit the www.vimar.com

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Technologies for a sustainable future: ISH 2025

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As the building and infrastructure sectors face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, the upcoming ISH 2025 trade fair in Frankfurt (17-21 March 2025) will spotlight innovative solutions promoting sustainability. With a focus on maximising resource efficiency and harnessing renewable energy sources, ISH 2025 will demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise the industry.

The world’s premier trade fair for HVAC and water will feature approximately 2,000 exhibitors from around the globe, showcasing the latest trends and technologies across 19 exhibition halls. Key areas include efficient water management, modern bathroom design, green facades, and advanced heating and air-conditioning systems. Notably, about 70% of exhibitors will come from outside Germany, with strong representation from Italy, Turkey, and Spain.

AI: The Future of Building Services

Under the theme “Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” ISH 2025 will delve into critical topics like eco-friendly heat generation and responsible water use. Christian Schlicht, an expert in corporate real estate, emphasises the transformative role of AI: “In building-services technology, AI acts as the conductor of an orchestra, synchronising various systems to enhance efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.”

AI systems enable real-time data analysis to optimise energy consumption and reduce costs. They facilitate the integration of renewable energy and predictive maintenance, ultimately enhancing the reliability and longevity of building systems. This holistic approach not only elevates comfort and security but also advances environmental stewardship in building operations.

Eight Key Solution Fields

The trade fair will unveil a new structure focused on eight solution fields tailored to visitor needs, including:

  • Water-bearing Systems: Essential for modern infrastructure, covering drinking-water supply and drainage.
  • Heat Generation: Innovations in sustainable heating methods.
  • Intelligent Building Management: Enhancing energy efficiency and security.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Advanced air-conditioning solutions for optimal environments.
  • Sustainable Bathrooms: Focus on eco-friendly installations and designs.
  • Sanitary & HVAC Production: High-quality components for various systems.
  • Installation Solutions: Cutting-edge tools and processes for efficient construction.
  • Software Solutions: Planning and management tools for successful project execution.

Building Future Conference: Driving Collaboration for Sustainability

Running parallel to ISH, the ‘Building Future Conference’ (17-20 March 2025) will bring together industry leaders from various sectors to forge strategies that promote sustainable building practices and climate protection. Organised by Messe Frankfurt in collaboration with key industry associations, this conference aims to address challenges related to sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction.

For further details on exhibitors, events, and the full range of solutions at ISH 2025, please visit ish.messefrankfurt.com.

17 to 21 March 2025

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 Schluter®-Systems Peel & Stick technology is ready for any sticky situation

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It is widely known that uncoupling membranes have become popular among installers who aim to provide their customers with durable and stable flooring solutions. However, recent advancements in product development are simplifying the installation process and solving problems that have led to countless call-backs in the past. Schlüter®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology is heralding a revolution in the marketplace.

The latest addition to the range is an advancement to Schlüter’s original DITRA. The new DITRA Peel & Stick maintains the renowned uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution, and vapour pressure equalisation properties of the original DITRA, bringing with it simple, clean, and quick installation. Peel & Stick is also available for the manufacturer’s electric and hydronic underfloor heating (UFH) offering.

While the usual provisos for installation regarding the substrate needing to be clean, dust-free, rigid and load-bearing remain the same, Peel & Stick presents the ideal answer to carrying out installations over the ubiquitous ‘green chipboard,’ which tiling adhesive simply will not adhere to. The advantages of being more straightforward to use make the product more accessible within the construction industry, with bathroom fitters or builders able to install the membrane. With no tiling adhesive needed, the installation process is cleaner and quicker, saving time on mixing, spreading or waiting for the tile adhesive to dry.

Schlüter’s Peel & Stick membranes make light work of installing uncoupling and underfloor heating. The only tool required for laying the Peel & Stick, cut-back stud structure with fleece backing is a craft knife, instead of having to mix up and spread tiling adhesive. Crucially, it is possible to reposition the membrane repeatedly, with the material only bonding to a substrate when pressure is applied. Walking on immediately after installation is also possible, reducing the risk of breaking the tile adhesive’s bond.

In addition to appealing to tiling contractors, the speed, simplicity, and versatility of the Peel & Stick range are gaining interest from small builders, bathroom specialists, and DIY enthusiasts. There is also a clear opportunity for offsite, particularly bathroom pod manufacturers, who increasingly rely on multi-skilling their workforce. 

Product manager for Schlüter®-Systems Andrew Saxon comments: “Widening our range of Peel & Stick solutions offers installers greater choice and can deliver a significant number of advantages over utilising tiling adhesive. It’s quicker, cleaner, and less physically demanding overall, so they can achieve much higher rates of progress. 

“Schlüter®-Systems DITRA-HEAT  and the recently launched BEKOTE-THERM  are also something which we are promoting strongly through our distributors and to all the installers who attend our Coalville showroom, that opened earlier this year – to undertake training. We normally run two sessions a week with attendance this year project to total more than 800.”

The 4mm electric cables or water pipes push-fit into the studded, fleece-backed membrane, which acts as both an insulating carrier and an uncoupling layer to help distribute stresses within the build-up, reducing the risk of tiles cracking. The two Schlüter®-Systems UFH options also offer sound transmission reduction of up to 13 dB.

In general, under-tile heating is viewed as an ideal means of providing targeted heating within new and additional or refurbished bathrooms and features widely in top-end residential developments. Convenient and economic, instead of encountering a cold and unwelcoming surface beneath bare feet, a correctly installed UFH system can deliver controllable warmth, creating a regulated temperature within the room space itself.

The Peel & Stick membranes range offers the ideal solution for dealing with troublesome substrates and avoiding damage to tiles. They can be combined with other products in the Schlüter-Systems range to ensure lasting tile and stone installations.

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

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Kaldewei shower surfaces deliver luxury and safety

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When it comes to shower surfaces, experience counts, and Kaldewei has spent over 100 years manufacturing, designing, and crafting high-quality sanitaryware and shower surfaces.   

All Kaldewei products are manufactured and distributed from their head office in Ahlen, Germany.  The shower surfaces are uniquely crafted from a single sheet of steel and then coated with Kaldewei steel enamel; this ensures that every product remains 100% recyclable and carries a 30-year guarantee.

When selecting a shower, the size of the bathroom is key, as it determines how large the shower surface can be. This must be taken into consideration with the room’s layout, which enables the optimum shape of the shower surface to be selected. Kaldewei offers shower trays for rooms of all sizes, the smallest of which is 75cm x 70cm, with the largest going up to 180cm x 100cm or 150cm x 150cm square. 

It follows that a large, rectangular bathroom is ideal for a large, rectangular shower surface, whilst a quarter-circle or pentagonal shower will work in a small, angled bathroom, and Kaldewei’s range of products enables them to provide luxurious, excellent quality products for projects from hotels to homes.

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In addition to their in-house team, Kaldewei works with leading designers such as Werner Aisslinger to create an extensive range of shower surfaces, including nine different floor-level shower surfaces, such as the Cayonoplan, Conoflat, Nexsys, and Superplan Plus.

These surfaces are perfect for multigenerational families and accessible living. With over 25 colours to choose from, the shower tray can be perfectly matched to the bathtub and washbasins in the room.

For any project, safety is key, and this year saw the introduction of Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip, a totally transparent surface that prevents slipping on the shiniest of shower surfaces.   It works on the glossiest of their steel enamel surfaces and has no impact on the feeling underfoot, nor is the hold diminished when using soap, shower gel, shampoo or simply when there is contact with water as the invisible micro-structuring of the enamel continues to provide a particularly strong grip underfoot.

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www.kaldewei.co.uk

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HEWI expands Iconic Range 801 with WARM TOUCH Edition

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In a significant advancement for barrier-free sanitary solutions, HEWI has announced that its renowned Range 801 is now available in the WARM TOUCH edition. The classic among barrier-free hygienic products is also available as a warm-to-the-touch alternative to chrome products.

Nobody likes to hold on to cold support rails, especially not in the bathroom or an accessible toilet. In particular, people with a heightened sensitivity to cold find it unpleasant to touch cold surfaces. That’s why HEWI, the pioneer of barrier-free sanitary equipment, has gone one step further and given the products in its classic design, the 801 range, an elegant chrome look – with a pleasantly temperate surface.

The name WARM TOUCH, therefore, says it all, as the support rails and the shower and bath handrails have the warm, tactile properties of polyamide and, thanks to the special coating, the elegant look of a chrome surface, elegance with the comfort factor.

For over 50 years, HEWI’s System 801 has set the benchmark for sanitary equipment, being the first barrier-free range in the industry. Today, it continues to offer top-tier, accessible sanitary solutions characterised by durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

In developing the WARM TOUCH edition, HEWI has prioritised the needs of both users and caregivers. The coating and colour selection are thoughtfully designed within the framework of universal design, catering to the diverse requirements of all individuals. This focus is particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility, who gain enhanced security and confidence through the ergonomic round tube design of washbasin, WC, and shower support systems.

Pleasantly warm, elegant and easy to care for

The high-quality chrome-look coating of the WARM TOUCH edition not only imparts a sophisticated appearance to the polyamide products but also ensures exceptional durability and ease of cleaning. These features are crucial for environments such as professional nursing care, the hospitality industry, and private homes. Additionally, the comfort of a pleasantly warm surface can significantly benefit individuals with rheumatic conditions and other sensitivities.

For more information about HEWI’s WARM TOUCH edition and the Range 801, please visit HEWI

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Utopia staff are in the pink

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Employees at Utopia were delighted to support the charity Breast Cancer Now last Friday, 18 October, by sporting pink garments to work on Wear It Pink Day. Many staff members raided their wardrobes, and a whole range of pink clothing was displayed at the company’s Wolverhampton headquarters.

This was the latest fund-raising effort by the company, which supports a range of local and national charities. Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, said, “Who doesn’t enjoy the opportunity to dress up for a good cause? Cancer charities are particularly dear to our heart at Utopia as a number of employees have been affected, including our own Liz Green, so we’re delighted to take any opportunity to support them.”

www.utopiagroup.com

                                           

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ProPlanet UK Ltd joins the BMA as an affiliate member

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has welcomed ProPlanet UK Ltd., a leading IT software company specialising in Product Information Management (PIM), ETIM Classification and Product Data Services, as its newest affiliate member.

Founded in 2000, Proplanet are PIM specialists and co-founders of ETIM with extensive experience in helping manufacturers, merchants, and retailers streamline their product data, workflow, and communication processes.

Proplanet’s PIM is an easy-to-use, flexible, fully customisable PIM solution that allows manufacturers to manage, organise, enrich, and distribute detailed product information directly to marketing channels, all from a single, centralised platform. This technology is crucial in today’s digital era, where precise and effective communication of product information across various channels is essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s chief executive, highlighted the importance of ProPlanet Ltd joining the association: “Having ProPlanet on board strengthens the BMA’s ability to support our members as they navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Their expertise and knowledge offer manufacturers the tools to enhance their e-commerce capabilities and ensure product information accuracy across all platforms. This will play a key role in improving efficiency and driving innovation within the industry.”

Sales and Marketing Director Suzanne Wells Adgar from Proplanet shared their perspective on joining the BMA: “We are very excited to collaborate with the BMA and its members. By joining the association, we aim to bring our industry knowledge and PIM and ETIM expertise to members, helping them optimise their product information processes.

“Through our PIM solution, businesses can take full advantage of online marketing and e-commerce opportunities while ensuring consistency and control over their product data information. Our Proplanet Product Data Services will also provide BMA members with access to an additional external data resource, of which they can tap into when required to help complete and harness the full potential of their valuable product data information. We look forward to working with the BMA’s network to drive digital transformation across the industry.”

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Utopia adds new colours to its Roseberry timber bathroom furniture range

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An exciting combination of bold colour and heritage shades marks the latest stage in the evolution of Roseberry, Utopia’s premium painted timber collection of fitted, wall-mounted and freestanding bathroom furniture.

Joining the existing Roseberry palette are six brand new, carefully selected colours, including rich, vibrant Royal Mulberry, Highland Green and Midnight Blue, and three subtle, more traditional shades – Natural Limestone, Wild Mushroom and Pistachio Green.

Rich Shore, Head of Product Design at Utopia, comments “The consumer is now much more confident about the use of colour and prepared to embrace strong shades to create dramatic focal points in the bathroom. These six new colourways are right on trend.”

Expanding on this, Helen Clark, Utopia’s head of marketing, says, “Initially, Roseberry was positioned very much as a premium range targeting that classic look of traditional, hand-painted timber furniture, but we soon saw that it had far greater appeal. Extending our colour palette yet again to include on-trend shades massively extends the design scope of this range, and we are seeing some very exciting, contemporary bathroom designs featuring Roseberry.”

Now offered in a total of twelve shades, the Roseberry Collection is designed and manufactured in the UK, using responsibly sourced timber and painted to order in-house using state of the art facilities.

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KEUCO expands KEUCO PLAN Collection with new thermostatic bathtub mixer

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KEUCO has launched a new addition to its PLAN collection: the PLAN blue thermostatic bathtub mixer. This wall-mounted solution combines timeless, contemporary design with functionality, making it a perfect fit for various bathroom styles.

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Designed for new builds and renovations, the PLAN blue mixer discreetly conceals water supply connections behind two round decor discs. The handles on either side allow users to easily adjust the water temperature and flow rate.

Safety is paramount, as the mixer features a temperature block set at 38 °C to minimise scalding risks. The centrally positioned spout and conveniently located shower hose connection enhance usability.

The slender design of the PLAN blue series complements existing thermostatic shower mixers and is further supported by a wide range of accessories for bathtubs, showers, and washbasins. Available in classic chrome or bold matt black, these options cater to diverse design needs, making them suitable for modern bathrooms in hotels, healthcare facilities, and private residences.

www.keuco.com

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Ideal Standard hosts exclusive event with George Clarke at its Clerkenwell showroom 

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Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard recently hosted an insightful discussion on bathroom design and specification, featuring TV presenter and architect George Clarke, at its London Design and Specification Centre on 16 October.

This exclusive media event allowed attendees to engage directly with George, delving into key topics in interior design and his recent home renovation experiences.

Throughout the day, the conversations highlighted the critical role of sustainability in bathroom design. Participants explored how bathroom products can transcend mere water conservation and be crafted to endure both physically and aesthetically. The discussions also focused on how designers can weave these essential themes into their new projects and renovations.

Sustainability has always been at the core of George’s philosophy, significantly influencing his work and product choices. “The ability to specify high-quality products that evolve proven design concepts rather than trend-led items that need replacing frequently reduces the carbon footprint of raw material usage, manufacturing emissions and transport.” This commitment to durability and excellence is a hallmark of Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collection.

With a shared dedication to enduring, quality products, George Clarke incorporated several Ideal Standard items into his recent home renovation, including the minimalist Conca furniture, Linda X basin and bath.

Attendees were also given the chance to get hands-on with the latest ranges on display at Ideal Standard’s showroom, including the most recent edition to the design-led Atelier Collections – the Italian lifestyle inspired La Dolce Vita® range – created by internationally renowned designer, Roberto Palomba. 

To discover the new La Dolce Vita® range and Atelier Collections, visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/  

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