In response to overwhelming requests, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation announces an extension to the BiKBBI Awards entry deadline to Sunday 5th November 2023.
The BiKBBI Awards is free to enter, with 12 awards categories, and businesses and individuals can nominate themselves, their business, a colleague, a business associate or a company they work with via a dedicated online platform. And now, those planning to enter or nominate have three weeks to complete their submission.
The BiKBBI Installation Awards were launched in 2021 to recognise businesses and individuals’ talent, contributions and achievements in the KBB installation sector. The 2024 programme features twelve categories including:
Installer of the Year
Young Installer of the Year
Apprentice of the Year
Installation Manager of the Year
Installation Business of the Year
Customer Service Champion of the Year
Community Champion of the Year
Independent Retailer of the Year
National Retailer of the Year
Industry Newcomer 2024
Environmental Champion of the Year
Special Recognition Award
The BiKBBI Awards 2024 winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at London’s prestigious QEII Centre, Westminster, on Tuesday 6 February 2024.
Bathroom brand GROHE was announced as the winner of the Open Category Award at the BMA Sustainability Awards on Tuesday 10th October 2023. Winners were announced in front of industry peers in a ceremony hosted by TV personality Mark Watson at the Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire, as part of the BMA’s Annual Industry Conference. The Sustainability Awards are independently judged by journalists, industry experts, academics, and representatives from NGO’s.
New for this year, the Open Category Award recognises the various initiatives that bathroom manufacturers have embarked on in an aspirational path towards more sustainable practices, from transitioning operations to a circular economy model, educating staff about efficient water use, or inspiring customers to make eco-friendly decisions through marketing and product campaigns. The judges collectively agreed that GROHE’s range of environmental initiatives and a good understanding of sustainability had the winning edge.
Ebru Bircan, Leader, Marketing Activation UK, LIXIL EMENA & GROHE UK says: “As a global brand, we believe it is both our individual and organisational responsibility to actively research and action methods of bringing meaningful products to market while guaranteeing they leave behind a healthy planet for future generations. We are thrilled with this acknowledgement from the BMA recognising GROHE’s comprehensive 360-degree approach to sustainability that serves as such an integral part of our DNA, and one we hope will inspire the progression of sustainability within the industry.”
Vitrium from Duravit is a unique series that brings a splash of colour into the bathroom. It includes furniture such as vanity units, a tall cabinet and washbasins and can be combined with toilets and bathtubs from other series.
The colour concept, with its six nuances, is curated by Christian Werner, who was also responsible for the formal design of the Vitrium bathroom furniture and washbasins. There are six colours in total, which create presence without dominating the space and form a matt, warm contrast complementing wood, stone, concrete or matching tiled surfaces.
A splash of colour in the bathroom
Christian Werner’s design studio spent three months developing the final colour palette. The designer, who enjoys working on a tactile and a visual level, created collages in his studio made from things that inspire him, including the living world and various colours. These helped him find a direction for the design. What value does a colour communicate? What impact does it have on furniture and washbasins? How does it work in the room? How does it match with Duravit’s brand identity?
“Colour also determines how we perceive a product. It’s an emotion because everyone responds to it differently. Multiple colours create a kind of colour resonance, something that ideally creates harmony. And colours for an interior should never be considered in isolation, but rather in the context of the entire space.”
For Christian Werner it is important that the colours work on their own, and that they also harmoniously interact with each other. This means they can be used as an accent and to create an interior theme.
The final colour palette consists of three neutral shades; Light Gray Matt, Dark Gray Matt, and White Matt as well as the three rich shades Greenblue Matt, Parlour Blue Matt, and Cinnamon Matt. The products are ideal for architecture ranging from minimalist rooms right through to rustic country houses, they can create accents in a private bathroom, or make a statement in office, hotel and restaurant bathrooms.
Used alone as a focal point, the furniture and washbasins have the aesthetic effect of an artistic sculpture, and when used tone-on-tone they create a balance between harmony, tranquility and a bold statement. “The idea behind Vitrium is to help transform the bathroom into a favorite room,” summarized Christian Werner.
Furniture and washbasins: tone-on-tone
The design language of the objects is as clean and unfussy as the colour palette. The series takes its inspiration from fundamental geometric shapes such as a circle and cube. The minimalist console vanity unit can be combined with a round above-counter basin made from DuroCast UltraResist or a square washbasin, which guarantees that the washbasin and furniture work perfectly together, thanks to the c-shaped process developed by Duravit.
The storage furniture was also developed by Christian Werner for Duravit and is available as a mid-height cabinet and wall-mounted vanity unit in a range of widths, while the 1420mm unit is also available as a double washbasin. Its elegant design language makes it an ideal addition to the range of delicate (finer) washbasin.
The two surfaces – lacquered wood and the cast mineral material DuroCast UltraResist developed by Duravit – appear as one thanks to the advanced technical expertise deployed in their manufacture. The extra layer of lacquer lends the washbasins yet more outstanding material qualities: “The pleasant, velvety surface creates an extraordinarily tactile experience,” said Christian Werner, describing how the material feels to the touch. Additionally, the non-porous surface makes the units easy to clean and comparatively scratch and dirt resistant.
One colour – one family
In addition to the two round and rectangular washbasins, Duravit also supplies the DuraSquare bathtub and a wall-mounted toilet in the new colours. The DuraSquare free-standing bathtub, made from DuroCast Plus, with its rectangular external shape and precise edges is a perfect match. Its flowing interior contours create an aesthetic link to the round Vitrium washbasin.
The Millio toilet with matching toilet seat, designed by the Italian designer Antonio Bullo, not only reflects the colours, but is also available with two surface textures – a grooved and a patterned relief – in addition to the standard smooth version, offering even more choice.
It is made from two pieces that are seamlessly connected to one another: a ceramic toilet body and a panel made from DuroCast Smooth that is pleasantly tactile. The antibacterial glaze of the interior basin with the glossy white surface is extremely hygienic. After just six hours, 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are inhibited and after 24 hours 99.9% – an unprecedented level.
A special option is available for order quantities of 16 units and above. Ordered in such numbers, Millio can be manufactured in any colour, which is of particular interest to the commercial sector, for instance integrating the colour of a brand identity into a building concept.
The Tulum faucet range by Philippe Starck is a great accompaniment, with its geometric design language combining round and rectangular shapes.
New to their offering and sourced from Porto Venere in Italy, striking Nero Portoro marble tops bring drama to the bathroom. With elegant gold and white veining against a sleek black backdrop, it pairs perfectly with Drummonds’ choice of nine metal finishes.
Designed as statement centrepieces for bathrooms and cloakrooms, Drummonds’ single and double vanity units have an elegant, refined aesthetic suited to both classic and contemporary interiors. Drummonds’ traditional craft manufacturing processes bring a very special quality to their vanities, combining hand-poured clay with luxurious materials and finishes.
Drummonds’ vanities come in four marble finishes: White Arabescato, Nero Marquina, Verde Guatemala and Nero Portoro.
Pictured top – Double Lowther H:1160 x W:1700 x D:690mm Price: from £8472
Pictured left – Double Ladybower H:850 x W:1500 x D:585mm Price: from £9360
Once considered an added extra, a cloakroom is now essential in all new-build properties or for anyone updating or remodelling their home. It’s a convenient space for guests to freshen up without having to go through the entire house and a necessary facility for multigenerational households. Therefore, it’s no surprise that demand is high for bathroom solutions to suit these tiny spaces. Fortunately, Roca offers a wide – and growing – range of compact sanitaryware and reduced-sized furniture, all designed to help you make the very most of the floorspace available in your cloakroom.
But where to start? Here are a few key things to think about when planning the smallest room in the home.
Choose space-saving fixtures and fittings
When designing a cloakroom, the first step is choosing the right fixtures and fittings. Whether tucked under the stairs or an added extra on a kitchen extension, a cloakroom requires fixtures that are compact and space-saving.
Roca’s The Gap (pictured top and left) is an ideal choice. Its furniture range is designed to include something for all sizes of bathroom, from 1200m double basin vanities to compact furniture that measures just 500mm-wide (see right, in Nordic Ash, £630). Crucially, the compact vanity also projects just 380mm, allowing for more kneeroom if the WC is opposite or next to the basin. It also comes with an integrated basin and two useful drawers for spare toilet rolls.
Go for wall-hung sanitaryware
When it comes to saving space in a cloakroom, wall-hung sanitaryware and furniture is a no-brainer. By mounting the toilet, basin or vanity unit on the wall, you can free up valuable floor space, making the cloakroom feel more open. The most compact WCs from Roca’s Ona collection are wall-hung designs, which project just 480mm into the room. Bear in mind you’ll need a concealed frame to support the WC, but a compact frame is only around 80mm deep.
Select a small basin
In a cloakroom, the basin only needs to be big enough to rinse your hands, so you can go for something as tiny as the Ona wall-hung basin. Measuring just 450 x 260 x 150mm and made from Roca’s revolutionary extra-strong Fineceramic® (a unique ceramic with additional minerals that give it greater strength), its ultra-thin walls allow for maximum hand washing space in a small bowl.
If you have space to team your basin with a vanity, it can be invaluable in reducing even the limited amount of clutter liable to gather in a cloakroom. An excellent example is the Ona compact vanity, which has a side-mounted tap to allow for more usable basin space and measures just 450mm (see below). And the best part about wall-hung pieces? They’re easier to clean around, as there are no awkward corners or crevices to navigate – a definite bonus in a room you may be cleaning daily.
Above: Ona 450mm single-door vanity with basin in Light Oak, £656.
Maximise storage space
While you don’t need to store anything like the number of items needed for a family bathroom, some storage is still useful in a cloakroom for spare toilet rolls, cleaning products and other essentials. Roca compact vanities include either two drawers or a single cupboard, which is plenty of useable space for these few items. The Mini Pro (see next page) is a great example, as it not only has a cupboard with shelf inside, but also features an open shelf at the bottom. This works both as a design feature and as a place to stash things you might want guests to access easily, such as room fragrance. Not only that, the basin is reversable so the tap can be on whichever side best suits the layout of the room and it has an integrated towel hook on the side to help further save space.
Another option is to install a mirrored cabinet on the wall above the basin (even a shallow one will have enough space for additional toiletries). If you are concerned about people bumping their head on it, you can place it off to one side, as long as the mirror remains useable. Finally, for the smallest of cloakrooms, consider some open shelving. A floating shelf above the WC, for example, will be the perfect spot to stash a fragrant candle.
Today,we hear from Simon Hill, head of the product management group faucets and showers, Duravit AG as he talks about Duravit, the faucets sector and the trend factors that pique consumer interest.
Mr. Hill, you are responsible on the development side for the key area of faucets and showers at Duravit. What trends are you currently observing in the field of bathroom faucets?
Simon Hill: Our customers’ wishes for environment-friendly features have come very much to the fore in recent years. Beyond distinctive and individual design, this calls for smart, energy- and water-saving features – but without any compromises on performance and comfort. The strong demand for our sustainable FreshStart feature affirms this trend. With FreshStart, only cold-water flows when the handle of the washbasin mixer is in its central position, ensuring that the energy-intensive production of hot water is largely limited to situations in which it is actually required.
The MinusFlow feature, which reduces the flow rate by up to 40 per cent, also bears witness to customers’ growing appreciation of details which are kind on the environment while bringing real cash savings.
These sustainability credentials have been confirmed by independent bodies: The Duravit hand shower with the MinusFlow feature and a flow rate of only 9 l/min came top in a comparison test conducted by the German Stiftung Warentest consumer organization in 2023, for example[1].
Design is also a particularly important aspect, of course. The design variety offered by our broad range means that existing bathrooms can be upgraded and personalized with a minimum of effort. Special surface finishes are very much in vogue at present: Along with Chrome and Matt Black, metallic PVD finishes such as Bronze and Brushed Stainless Steel or Polished Gold are also in demand. PVD surfaces are less sensitive to detergents and more scratch-resistant than other surfaces. This enables faucets, showers and accessories to retain their original appearance for many years.
What are the benefits of purchasing bathroom ceramics and faucets from a single source?
There is a clear trend towards ordering complete one-stop bathroom solutions whose designs and surfaces are perfectly matched throughout, from ceramics through faucets to accessories. Customers wish for a coherent design idiom across all products, which simultaneously leaves them a degree of scope for individualization.
Functionality is an equally crucial aspect of our all-in-one solution: Duravit has developed the Best Match Test to assess how washbasin mixers and ceramics interact. This ensures that the intensity and focus of the water jet are matched perfectly with the ceramics to avoid undesired splashing.
How important is the faucets segment within Duravit’s portfolio as a whole?
Faucets and showers have developed into an important mainstay of our overall portfolio. This segment fulfils Duravit’s ambitious aim of offering the most customer-oriented solutions possible in its role as a complete bathroom supplier. This is also reflected in the way business is developing in this area, with our latest product category showing substantial growth.
Where precisely is the distinctive design of Duravit bathroom faucets developed and what quality assurance measures are applied?
Design and development take place at the site in Hornberg, either in-house or in close collaboration with internationally renowned design firms. Examples here include Kurt Merki jr. for the C.1 faucets range, Philippe Starck for Tulum and Bertrand Lejoly for D-Neo – all winners of recognized design prizes such as the German Design Award, the IF Award or the Dot Award.
Duravit has assigned actual production to experienced international faucet and shower specialists. We carry out comprehensive inspections of incoming and outgoing goods and regular supplier audits to ensure that the manufacture and quality of all products always meet our high-quality standards. Before the sales launch, our faucets and showers undergo extensive endurance tests to ensure full functionality throughout their entire lifecycles. This results in products which play their part day in, day out in comfortable and convenient bathroom routines for our customers.
Captions:
Pictured top Duravit Simon Hill
Pictured middle left: Duravit Tulum chrome
Middle middle: Duravit Tulum Black
Middle right: Duravit Shower System Shelf
Pictured Bottom : Duravit Finishes. Along with Chrome and Matt Black, metallic PVD finishes such as Bronze and Brushed Stainless Steel or Polished Gold are also in demand. (Image source: Duravit AG)
Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms and is active in more than 130 countries worldwide. The complete bathroom supplier’s product portfolio comprises top quality sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, faucets, and accessories as well as installation systems. Alongside its in-house design expertise, Duravit also works closely on product development with an international network of designers such as Cecilie Manz, Philippe Starck, Christian Werner, Sebastian Herkner, and Bertrand Lejoly as well as talented newcomers. Duravit’s ambition is to make its stakeholders’ lives a little better each day through a combination of forward-looking designs, uncompromising product excellence, a keen sense of human requirements, and responsible corporate management. A key measure in achieving these aims is the overriding mission to become a climate-neutral business by 2045 with no exceptions.
[1] Stiftung Warentest 4/2023 – rated “good” (1.9), in a comparison of 20 water-saving hand showers.
Minimalism, smooth surfaces, clean lines and delicate colours are key elements of the design of Taormina by Ritmonio for the Elia Mykonos Resort. Only a few steps from the crystalline waters of the Aegean Seam, theproject was completed by Chorografoi architecture & design.
The brief was to develop the common areas and suites around a single outdoor point whilst preserving the formal coherence of the new construction with the existing one. A key directive was to enhance the functionality of the entire structure, protect privacy and allow guests to enjoy the extraordinary view of the surrounding landscape and the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Chorografoi architecture & design responded by drawing inspiration from the construction traditions of the Cyclades. Minimalist, smooth surfaces, clean lines and delicate colours, plus a skilful use of natural materials – such as bamboo, wood and the typical stone with white plaster- has made this space one of the island’s most desirable seafront accommodation facilities.
The complex is spread over a total area of approx. 4,775 m2, on two levels: the swimming pool and relaxation area are located in the internal courtyard; the reception, 24 suites, a business centre, spa, gym, and restaurant have been developed around it.
The rooms on the ground floor have direct access to the swimming pool via a private courtyard, while the five suites on the upper floor all have a terrace. From here, the gaze can wander freely between the beach and the sea for an unparalleled wellness experience.
The pathways around the resort have been specially designed to protect the safety and tranquillity of guests. Olive trees, spruces, and aromatic herbs characteristic of the area delimit the spaces and create these passages, embellishing the environment.
Aimed at finding a new balance between form and functionality, the TAORMINA series by Ritmonio was selected as the most suitable choice for the suite bathrooms.
From the built-in wall units to the shower heads, TAORMINA revisits classic elements in a contemporary key, with graceful lines that embody the true expression of ‘Made in Italy’ by Ritmonio: the body of the washbasin mixer recalls the shape of the characteristic columns of the Ancient Theater of Taormina, and its gentle lines refer to the sinuous inlets and the waves of the sea.
Clean lines are enhanced by the Brushed Black Chrome finish, which fits perfectly into the design. In addition, the series is part of the water-saving Ritmonio product range, with an ECO water flow rate of less than 9 l/m; they have been designed to raise awareness of the responsible use of environmental resources.
The construction industry has long been vulnerable to mental health issues due to the stifling crises, strenuous hours, and job insecurity – as today marks World Mental Health Day, it is time to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry and understand the dire need to improve support readily available to tradespeople.
Tragically, Bagnalls revealed that two construction workers commit suicide every day, amounting to 700 people every year, and now support helplines are experiencing a surge in workers using their services – the Lighthouse Construction Industry revealed they receive 400 calls a month from families within the construction industry who are in crisis. The need to improve the support available to employees and business owners in the industry is further highlighted in new research from Fix Radio– the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to builders and the trades – which shows that a shocking 38% of tradesmen are now experiencing the worst levels of stress and anxiety in their lifetime.
Adding to this, research from Ironmongery Direct shows that 64% of tradespeople experience work-related stress at least once a month, with the report showing that a high workload, tensions with customers and finances are the top three causes of stress for tradespeople. But despite its widespread effect, being a predominantly male-dominated sphere, 69% of tradespeople said that there is still a stigma within the sector surrounding seeking help for mental health problems – according to industry research.
In search of support, the demand for national helplines highlights the growing desperation among industry professionals. The Big Brew, a national helpline, revealed that over a third of texts were from individual construction workers contemplating suicide, with 16% of those related to depression. Highlighting the urgency of this crisis, the helpline further unveiled that 80% of their usage occurs during the working week.
This comes at a challenging time, where overwhelming work schedules, material shortages and new environmental directives, has left hundreds of thousands of small businesses – equalling 27% of SMEs in the trade – on the verge of breaking point, Fix Radio’s study found.
Where can tradespeople go for help? The Lighthouse Club is 100% focused on improving the welfare and wellbeing of the construction community in the UK and Ireland. They provide a range of free and pro-active services to help companies deliver the best possible support to their employees and their families:
24/7 Confidential Helpline: Available to everyone on your site including subcontractors, agency workers and allied trades. Their Construction Industry Helpline covers all aspects of emotional, physical and financial wellbeing and is available in many different languages through our partnership with translation services.
Self-support app: Downloadable Wellbeing Support App called ‘Construction Industry Helpline’ that covers all the aspects of wellbeing. The app is packed with information to learn about conditions, how to develop coping strategies with signposting to over 3000 accredited organisations that provide support. It really is a ‘mate’ in your back pocket.
Text HardHat: 24/7 service that gives immediate access to text back counselling.
Masterclasses Wellbeing: These are 1-hour scheduled CPD Accredited wellbeing education sessions covering topics such as managing stress, building resilience, work-life balance, mindfulness, meditation, financial management and many more.
Lighthouse Beacons: They have identified over 160 volunteer centres around the UK and Ireland where workers can meet like-minded people, socialise and talk. The Beacons are facilitated by individuals with lived experience and in this confidential environment, encourage those struggling with life problems to share their issues and if required, seek further help.
In addition, Clive Holland, host of The Clive Holland Show, has shared his thoughts on how the mental health crisis is impacting the trades sector:
“There are several underlying reasons why the rate of suicide in the construction trades is so high. Firstly, there is a macho image in the industry, and men are not brilliant at ‘opening up’ and discussing their feelings. But I feel that this is changing slowly but surely.
“Secondly, a lot of stress is involved in running a small business – there are long hours, few holidays, slow payers and cash flow issues. In the last two years particularly, spiralling costs of materials and spiking energy prices have squeezed margins even further. Couple that with the growing skills shortage – it ramps up extra pressures on daily site life. The pandemic has magnified many of these problems – tradespeople will tell you that they have never been this busy. Many are fully booked until the end of the year, if not further.
“It is also worth remembering that while many of our tradespeople have fantastic skills and deliver outstanding work, the weakest part of their game is dealing with the details of their business. Great tradespeople are not necessarily great businesspeople and it is worth remembering that they often feel intimidated by the admin and financial side of the business.”
Leading UK bathroom, kitchen appliance, sink & tap distributor PJH has announced it has been awarded “Bathroom Supplier of the Year” at the prestigious Builders Merchants Journal (BMJ) Industry Awards 2023 – a gala event, which took place on Thursday, 28th September 2023, Covent Garden, London.
To have been recognised by the BMJ Industry Awards is a great honour for PJH as the Awards are renowned for their distinctive decision-making process, which places the power of recognition in the hands of industry professionals who dedicate themselves to the success of the builder’s merchant market.
On receiving the award, Rick Adams, Head of PJH Retail Sales, said: “PJH is committed to being the ‘Customer’s First Choice’ and to receive the BMJ “Bathroom Supplier of the Year” Award demonstrates the Company’s continued investment to ensure we always offer an excellent service to our customers. This accolade acknowledges PJH’s commitment to providing continuously evolving product supported by our industry-leading digital & logistics capability that caters to the changing needs of the Merchants’ market – and we are delighted to have received it.”
PJH’s success at the BMJ Industry Awards highlights the company’s ability to stand out in a dynamic and competitive sector, and consistently demonstrate a keen understanding of market trends, a commitment to quality, and a focus on customer-centric solutions.
Rick added: “The recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of the entire PJH team. We are committed to providing our customers with the best-in-class products and services, and this award motivates us to continue raising the bar in the KBB sector”.
Leading manufacturer of tile installation products, Schlüter-Systems has published a striking new brochure aimed at guiding bathroom showrooms and their customers through the often-challenging process of fitting out a bathroom.
As revealed in the foreword to the publication, following some images of a luxurious looking bathroom, “the fact is that the products you can’t see in this bathroom are just as important as the ones you can. Much like the backstage crew to a world-famous pop singer, the behind-the-scenes aspects put the show on the road or, in this case, they ensure the bathroom is functional and protected.”
And therein lies the crux of the company’s 24-page full-colour brochure, in that it is designed to explain how each product will ensure a bathroom failure does not occur if all the ‘backstage’ considerations are taken into account: these extending from effective floor and wall waterproofing to effective shower drainage, pipework connections and sealing systems.
The luxury aspects are also considered with the company’s Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT electric floor and wall heating system. While its modern LED technology Schlüter-LIPROTEC promises to create lighting effects ranging from restful ones for relaxing spaces to bright, colourful lighting for a busy family bathroom. Schlüter-SHELF, meanwhile, offers a stylish storage solution with a choice of patterns, including the FLORAL, CURVE, PURE, SQUARE and WAVE variants. The same patterns can be found in the drain grate options of Schlüter-KERDI-DRAIN and KERDI-LINE the point and linear drainage solutions, so a coordinated design can be achieved. There are also multiple finishes to choose from, including brushed stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium.
Other products covered in the brochure include the Schlüter-KERDI-200 waterproof membrane, as well as the Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD – a waterproof tile backerboard board that provides a flat and even substrate to reduce the number of installation processes needed to create a waterproof assembly, saving time on-site. These are complimented with a wide variety of pre-formed niches which, if desired, come with the option of integral LED lighting.
Lastly, the tile trims finish off the installation and protect the edges of the tiles from damage – with Schlüter again supplying a wide choice of shape, textures and finishes, to complete any wetroom in style.
Featuring high-quality colour photography throughout, this brochure concludes by conveying Schlüter’s comprehensive technical expertise through CAD drawings, project support and a sample service, with its products even available on Virtual Worlds. From start to finish, the specialist’s publication has covered every aspect required to create a beautiful bathroom.
