Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Schlüter-Systems provides level-entry solution for Petersham Hotel

October 2, 2023

Situated in Richmond, Surrey and overlooking the River Thames, the Petersham Hotel’s Tower suite has been refurbished to ensure that visitors enjoy the very best bathroom experience! Tile and stone protection expert Schlüter-Systems was on hand to provide a level entry system solution.

The Petersham Hotel is a popular destination for weddings and other grand events, the hotel is renowned for its second-to-none hospitality and luxurious guest experience. A main aim of the bathroom project was to ensure the use of a full system from a single manufacturer for warranty guarantees and the creation of a seamless and simple solution. This is where Schlüter’s expertise came in as the company designed and installed a full waterproofing system and underfloor heating throughout the bathroom floor. The walls were prepared with the popular tile backerboard Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD. Using this substrate alongside sealing products Schlüter-KERDI-KERECK and Schlüter-KERDI-COLL made easy work of creating a tanked waterproofing system. Electric underfloor heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT was installed throughout the floor. In the shower area, the U-shaped profile Schlüter-DECO-SG aided in the sleek addition of a glass shower screen without penetrating the waterproofing components. This meant that style and substance were both achieved effortlessly.

Alongside using many products which make a notable difference beneath the tiles, one of Schlüter’s shelves in brushed stainless steel adds a finishing touch within the shower area. Matching this shelf with linear drain grate Schlüter-KERDI-LINE in the CURVE design means there is a feeling of uniformity within the fixtures. These two elements also pair perfectly with the textured dark grey tiles to allow for subtlety and style.

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

Keep Reading

Britain’s biggest housebuilder warns it will take two years for property market to recover

October 1, 2023

Britain’s biggest housebuilder has said it will take at least two years for the housing market to recover.

David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said the number of new builds constructed in Britain would fall for at least the next two years as high borrowing costs hammer sales.

Barratt warned it would build 3,000 fewer homes next year in response to falling demand and said it has stopped buying new land to build on.

Mr Thomas said: “The number of homes being built next will be down considerably. There won’t be an increased volume of homes until 2025 earliest, if not 2026.”

The dour outlook came as figures showed last month was the worst for house building across the UK since the first pandemic lockdown in May 2020.

The S&P Global/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers index (PMI) found house building remained the weakest-performing part of the construction sector last month.

Giulia Bellicoso at Capital Economics said: “High mortgage rates have taken the cost of buying a home out of reach for many, causing demand for new builds to slump.”

Ms Bellicoso said new housing starts were likely to drop by a third in the final quarter of the year.

Mr Thomas said: “We expect that the backdrop will continue to be difficult over the coming months.

“Whilst there remains a clear need for increased house building in the UK, short-term demand has been impacted by mortgage affordability challenges.”

Many potential buyers have been priced out of the market after 14 consecutive increases in interest rates by the Bank of England to 5.25pc, which have sent mortgage rates surging.

Barratt is the latest major housebuilder to warn it will build fewer homes as demand dries up.

Rivals Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey have both said they will have fewer completions next year than last, while the House Building Federation (HBF) warned earlier this year that house building could fall to its lowest level since the second world war.

Government briefing papers suggest England needs around 340,000 new homes built each year but under 120,000 could be completed annually in the coming years, the HBF warned.

Results published on Wednesday show Barratt built 700 fewer homes in the 12 months to June 2023 than it had the previous year. The FTSE 100 completed 17,206.

As well as slumping demand, housebuilders have been hit by nutrient neutrality rules designed to limit the amount of harmful chemicals coming from new homes that make their way into rivers and harm wildlife.

The rules forced housebuilders to pay for projects to reduce river pollution before homes could be built. Levelling Up and housing secretary Michael Gove recently axed the red tape to boost construction.

Mr Thomas welcomed the change but said planning delays at the local level were still holding up developments.

Mr Thomas said: “Nutrient neutrality removal is good news for the country, especially with more than 70 authorities not providing [planning] consent on this basis.

“We then need local authorities to actually grant planning [permission]. So it will take at least 18 months to two years to build the homes tied up in this. This is not going to unlock homes anytime soon.”

Barratt’s share price fell as much as 1.9pc in early trading on Wednesday after announcing a 16.2pc drop in its adjusted pre-tax profits to £884.3m.

The housebuilder, which employs more than 6,000 people, has reduced its headcount by 6pc, or 400 staff, since 2022.

Keep Reading

Earthborn Colour of the Year 2024: Hopscotch

September 28, 2023

Eco-friendly paint company Earthborn has announced its Colour of the Year as Hopscotch – a beautifully perfect neutral.

Sophisticated and calming, Hopscotch is a warm, chalky off-white that is incredibly adaptable. Combining subtle yellow and grey undertones, it moves away from the bright, bold colours that dominated the interiors industry in 2023 and into an earthy colour palette that feels cosy and familiar.

Hopscotch’s softness and natural hues help to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation in the home, no matter the style. Whether it’s acting as a beautiful base against deeper, rustic colours like Earthborn’s Lady Bug or Flower Pot, or pairing with similar neutral shades like Gregory’s Den or White Clay, the colour instantly adds visual softness to any space.

“With earthy, warm colours starting to dominate the interiors space, chalky neutrals are an essential part of this palette. Extremely versatile and delicate, Hopscotch is our Colour of the Year as it works with all room orientations, serving as the perfect subtle backdrop for brighter colours or working in harmony with similar neutral tones for a softer aesthetic. Whether used across walls, ceilings, woodwork or furniture, this warm and calming shade forms the foundation of various design styles, bringing longevity, timeless appeal and relaxation to all spaces.” comments Cathryn Saunders, head of creative at Earthborn.

Keep Reading

Picture perfect bathroom design with RAK-Picture

September 28, 2023

The new RAK-Picture from RAK Ceramics is a versatile option available in a choice of shapes and frame finishes.

Bathroom Review RAK-Picture from RAK Ceramics

An all-important part of any design, RAK-Picture takes this must-have bathroom accessory to a new level, combining style with technology to turn the mirror into a focal point of the space. In Round, Oval, Soft and Square versions, the mirror can also be chosen in various frame finishes, Black Brushed Nickel, Brushed Gold and Chrome. This makes it ideal for matching with brassware and shower hardware for a cohesive look that maximises on the sale.

Technology comes in the form of LED lighting, a demister pad and touch-sensor activation, all discreetly built-in to the mirror to take care of the practicalities of using the bathroom. Located visibly on the mirror, the touch-sensor strip is operational with wet and dry touch, while the low energy consumption LED lighting provides more consistent light when needed while reducing the household’s carbon footprint.

Contact:

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Keep Reading

Methven partner with Pentland Homes

September 28, 2023

Shower manufacturer Methven’s showerware and tapware will be installed in homes across East Kent as part of Pentland Homes 2023 specification range.

Methven products are set to be installed in 100 homes per year in East Kent as part of its 2023 Specification Range.

Products in the Specification Range include the Methven Wai Mini Basin Mixer and the Methven Chrome Bottle Trap for the cloakroom basin.

Elsewhere, the Methven Wai Chrome basin tap, Methven Bath Filler and the Methven Aurajet Shower for bathrooms and ensuites form part of Pentland Homes’ Methven product mix.

Pentland Homes has developed a reputation for constructing contemporary, high-quality homes in some of Kent’s most desirable, semi-rural locations where town, country, and coast meet. With roots dating back to the 1960s, the company has seen exceptional growth in the last few years as more and more of the county’s residents discover ‘the Pentland difference’.

All homes are designed to Pentland’s high standards to appeal to a variety of buyers and lifestyles, a perfect match for Methven’s dedication for delivering premium products which do not compromise on performance.

Katie Muller, commercial buyer at Pentland Homes, said:

“When we chose to work with Methven, we were impressed by the brand’s commitment to meeting part G water conservation regulations. As water conservation becomes increasingly important, housebuilders and manufacturers alike must ensure we are optimising homes for efficient water consumption by supplying products that are designed with sustainability in mind.

“This shared ambition made Methven a natural fit for supplying our new homes.

“We were also impressed by Methven’s contemporary product designs and fixed price agreement which ensures build cost consistency.

“Having recently respecified internal finishes throughout to achieve the best quality and value for our customers and the business, we knew Methven was a great fit to maximise this.”

On supplying Pentland Homes with its products, Methven’s head of marketing and innovation, Chris Billingham, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting such a prominent housebuilder and support in their mission to develop properties with homeowner satisfaction at the forefront. We have found great synergy between our two brands.

“With our focus on performance without compromise, and creating premium products, it was a given that we would want to work with an award-winning housebuilder like Pentland Homes.”

About Methven

Founded in 1866, Methven is a leading showers, taps, and valves manufacturer, dedicated to setting industry standards for specifiers and customers, old and new.

Keep Reading

Villeroy & Boch: Gabi Schupp appointed as CEO

September 27, 2023

The Villeroy & Boch AG Supervisory Board has appointed Gabi Schupp as the company’s new CEO with effect from 1 January 2024. She will take over the role from Frank Göring. In addition, the contract of CFO Dr Markus Warncke has been extended.

“I am very happy that by appointing Gabi Schupp we have a highly successful and skilled manager from within our own ranks to take on this great responsibility,” said Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “She has many years of wide-ranging experience leading global brands and managing complex M&A processes, which means she has what it takes to continue the growth trajectory launched by Frank Göring and bring the integration of Ideal Standard to a successful conclusion. The Supervisory Board has no doubt that Gabi Schupp, together with the Management Board and all employees, will lead Villeroy & Boch to continued future success.”

Over a period of almost five years prior to this appointment, Gabi Schupp and her management team have strategically repositioned the Dining & Lifestyle Division, putting it on a sound, sustainable ground, both structurally and commercially. This has included a realignment of the marketing, sales and supply chain strategies. As a result, sales and revenue have risen significantly in a challenging environment. Before joining Villeroy & Boch, Gabi Schupp spent more than 20 years in a variety of executive roles at Procter & Gamble, ultimately in the Global Executive Management team, and at Spencer Stuart, where she advised clients in renowned international businesses in her role as EMEA Practice Leader for Consumer Goods and Retail.

Current CEO Frank Göring’s contract comes to an end on 31 December 2023, after which he plans to dedicate more time to private interests. Nevertheless, he will continue to be available to the company in an advisory capacity with regard to the integration of Ideal Standard. Andreas Schmid added, “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Göring, after 26 years with the company. Since 2007, he has put his heart and soul into leading the business through internationalization and digitalization processes, taking Villeroy & Boch to new levels in terms of revenue. We are delighted that he will continue to support us with his expertise during the integration of Ideal Standard.”

In addition, the Supervisory Board has extended Dr Markus Warncke’s contract as CFO for a further three years from 1 January 2024. This is a clear signal for continuity and stability on the executive floor. “Markus Warncke has successfully guided the Villeroy & Boch finances through the demanding last few years and laid the foundations for the sound financing underpinning the previously announced takeover of Ideal Standard, for which he will now continue to assume responsibility,” explained Schmid.

Keep Reading

Saniflo launches Sanicubic GR HP range

September 26, 2023

Hot on the heels of unveiling the first industrial pump with brushless technology, Saniflo has added two models to the Sanicubic lifting station range. The Sanicubic GR HP range consists is manufactured in France to the same exceptional quality as the whole range of Saniflo products.

The Sanicubic 1 and 2GR HP are designed to be highly competitive solutions, with performance that positions them between the best-selling Sanicom grey water lifting stations and the classic Sanicubic models. The 1GR features a single pump, whilst the 2GR has twin pumps for situations where continuity of operation is essential. Both models are designed to lift grey and black waste water and feature Pro XK2 grinder technology, an aluminium motor frame and a sturdy Rotomoulder tank in high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Exceptional access for maintenance, including to the pressure switch and motor, is a notable benefit, as is the adjustable motor power, enabling the units to be fine-tuned to the job at hand.

The compact yet powerful Sanicubic 1 GR HP is designed for pumping black waste water from individual houses, flats, pool houses or small business premises and features automated pneumatic control via an internal immersion pipe.

The Sanicubic 2 GR HP is a larger unit with twin pumps for commercial premises, large individual buildings or multiple small buildings. During normal operation, the pumps work alternately to even wear and increase longevity and efficiency. However, should one pump fail, the other will assume all operations whilst any issue is swiftly addressed.

An optional alarm or control box can be specified with either option.

Keep Reading

The shower toilet as a sustainable option

September 22, 2023

Manufacturing toilet paper consumes vast quantities of water and wood. Today, Duravit outlines the sustainable benefits of a shower toilet.

As people seek to live more mindfully, using fewer resources, the sustainable bathroom focuses on products that directly reduce water and energy consumption. In particular, the potential savings in the reduced use of toilet paper, which has a poor environmental footprint overall. In this case, going without doesn’t mean doing without. The shower-toilet cleans more gently, thoroughly, and sustainably than toilet paper. Additionally, it improves physical hygiene, is soothing on the skin, and leaves a feeling of pure freshness.

Poor environmental footprint of toilet paper

According to the WWF, some 26,000 trees around the world are destroyed every day to make toilet paper. Producers rely on fresh pulp to give consumers the high levels of comfort they demand. Made from spruce, birch, and eucalyptus trees it involves the clearance of large forested areas of Brazil, Chile, Canada, Russia, and Uruguay.

Chemicals are added during the water-intensive manufacturing process (approx. 50 liters of fresh water per kg of toilet paper) to make the paper especially soft and fragrant, or for patterns to be printed on the surface. After disposal, these substances pollute the water and the additives make them less recyclable. Moist toilet paper is even worse as it doesn’t dissolve well and causes significant problems for sewage works.

Some moist wipes contain micro-plastics, preservatives containing formaldehyde, and other chemical additives that both affect the environment, and can cause skin irritation. It is all compounded by issues from plastic waste from packaging, pollutants, and CO2 from transportation.

The shower-toilet as a sustainable alternative to toilet paper

The shower-toilet as a sustainable alternative to toilet paper The shower-toilet is a contemporary and sustainable
alternative to toilet paper. More practical than bidets, it combines the toilet and cleaning function in one – and models with a dryer enable drying afterwards. Saving a huge quantity of toilet paper in the long term, which benefits both the environment, your skin, and your wallet.

Cleaning with water is a more thorough and hygienic option than using paper. Conversely, the water consumption of one cleansing with a shower-toilet is just 0.35–0.6 liters per minute (depending on which intensity has been set). The system Duravit uses to warm the water is particularly energy efficient as warm water is only provided as demand requires.

SensoWash® Starck f offers hygienic comfort.

Simultaneously iconic and minimalistic, the SensoWash® Starck f shower-toilet is a synonym for contemporary, gentle, and flawless toilet hygiene.

It can be individually configured and optionally controlled using a remote control with the associated SensoWash® app. Individual user profiles can be loaded at any time.

The temperature of the water and the intensity of the shower flow can be fine-tuned to users’ specific requirements.

Maximum comfort is guaranteed thanks to technical finishing touches such as the motion sensor for automatic cover opening, user recognition in the seat, a range of configuration options for the seat heating, and the controllable warm-air dryer plus integrated nightlight. In addition, the SensoWash® Starck offers added-value for people with restricted mobility.

Bathroom Review Duravit SensoWash®-D-Neo Shower toilet

Pictured top – SensoWash®_Starck

Pictured bottom – SensoWash®-D-Neo

Keep Reading

Bathrooms to Love extends ‘Statement’ modular range

September 22, 2023

Bathrooms to Love, the bathroom brand from PJH, has added a new Matt Olive Green colourway and a floor-standing range (previously all wall-hung) to ‘Statement’, its modular furniture family. Various additional new unit sizes are also available.

The new Matt Olive Green finish joins four other ‘Statement’ family matt colours – Deep Blue, Latte, White and Antique Rose. It can be teamed with an optional metal frame with a practical towel rail. The slim metal frame system, previously only available in Matt Black, is now offered in a Brushed Brass or Chrome finish and teams up perfectly with the wall-hung Statement basin units.

Boasting a premium look and finish with a high-specification design and build, the new Matt Olive Green Statement range is classy, contemporary and cool.

The range features generous drawer storage space, luxurious smoked glass sides and anti-slip drawer liners. The one-door tall units also include spacious interior shelves. Soft-close doors and drawers come as standard, complete with high-quality GRASS and BLUM fittings.

Available as a single or double basin unit with worktop and vessel basin, or with a built-in ceramic basin, the Statement collection welcomes a number of new units including a WC unit and a new floor-standing basin unit with two doors. With such a comprehensive choice of storage units now available, the enhanced Statement family offers fantastic design flexibility for both small and large bathroom spaces. Basin units range in widths from 590mm to 1180mm.

What’s more, designers can create a bespoke look with further choices of handles (matt black, brushed brass or chrome), worktops (Urban Black, White Slate or Matt Latte), and vessel basins – and really make a sophisticated bathroom ‘statement’.

Packaged with comprehensive retailer sales support from PJH, including display deals, marketing collateral, POS, virtual showroom, Augmented Reality, the PJH Partners Portal™ and Next Day Delivery, the full Statement furniture range is available to order now.

Further information:

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

Keep Reading

Water & energy saving calculator from Neoperl

September 21, 2023

The Neoperl Group has developed a ‘Water & Energy Saving Calculator’ to help us understand our household usage and the savings that can be made. It’s now live on their website.

Neoperl has been creating water-saving products globally for over 60 years. Their products shape the water stream in taps and showers and regulate its flow rate. The new calculator can be used to clarify the individual saving potential of each household, and it’s driven by the desire to help people use less electricity, oil or gas, making an important contribution to overcoming the energy crisis and helping the environment.

The online ‘Water & Energy Saving Calculator’ calculates the water savings per year, the energy savings per year when heating water with electricity, oil or gas and the cost savings for water, wastewater and hot water treatment (electricity, oil or gas).

The basic version of the calculator requires information on the size of household and personal habits. How many people use the water at the washbasin, shower and kitchen tap daily and for how long. The calculation is then based on average values regarding temperature, water flow etc. Based on the information provided by the user, the annual water savings are calculated showing how many litres of water could be saved with water-saving products in the shower, at the washbasin and in the kitchen. Based on the water savings, the energy savings for hot water generation are also calculated so the user can see how much less electricity, oil or gas would be needed as a result. The calculator then accesses average values and uses them to calculate the potential savings per year for water and energy.

It is also possible to manually enter your individual water and energy costs to demonstrate a more accurate result. This is an expert version of the calculator under ‘advanced settings’ where all basic values can be adjusted, and information added such as actual flow rates of specific taps.

The calculator can currently be customised to Europe, USA, Switzerland and UK where it stores average data appropriate to those regions, and Neoperl are encouraging staff and website visitors alike to make use of the data in this easy-to-use calculator.

“We are delighted that this calculator is now live for the UK.” Said UK Sales Director Chris Neath.

“The HQ team has worked hard on imputing all the average data to assist people in understanding the savings that can be made. It’s in an easy-to-use format too and it’s totally free to access. It’s an investment we have made to help people save water and energy and today that could result in substantial money savings too.”

Keep Reading