PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand has launched a luxurious new collection of Fluted Glass Wetroom Shower Panels, now available from its RefleXion Enclosures ‘Iconix’ range.
Featuring beautiful soft fluted glass, the new wetroom range offers a choice of metallic profiles and support arms, including this contemporary matt black version (pictured), perfect for coordination with other black or anthracite-finished bathroom elements, such as brassware, showers and radiators.
From Bathrooms to Love’s top-of-the-range RefleXion Iconix enclosures family, the new fluted glass wetroom panels boast a generous height of 1950mm and come in four widths (800mm to 1200mm). This also includes optional fluted side panels available in two widths (800mm and 900mm), making the range particularly versatile.
The fluted glass is manufactured from high quality, crystal-clear glass, meaning no green tint – often seen on wetroom panels – which gives the RefleXion screens an extra crisp contemporary edge. Thick 8mm toughened safety glass adds to the high specification look, which is coated with ‘Easy Clean’ glass treatment for practical low maintenance and longevity. Concealed fixings add to the range’s sleek lines and flawless finish and the panels can be installed directly onto a prepared wetroom floor or on a tray.
Showering Product Manager for Bathrooms to Love, Richard Eaton, said: “The use of textured or ribbed glass in bathroom design is increasing steadily, creating the perfect balance between visibility and privacy. Our new fluted wetroom glass screens can add a touch of elegance and visual interest to the showering zone, diffusing the light to create interesting shadows and patterns – and complement, perfectly many design styles.”
Available from stock and supported with Next Day Delivery (to 91% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new fluted wetroom glass screens from Bathrooms to Love are now available to order via PJH’s class-leading Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
Despite a successful return in 2023 (with over 13,000 visitors) and after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Diversified Communications has decided to postpone London Design Fair for the immediate future. The show was due to take place at the Truman Brewery, London, on 19-22 September 2024.
Commenting on the decision, Carsten Holm, managing director of Diversified Communications, said, “I am so proud of the team, who have worked so incredibly hard in delivering a world-class event, promoting excellence in design both here in the UK and to an international audience. The event has always been a highlight of the design year, with incredible engagement from the community, including over 100,000 followers on social media, and 13,000 people coming to the show this year. However, we have found it increasingly difficult to serve the very broad spectrum of companies exhibiting at the fair effectively and reconcile the high expectations for an event of this quality, with the commercial support from the industry.”
“London Design Fair leaves a legacy of creativity, innovation, and community. The decision to postpone reflects the commitment to delivering an event that not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by the diverse and dynamic design community.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible partners, exhibitors and visitors for all their support over the years and are as disappointed as they are that the show will not take place again in 2024.”
Ideal Standard recently exhibited at HIX 2023, Europe’s hotel design showto showcase its premium Atelier Collections, including Conca, Solos and the new La Dolce Vita ranges, which debuted to many for the first time.
A clear design trend that emerged at HIX centred around ‘new perspectives’, taking ideas from the past, building on them and innovating for the modern day. Ideal Standard confirms its Atelier Collections certainly fulfilled the brief front and centre in establishing a balance between historic form and contemporary function.
The company reports its La Dolce Vita, Solos, and Conca ranges proved to be great successes over the course of the event. The Conca collection, comprising ceramics, brassware and furniture draws inspiration from iconic ranges of the 1970s, with the range’s bathroom furniture on display at the stand. Meanwhile, Solos’ minimalistic look highlights Ideal Standard’s forward-thinking design, with the shower range offering a unique spa-like experience to users through its integrated customisable coloured LED lights. Conca and Solos were accompanied by the premiere of the eye-catching La Dolce Vita collection, an Italian-infused range inspired by the natural environment, with Solos and La Dolce Vita available in 2024.
The Atelier Collections provide hotel designers with an opening to be recognised from a ‘new perspective’ – reinventing hotel bathrooms and washrooms as more than just functional spaces, facilitating a comprehensive design-led space that spans an entire property.
What’s more, Ideal Standard’s Singular™ offering makes it simpler than ever to combine ranges. For example, the Atelier Collections all work seamlessly when selected alongside the wider product portfolio, simplifying the specification process for architects and designers – offering a single contact point for all washroom and bathroom solutions that can be tailored to each project’s exact requirements.
It’s not just design that Ideal Standard focused on at HIX, visitors to the stand also had the opportunity to register their interest for the brand’s new Hotel Bathrooms and Washrooms CPD – ensuring that attendees are fully up to date on both design trends, governing regulations, and helping to fill CPD accreditation quotas.
Speaking on the event, Anil Madan non-residential marketing manager at Ideal Standard UK said: “It was great to be a part of the discussions concerning the emerging trends shaping the hotel design sector. Conversations ranged from a long overdue focus on inclusive design movements, like the products in our DOC M packs, to adapting ideas and products of the past for the modern day, like our Atelier Collections. HIX offered brilliant insights into what we can expect over the next few years, and it was exciting to be a part of that conversation, as well as showcase how we can continue to be at the forefront of hotel design.”
Kaldewei’s collaboration with Bryan Adams, the Canadian rock musician and internationally acclaimed photographer has continued for a third shoot. The previous two Kaldewei campaigns featured the Ming and Miena washbowls in 2020 and then in 2021 the Superplan Zero shower surface. For this shoot, models are shown in the MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO, contemplating the peace and silence of time spent alone artfully staged during the shoot in Berlin.
The concept behind the shoot was that the new free-standing MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO bathtub take centre stage as the centrepiece of a room. The models’ bodies are enveloped within the protective walls of the bathtub, providing refuge from a hectic day. In the images for the Superplan Zero campaign, Bryan Adams focussed on the legs of the ballet dancers, showing both the style and elegance of the product and the security provided by the non-slip surface. For the Ming and Miena washbowls, it was hands gently touching each other, epitomising cleansing rituals such as the simplicity of washing your hands before a meal with friends and family.
The new campaign claim “Enveloped in sustainable luxury”
In the latest images, the bodies of the models are photographed in the MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO premium bathtub. Each is clearly visible, yet their faces deliberately remain hidden from the camera. Bryan Adams shot the images from a distanced perspective so that the free-floating egg-shaped design of the bathtub is fully visible, but not the entire body of the model. The images are designed to give the impression that the naked arms and bare back merge with the bathtub in a luxurious yet intimate spa moment. The claim of the campaign “Enveloped in sustainable luxury” refers to the perfect me-time, and the new images of the OYO DUO, to the completion of the Kaldewei trilogy of washing, showering and bathing.
About the MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO
Designed by designer Stefan Diez – combines organic design with uncompromisingly durable materials. The double-walled free-standing bathtub, inspired by Japanese porcelain design, consists of 100 percent recyclable and therefore sustainable steel enamel. Thanks to the perfectly developed technical craftsmanship of the Kaldewei factory at the production site in the heart of Westphalia, the engineers, in harmony with the designer, have succeeded in creating this powerful and at the same time delicately floating masterpiece made of glazed titanium steel. The circular and sustainable concept of the bathtub also convinced the jury of experts from the German Design Council. Kaldewei received the German Design Award 2023 in the “Excellent Product Design” category for the MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO, and the MEISTERSTÜCK Made in Germany was also successful at the iF Design and Red Dot Awards. iF International Forum Design GmbH, the world’s oldest independent design institution, put it in a nutshell in its assessment of the Oyo Duo: “There is no comparable product made from this material.”
Global software and content provider Cyncly has announced the appointment of Weronika Niemczyk-Savage as chief people and culture officer. In her role as CPCO, Weronika Niemczyk-Savagewill lead programs to acquire, develop, and retain top talent to enable Cyncly’s sustained growth.
“Cyncly’s greatest asset is our global team of talented, motivated industry experts,” said David Tombre, CEO. “We are delighted to have Weronika as part of our leadership to build on a culture and team centered on our customers’ success. We will continue to invest in our people so we can evolve, innovate and achieve together.”
With over 15 years of experience in human resources, Weronika Niemczyk-Savage has a strong track record of driving organizational transformation, talent management, and positive employee experience. She joins Cyncly to support the company’s strategy to transform how spaces for living are imagined, designed, sold, managed, and made.
“I am excited to be part of Cyncly and to be taking on leadership of the People organization,” said Weronika. “I am joining the company with full confidence in the potential of its people to achieve Cyncly’s ambitions and aspirations. I look forward to fostering a positive, inspiring and engaging environment for the benefit of all of our colleagues and customers.”
Cumbrian shower products manufacturer Kudos strengthened its sales team in November with the appointment of experienced national sales manager, Tony Russ.
Tony joins the business to head up what will be a new team of area sales managers supporting displaying showrooms and contractors. He has extensive experience in the bathroom and kitchen sector having previously worked for many established industry brands, most latterly with Electrolux.
“I’m delighted to be joining Kudos who are currently enjoying both positive sales growth and support from their new parent company, the Ronal Group. We have lots of new products lined up over the coming months to deliver into the UK market and that will require the support of an extended team in sales. I’m very much looking forward to delivering these new products and growing the new team.”
Nick Graville, sales & marketing director for Kudos explains, “Over the past four years our customers have been supported by our 8 strong Retail Support Managers (RSM’s), all of whom provide technical and installation assistance. As we grow there is clearly a need for us to provide more sales support with a team of area sales managers who will work alongside the RSM’s improving the depth of support and communication with our customer base. We are delighted that Tony Russ has agreed to join us to lead this new team.”
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
On 30th November KBBFocus held their Awards and Celebration at The Brewery in London and Roman were awarded the Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award 2023.
As a true manufacturer, Roman is immersed in all aspects of the Circular Economy and is committed to using recycled materials in the production process – and to ensure that all parts of all products can be recycled and reused back at their original value at their end of life.
At the end of 2021, Roman achieved Carbon Neutral certification from the Carbon Trust. Achieving Carbon Neutral status has been a key objective for Roman over recent years and highlights Roman’s enormous and ongoing commitment to the environment. Roman achieved Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance with ISO 14064-3 and met the requirement under PAS 2060.
However, the Circular Economy is of much closer focus for Roman. Roman’s aluminium is 100% recycled before use and at end of life it is extremely easy to recycle and re-use aluminium back at its original value. Likewise, all packaging is manufactured from corrugated cardboard which is already recycled before use and extremely easy to recycle after use. Roman’s brass is likewise at 100% content of recycled material before use and Roman’s glass is just over 80% recycled before use.
Roman’s solid surface moulding and fabrication plants use material which is predominantly natural stone. When such products are at end of life they can be re-ground and used back in the original mix at the original value. This is unlike the majority of the shower trays manufactured in the industry which use non-recyclable acrylics and at their end of life can only go to landfill.
David Osborne, chief executive officer at Roman, commented: “We are thrilled to have won KBBFocus Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award. Sustainability is embedded in all of Roman’s processes and we are all about high quality products that support sustainability and longevity.”
Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced Lumi+™, a new series of premium electric showers in three power options (8.5kW, 9.5kW or 10.5kW).
The Lumi+ electric shower features a mirrored fascia that reflects light to brighten any bathroom environment and two easy-turn brushed-chrome dials to control power and temperature. An illuminated strip on the front panel displays the status of the shower.
Each Lumi+ model comes complete with a 1.5m long satin smooth hose to complement the mirrored finish. A generous 105mm Harmony handset with adjustable head delivers five different spray modes to suit all showering preferences, with rub-clean nozzles for an easy maintenance routine.
With an A rating for energy efficiency, the Lumi+ takes water from the cold mains supply to deliver an instant, invigorating shower with no demand on stored hot water tanks. As the Lumi+ provides control over both temperature and power, users can minimise their consumption of both electricity and water.
With safety in mind, each Lumi+ shower incorporates an over-temperature protection system, meaning that water will always remain at the desired temperature level. In addition, the low-pressure indicator function warns the user if the water pressure drops lower than required. Engineered for durability, the Lumi+ features Aqualisa’s innovative phased shut-down technology, ensuring limescale build-up remains minimal over time. Starting and stopping the shower is controlled with a simple press of a button.
Designed for flexibility and convenience, the Lumi+ shower is equipped with eight water and electric entry points, allowing straightforward installation in a new bathroom, or when replacing other brands of electric shower. All three models are supplied with a chrome rail, handset holder and handset kit, with shower gel hanger.
Stuart Clark, head of new product design at Aqualisa, commented, “With the new Lumi+, we have reimagined the electric shower, with a blend of innovative mirrored design and exceptional performance, combined with the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Delivering full control over both power and temperature, these showers are both efficient and flexible in operation, while the beautifully modern styling will make a statement in any bathroom setting.”
The Aqualisa Lumi+ shower comes with a two-year parts and labour guarantee, and is BEAB, CE, WRAS and UWLA approved.
Availability and pricing
The new Aqualisa Lumi+ range is available from December 2023. For pricing and more information, trade partners can contact their Aqualisa representative or the Aqualisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560020 or 01 864 3363 (Republic of Ireland).
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
According to new research released this week by Readly, one in ten Brits report using smart home technology every hour of their day. The latest stats indicate a wholesale shift towards a connected home lifestyle, with a third (37 per cent) of UK households owning at least one smart home device to manage tasks such as security, lighting and heating, and kitchen appliances.
Unsurprisingly, the home technology industry is moving apace when it comes to new, innovative smart design. Consumers are keen to save water and energy whilst personalising interior spaces by integrating music and lighting into every room. This opens up opportunities for bathroom manufacturers.
Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard agrees, “Bathroom trends are continuously evolving and when it comes to today’s ‘smart bathrooms’, that’s no different. End-users are increasingly looking to technology to help make their bathroom space work harder for them.”
Statement lighting
Lighting is no longer simply a practicality, and the trend for customisable mood lighting is emerging as a key consideration when designing a bathroom. In 2024, we expect to see an increase in innovative lighting displays that interact with the bathroom design to deliver on-trend accent lighting.
Encompassing the latest LED technology, Schlüter’s LIPROTEC-LED creates restful lighting for relaxing spaces or bright, colourful lighting for busy family bathrooms. Enabled with Bluetooth/wireless receivers, light colours are selected via remote control or Bluetooth-compatible smartphones and tablets. Specifically designed for the bathroom, Schlüter-LIPROTEC-EASY is the company’s simple plug-and-play version, which comes with matching power supply units up to 100W.
Comfort & cleanliness
Shower toilets are increasing in popularity in the UK. A recent report by the European Bidet Seats & Shower Toilets Market study predicts sales of shower toilets will grow by 8% and indicates a cultural change in hygiene habits.
Martin Carroll, managing director for Duravit, agrees and comments, “Shower-toilets in combination with rimless technology are the next big idea for bathrooms. The open design of the WC rim enables an innovative and effective flush even at low water volumes (4.5 litres) and makes for transparent, easy cleaning. Despite not being a traditional market for bidets, shower toilets are growing in popularity in the UK for reasons of age, culture and general enhanced comfort.”
Duravit’s SensoWash® D-Neo lets users configure options via remote control for three shower flow types through a user ID in the seat. Timings for seat heating can also be individually configured. Its attractive price point means it is ideally suited to the requirements of the project sector and price-conscious developers.
Spa-light, spa-bright
Bringing light and colour into the bathroom, Ideal Standard’s Solos shower range features an integrated colour-changing ambient light in the overhead shower, which creates a relaxing atmosphere for the ultimate spa-like shower experience. Users can customise the colour and brightness of the LED to match their mood, thanks to built-in smart technology that integrates with any smart home app, such as Philips Hue or Amazon Echo.
Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard comments, “Smart technology is key to home evolution, giving people the ability to personalise their environment – from showerheads with integrated ambient LED lighting like our Solos range to wireless speakers and shower settings that can be controlled with the touch of a smartphone button.”
Bathroom brand Laufen is also embracing smart technology and has launched a new version of the Val bath (pictured left) that harnesses the power of light and colour to promote well-being and bring chromotherapy – traditionally offered by hotel spas – into the guest bathroom to enhance the user’s experience.
The redesigned model was recently on display at HIX and has a translucent structure through which an LED panel projects different light settings according to mood.
LAUFEN also presented its new shower system prototype. Designed in collaboration with Andreas Dimitriadis of Platinum Design, the shower system offers the ultimate spa experience to hotel guests thanks to a 12-inch touchscreen display integrated into the shower for the first time.
Taking remote control
Dialling in your requirements is one of the most celebrated aspects of the smart home and brings luxury and convenience to daily life. Aqualisa’s Quartz Smart Showers combines personalised showering with a range of advantages that enhance the user’s experience. For example, users can start their shower remotely using Alexa or Google Assistant or the remote control via Wi-Fi. A clear LED display indicates when the shower is ready – there’s no need to lean in and test the water. A bath fill option allows remote selection of the water temperature and level.
Jessica Clarke, head of channel marketing at Aqualisa, reasons, “With more than 30 million smart meters installed in the UK and nearly half of all adults under 65 owning a smart speaker (Alexa or Google Assistant), the understanding of smart technology and the benefits it brings to our lives is increasing rapidly. There is now an opportunity for bathroom manufacturers and installers to deliver the next generation of connected bathroom solutions to enhance not only showering functionality and performance, but also wellbeing and sustainability.”
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Today, we hear from Tom Reynolds, chief executive at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, who outlines the measures that would end the damage from rogue plumbers and installers.
To achieve innovative bathroom design, the expertise and professionalism of plumbers and installers play a pivotal role. Designers understand that the seamless integration of terminal fittings into a broader system is essential, and the overall performance hinges on the configuration by a skilled professional. Regrettably, instances abound where dissatisfaction with products can be traced back to subpar installation.
In identifying the root cause, a glaring issue comes to light. Over the years, the industry has witnessed a steady trickle of individuals, regardless of skill level or standards, transforming overnight into self-proclaimed plumbers or installers. These rogue operators compromise not only the safety and quality of installations but also cast a shadow on the reputation of our specialised sector.
At the forefront of our challenges lies the absence of mandatory licensing for plumbing and bathroom installation professionals. Unlike other countries, the UK lacks the requirements for training, qualifications, or experience to establish a plumbing business or assume the title of a bathroom installer. This regulatory gap erodes the industry’s credibility and poses substantial risks to public confidence and safety.
To address this, the government should take seriously the introduction of statutory licensing, reserving the title of ‘plumber’ exclusively for fully qualified professionals. For instance, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) maintains lists of qualified installers. The British Institute for KBB Installation (BiKBBI) plays a pivotal role by recognising and distinguishing qualified ‘bathroom installers’ registered with them. By adopting such measures through government statutory licensing, we can be assured that legitimate and proficient tradespeople deliver for designers and consumers.
Furthermore, we should aim for evidence-based, continuous professional development within the plumbing and heating industry, extending to registered bathroom installers. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that professionals stay abreast of the latest industry standards and technologies, resulting in safer installations and enhanced product performance.
In essence, stringent regulations and continuous training are indispensable to champion safety and professionalism in bathroom design and installation. These measures not only shield consumers but also elevate the standing of the entire industry. Moreover, they encourage professionals to aspire to excellence, knowing their skills and qualifications are officially acknowledged.
The commitment of the BMA on these matters aligns with collaborative efforts involving government bodies, BiKBBI, and other stakeholders. Together, we aim to transform these proposals into concrete reforms, safeguarding the integrity of bathroom design and installation.
