Global bathroom brand Roca Group has announced a long-term renewable energy purchase agreement (VPPA, or Virtual Power Purchase Agreement), spanning ten years from 2025 to 2035, tied to the new solar plants Trévago I & II, located in the province of Soria, Spain.
The solar production facilities Trévago I and II are scheduled to begin operations in July 2025 and have a capacity of 86.84 MWp. 80% of the total capacity will be dedicated to Roca Group, which is expected to generate 120 GWh of clean energy annually, the volume needed to cover the electricity consumption of all group operations in European territory.
The projects are being developed by Bruc Energy, a renewable energy generation company, and the agreement has received legal advice from Baker McKenzie on behalf of Roca Group, and Allen & Overy on behalf of Bruc. Additionally, strategic support has been provided by Schneider Electric through its VPPA advisory services, coordinating the entire process.
This initiative will result in a reduction of over 50,000 tons per year of CO2 equivalent, emissions, corresponding to the group’s electricity consumption in Europe.
It marks a new milestone in Roca Group’s decarbonisation roadmap, complementing the recent start of operations of the world’s first net-zero sanitary ceramics production plant. The group has already achieved a 39% reduction in its direct CO2 equivalent emissions and a 47% reduction in energy intensity between 2018 and 2022, moving closer to its net-zero ambition by 2045.
Today, after over a year in development, Schlüter’s bathroom sales team comprises seven area sales consultants, boasting a combined 175 years sales experience, covering the entire UK and Ireland. The team works with key retailers to create showroom displays of Schlüter products using well-designed point of sale collateral to showcase key products.
With an enduring dedication to protecting tile and stone, Schlüter-Systems now has a strong UK network of luxury bathroom showrooms and installers. Thomas Etheridge explains the company’s aims, “With more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone, including a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and shower drainage systems, the brand is an ideal choice for the premium end of the bathroom retail sector. This is especially the case for those looking to take a system-led approach to their bathroom designs and installations. The vastness of Schlüter’s product portfolio gives retailers the opportunity to offer add-on sales to their customers, increasing the average spend on a bathroom. It also means that retailers can simplify their supply chain.”
Building on its excellent reputation in the project specification and tile distribution markets, Schlüter-Systems aims to offer unmatched levels of training, service and supply to bathroom showrooms and their installers. The centrally located UK base of Coalville in Leicestershire is the ideal place from which to service the needs of the bathroom retail sector, with stock regularly leaving the warehouse for next day delivery. The specialist team began working with premium bathroom retailers last summer and is already in partnership with multi-branch players such as CP Hart and West One in London as well as independent showrooms including Warren Keys Bathrooms of Man on the Isle of Man, Studio One South West in Plymouth and The Water Gallery in Esher.
“While our existing routes to market remain important to us, we feel that our offering is ideally suited to premium bathroom showrooms and installers so it was the natural next step for the brand in the UK,” continues Thomas.
“Our products are designed to work together as a system – hence our name. Rather than bathroom retailers buying from several different suppliers for what we do, everything is simplified by coming through us. By working with Schlüter-Systems, retailers only pay for one lot of delivery costs, can reduce their admin and have one point of contact for any queries. We’ve also heard from retailers that have worked out they can fit up to six additional bathrooms in a year on our underfloor heating product alone, as our products are quicker to install.”
“Our experienced technical team can offer advice on product suitability, and we’ll even visit a property to check how the installation is going, if required. Ultimately, we want to ensure that tile and natural stone installations stand the test of time,” Thomas concludes.
“Our founder, Werner Schlüter, says our products cannot be sold; they must be understood. That gives you a feel for the ethos of the business.”
Photographed top are: left to right: area sales consultants James Callinan, Sean McCreadie, Stuart Gillson, Michael Kimball-Smith, bottom left to right:Michael Dar, Graham Rose and Phil Cutts
Kaldewei is launching a comprehensive washbasin campaign for 2024, unveiling new designs and expanded size options tailored to private customers, hotels, and the project business.
The campaign underscores Kaldewei’s commitment to innovation and sustainability with the introduction of elegant bowls and built-in washbasins crafted from recyclable steel enamel in 13 versatile colours. These additions enhance Kaldewei’s portfolio, catering to a diverse range of clientele, from homeowners to commercial enterprises in the hospitality and project sectors.
A standout feature of the campaign is the Kaldewei Avellino washbowl. Available in 13 colours, its delicate structure and slender silhouette offer aesthetic appeal and hygienic functionality. The plastic-free washbowl is available in three sizes, has a long life, is recyclable and offers 100 per cent circularity. It works in both private bathrooms or exclusive hotel bathrooms that want to avoid plastic and minimise their ecological footprint.
For project installations, Kaldewei introduces the Object R and Object Q built-in washbasins, renowned for their robust steel enamel surface and timeless design. The Object R boasts soft, feminine lines, while the Object Q offers a classic rectangular shape. These washbasins are ideal for modern guest bathrooms and high-traffic public sanitary areas, providing durability and ease of installation.
Additionally, Kaldewei expands its existing Miena and Nueva bowl series with new size options, offering enhanced flexibility for designing premium washing areas. Made from Kaldewei steel enamel, these washbasins guarantee quality and durability, and because the material, a combination of steel and glass, is made from natural raw materials and is plastic-free, they ensure eco-friendly disposal at the end of their lifecycle.
After a very successful show in 2023, Saniflo is doubling its presence at the Installer Show this year – NEC in Birmingham on 25, 26 and 27 June, stand 4E22 – with an innovative stand design that features Saniflo on one side and the Kinedo shower brand on the other.
A wide variety of Saniflo’s comprehensive portfolio of pumps, macerators and lifting stations will be on display including models aimed at the commercial sector, such as the Sanifos underground lifting station and a Sanicubic GR – one of the larger floor standing lifting stations in the range.
A working display of the popular Sanicubic 2 Pro floor standing pump range and the Sanicom grey water lifting station will also be on the stand. The domestic range will also be very well represented with a range of macerators, shower pumps, condensate pumps, sump pumps and two WCs with integrated macerators; the Saniflush and Sanicompact. Both models are ideal for bathrooms with limited access to gravity drainage where space is at a premium or where the owner prefers to conceal the macerator within the WC.
The Kinedo shower brand is most closely associated with the innovative range of all-in-one shower cubicles, but also features a range of stunning shower enclosures and lightweight cuttable shower trays; many of which will be showcased on the Kinedo stand.
Walk-in models on display include the eye-catching Ekinox Duo in cobalt blue, along with a Kinequartz solo with smoked glass and a Smart Design Solo Nordic with its oak-look frame. The popular Smart Design enclosures with sliding and saloon doors will also highlight the versatility of the range, whilst all models will be paired with Kinemooon, Kineline and Kinerock Evo trays in natural stone designs and in a range of 5 colours.
The luxurious new Kinewall by Kinedo shower panels launched earlier this year will also be installed in the showers using designs such as banana trees, white waves, herringbone and vertical wood creating a colourful, eye-catching display. Saniflo is looking forward to welcoming customers, both old and new, onto stand 4E22.
Appointments with members of the Saniflo or Kinedo sales team will be available to book in advance by emailing marketing@saniflo.co.uk
Surfaces manufacturer Cosentino expands its Hybriq+® technology with Silestone®XM. This new iteration maintains Silestone®’s range of colours and collections while reducing crystalline silica content to just 10%, enhancing sustainability and versatility.
Seven years in the making, Hybriq+® technology debuted in 2020, marking Cosentino’s strong commitment to R&D&I in decorative surfaces. It revolutionised Silestone® for enhanced safety and sustainability.
Silestone® shifted to sustainable manufacturing powered by 100% renewable electricity and 99% recycled water. Its composition was overhauled, with a substantial decrease in crystalline silica content through the incorporation of premium minerals and at least 20% recycled materials like glass. Remarkably, these changes maintain Silestone®’s exceptional physical and mechanical properties alongside its renowned high-quality design and colour depth.
This year, Cosentino unveils a significant milestone with the introduction of Silestone®XM. This brand will encompass all new collections released in 2024, along with existing colours manufactured with less than 10% crystalline silica. The ultimate objective is to transition the entire colour portfolio under this new brand.
Debuting at KBIS trade show in Las Vegas, Silestone®XM made its first appearance. It has since been showcased at the ARCOmadrid contemporary art fair and the C.Next Retail Iberia & Latam convention. Soon, Silestone®XM will introduce the EARTHIC® by Silestone®XM capsule collection, a collaborative effort with Italian studio FormaFantasma. This collection will take center stage at the EARTHIC® LAB X FORMAFANTASMA installation, set to be unveiled by Cosentino during Milan Design Week at Fuorisalone.
Another of the collections under Silestone®XM category this year will be Le Chic Bohème, an extension of the already acclaimed Le Chic series introduced in 2023, which was an advanced design exercise that recaptured the beauty of textures and classic style veined patterns in Silestone®.
Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit seamlessly integrates balanced proportions with function, offering efficient washing-area solutions to include basins, bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors.“The idea was to structure surfaces and create a sense of order that positively influences the quality of the overall room,” Citterio explains.
Antonio Citterio’s approach to the Aurena collection emphasizes practicality and efficiency. The perfectly proportioned surface in the washing area is made entirely of ceramic and separated from the wet area. Integrated dividers on the vanity tops simplify accessory storage. A basin can be integrated into this ceramic console, or the console can be combined with an above-counter washbasin made from ceramic or glass.
The architect opted for compact basin sizes, which allowed him to prioritise large vanity tops. An aluminium profile frame with a stainless-steel finish is used to unite the console with the vanity unit, with a projection on one side for a subtly integrated towel holder.
“I try to give straightforward answers to reality. At the washbasin, we need elements for hanging a towel, large vanity tops, and storage space, and it should all fit together perfectly,” says Antonio Citterio.
Crafted entirely from aluminium with an inlaid mesh base, the shelving unit provides an open storage space and is complemented by two drawers under the double washstand for added convenience. The Aurena range includes a closed alternative, a furniture unit with two drawers, which can be mounted in a floating position on the wall or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.
The Aurena collection offers a harmonious blend of materials, with ceramic available in White or Black. Choose from super-matte carcass colors such as White, Taupe, or Graphite, which can be paired with identical matte or high-gloss fronts or customized with special front fills.
For a touch of warmth and sophistication, textured wooden surfaces create an inviting ambience. Alternatively, opt for the timeless appeal of white marble-look ceramic panels or the understated luxury of black lacquered glass.
The Aurena series extends beyond the washing area, with matching bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors designed to create a harmonious bathroom concept. Integrating innovative materials such as DuroCast Smooth and DuroCast Plus ensures durability and elegance, while soft geometric forms and concealed illumination add a touch of sophistication.
Completing the ensemble are accessories from the Starck T range, perfectly coordinated in finish to complement Aurena’s aesthetic. This architectural range caters to diverse settings, from private residences to upscale properties like hotels and medical offices.
Aurena by Antonio Citterio introduces HygieneGlaze® Plus, setting a new standard in hygiene and ease of cleaning. With a keen understanding of residential and commercial needs, Citterio’s design ethos transcends mere functionality, offering a holistic experience that blends aesthetic allure with practicality.
CRL has appointed a new sales representative – Jordan Borrow- who is joining the business to support its network of customers in the northwest of the UK.
With four years of experience working with a stone fabricator in this area of the country already, Jordan brings local and industry knowledge with him to CRL, at what is a busy time for the CRL Stone brand.
In his new role Jordan will be responsible for business development and relationship building with kitchen and bathroom showrooms and fabricators, as well as developing the CRL Stone name further.
Commenting on his appointment Jordan said: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge, supporting our current customers as well as bringing in new business and helping to grow the CRL Stone brand.”
Dave Beckett, CRL Stone’s sales director, adds: “Jordan’s role is crucial to developing CRL’s presence in the north-west, and he will be key to the further development of our business in this area of the country.”
For more information call CRL Stone on 01706 863 600 or visit www.crlstone.co.uk
Turkish conglomerate Eczacıbaşı Group’s leading brand, VitrA, and British designer Tom Dixon have unveiled an installation at INTERNI CROSS VISION 70, which is set to define the trend for future sustainable design.
Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Interni Magazine and titled “Re-Ceramic”, the installation explores the critical theme of waste reuse and recycling. Tom Dixon explains, “This installation is a narrative journey through the recycling process. Utilizing the casting technique, we immerse the viewer in the transformative journey of ceramics from ‘primordial mud’ to durable, functional art.”
The world’s first washbasin crafted from almost 100% recycled materials
The ‘Liquid’ line of sanitaryware is a centrepiece of the exhibition; this revolutionary product line was developed to almost entirely utilise recycled ceramic waste, representing a significant leap in sustainable design. VitrA says this approach not only showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship but also sets a new standard for the industry.
Tom Dixon was awarded an OBE for his services to British design, and VitrA’s shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and design excellence is evident in this collaboration. The Liquid line reflects respect for natural resources.
Design community invited to Interni Cross Vision 70 to experience the best in design
INTERNI CROSS VISION 70 offers a platform to explore the symbiotic relationship between industrial innovation and artisanal tradition, themes that are deeply embedded in the Italian design ethos.
The exhibition celebrates the power of design to address complex global challenges, such as the climate crisis, through creative and technological innovation.
As the design community gathers in Milan to explore the future of architecture, design, and art, VitrA and Tom Dixon’s installation blurs the boundaries between art and industrial manufacturing to showcase the transformative power of design. By challenging conventional practices and embracing circular economy principles, Re-ceramic not only represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable design but also ignites a conversation about the role of design in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
*The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials generated and disposed of during the ceramic sanitaryware manufacturing process.
Fixture manufacturer GRAFF has expanded its Art of Bath portfolio with its new bathroom brassware featuring cutting-edge sensor technology. Launching in July 2024, GRAFF’s touch-free sensor mixers respond to a simple wave of the hand to control the flow of water to provide a sleek, hygienic solution for contemporary bathrooms.
Designed to meet the demands of public bathrooms, GRAFF’s sensor taps feature an intuitive, discreet design and modern silhouette to enhance interiors and provide a luxurious experience. The touch-free technology prevents wear and tear of handles and fixture surfaces, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance, while its versatile design complements an array on interior design styles.
GRAFF founder and CEO, Ziggy Kulig, comments: “The contemporary profile of our sensor taps is supported by our advanced technology and engineering expertise, instilling a sense of confidence and assuring hygienic ease and reliability. These taps are engineered for convenience and conservation – water only flows when the sensor is activated – eliminating the waste of water that occurs when taps are left running.”
Designed to maintain a pristine environment where hygiene is of the utmost importance, the sensor taps are available in GRAFF’s full selection of fine handcrafted finishes, providing a range of styles to suit any interior. For optimal performance and truly elevated design, GRAFF’s Steelnox Satin Nickel finish is designed to prevent fingerprints and water spots.
GRAFF’s captivating designs are supported by use of the highest-quality materials, a rich heritage of European craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Expertly pairing water-saving technology with versatile, minimalist design, the new sensor taps lead GRAFF’s mission for a greener future.
It was, without a doubt, a brave move – but from today’s perspective, it was definitely the right one for Duravit: “Conquering the bathroom with design”. The complete bathroom manufacturer took its first daring step in 1987 with the unmistakable “Giamo” bathroom series from product designer Dieter Sieger.
Today, forty years later, it says its success has been confirmed as Duravit looks back on the creation of over 100 design projects with 24 design partners and looks forward to further pioneering designs that continue to be developed.
Duravit Design DNA
This process, which involves external designers and the in-house design team working closely together, has produced a unique design DNA over the years: the unmistakable, precisely formulated design language that forms each individual bathroom range. Despite the individuality, extravagance, and boldness to work with extraordinary materials and unusual colours, Duravit’s product portfolio exclusively combines design ranges that align with the aspiration at the heart of its brand. At the same time, the eternal, timeless design combines the highest product-quality standards with comfortoriented technology for the last word in feel-good bathrooms.
A particular benefit of this approach is that a customer’s dream bathroom is assembled from a range of different design lines to create an individually styled product that reflects their personal preferences. The design DNA guarantees a harmonious and stylish overall look.
Trust, understanding, and responsibility: the unique designer network
To achieve this objective, Duravit relies on esteemed collaborations with international design partners. A valuable partnership of over 30 years with Philippe Starck, down-to-earth furniture and bold colours with Christian Werner, Japanese influences from Sebastian Herkner, while Cecilie Manz interprets Nordic influences. Antonio Citterio recently designed a unique architectural series, and then there’s the cross-generational collaboration with Sieger Design, which today is run by the sons Christian and Michael.
Award-winning excellence: prize-winning products for the perfect feel-good individual moment
Over recent years, Duravit has not only transformed the domestic wet cell into an all-round feel-good bathroom but has also won over the distinguished members of renowned design awards juries. The company currently holds more than 200 international awards – and counting.
