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VitrA premieres 100% recycled ceramic washbasin

VitrA

Shown for the first time in the UK at the kbb show and a world’s first, VitrA’s new *100% recycled ceramic washbasin is environmentally friendly, yet stylish and reflects the brand’s commitment to using fewer resources, minimising waste and maximising their contribution to the circular economy.

Made from using broken and discarded ceramics, along with other waste materials from the manufacturing process that would typically end up in landfill, the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin from VitrA is said to set a new standard in sustainable design within the industry. A life cycle assessment found that the production of the recycled washbasins minimises VitrA’s environmental impact on fossil fuel usage and global warming by a significant 30% per product.

Available in five thoughtfully crafted designs, each basin embodies its own unique character, from the organic simplicity of the ‘Pebble’ to the geometric precision of ‘Square’ and ‘Circle, to the distinctive outline of ‘TV’ and the graceful curves of ‘Oval’. Finished in a textured matt taupe finish, the 100% recycled ceramic washbasins combine organic forms with minimalistic sophistication. 

Above left – diagram of the manufacturing process for the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin / Above right – VitrA’s 100% recycled ceramic washbasin shown at the kbb show

Gokce Ersel Otkun, head of sustainability at VitrA, comments: “The launch of the 100% recycled ceramic washbasin marks a turning point for the brand and the industry at large. Being the first in the industry to devise such a product demonstrates VitrA’s wholehearted commitment to delivering on its promises to champion sustainable design. We’re so excited to be on this sustainability journey, and feel this product is a significant step forward.”

Find out more about VitrA’s 100% recycled ceramic washbasin here.

*The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials generated and disposed of during the CSW manufacturing process.

Pictured top: 100% Recycled Ceramic Washbasin in rectangular shape.

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Kbb Birmingham exceeds expectations for St James England

St James England Kbb Birmingham

Luxury brassware manufacturer St James England presented its three complementary portfolios, including its new Living range, at KBB Birmingham 2024.

St James offers design-led brassware, including taps, mixers, showers, sinks, and accessories. Its three complementary portfolios include St James Living (pictured below right), a new range of bathroom and kitchen brassware which the company unveiled at Kbb Birmingham, in its first appearance at the event in recent years.

St James’ three complementary portfolios provide a solution for every individual design requirement. St James Traditional is inspired by Victorian elegance and hand-finished with bespoke details. St James Distinction still embodies that iconic British style, combined with a contemporary twist.

St James England Kbb Birmingham
St James England Kbb Birmingham

St James also presented its market-leading POS materials at kbb Birmingham. Reportedly, the sales team received a significant number of requests from retailers keen to install displays at kbb. New brochures for the Traditional, Distinction, and Living collections were also on display to present St James’ customisable options for its products, which were available to see on the stand.

Andy Burton, divisional marketing manager, St James England, says: “We were delighted to showcase the St James luxury brassware collections at kbb Birmingham. Our team has been working exceptionally hard over the past 12 months to refine our new portfolio based approach including the St James Traditional and Distinction ranges, as well as launching our brand new Living collection.

“We are able to offer retail partners brassware products that are exclusive to us, are not available online and that come with all the support they need to grow their own businesses. Our new branding, new products and new POS displays were very warmly received by visitors to our stand, and it was a pleasure to present the Signature of St James to retailers throughout the exhibition.

“Our presence at kbb Birmingham reiterated our commitment to bricks and mortar retailers. Overall, the exhibition exceeded expectations and we look forward to developing new partnerships with some incredible independent bathroom and kitchen specialists across the UK.”

For more information on St James, or to enquire about becoming a St James retail partner, please call 0121 358 1555 or email sales@stjamesengland.com.

You can also visit the website at www.stjamesengland.com.

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Startup Hidealoo invents ‘lootilities’ for households

Hidealoo Bathroom

London startup Hidealoo showcased its innovative design for the industry at Kbb. Designers can factor in ‘lootilities’ for projects and households that do not have the space or money available for a whole new bathroom; Hidealoo delivers the solution.

The Hidealoo frame can be used with any standard UK wall-hung toilet and can be moved through 90 degrees, meaning it can be hidden inside a cabinet, cupboard or wall space when not in use.

In addition to creating more flexible floor space, the frame allows additional toilets to be installed where adding a new bathroom may not otherwise be possible, for example, by allowing a toilet to be fitted within a utility room cupboard or in a cabinet underneath loft eaves.

Hidaloo Bathroom

Hidealoo’s inventor, Monty Ravenscroft, has spent the last 25 years pioneering designs for innovative moving elements in architecture. This includes building a 3-bedroom home on a tiny plot in southeast London, which was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme. With very little space to play with, Monty needed to get creative with various space-saving inventions.

Monty then went on to appear as co-host of Channel 4’s ‘Inside Out Homes’, which focused on creating a new invention to solve a problem faced by a homeowner in each episode.

Inspired by these experiences and seeking a solution for his invalid father, who needed the convenience of bathroom facilities in his bedroom, yet in a discreet way that preserved his dignity, Monty developed the idea of a foldaway toilet. Spotting the broader potential for the frame, he worked closely with award-winning international designer Sebastian Conran to perfect its design.

Monty explains: “We’re hearing from a lot of homeowners at the moment who are under pressure with the high cost of living. Those who can’t afford to move but who need more facilities for their growing family, or who are having to rent out rooms to cover spiralling mortgage costs. They don’t have the space or money to install a whole new bathroom, so need an innovative solution.

“We can help them to get clever with the space they have available while opening up the options for where they might fit an additional loo and at a fraction of the cost of a big build project.”

The TheHidealoo frame is manufactured in Britain and is simple to install for any plumber or competent DIYer. It can hold up to 400kg in weight and has been tested through 250k uses the equivalent of being used more than 10 times a day for 65 years.

For more information, visit www.hidealoo.com

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Ideal Standard celebrates triple success at iF Design Awards 2024

Ideal Standard iF Design Award

Bathroom brand Ideal Standard is celebrating a triple win in the 2024 iF Design Awards for its new product ranges: Solos, La Dolce Vita® and Alu+. The collections were created by chief design officer at Ideal Standard, Roberto Palomba.

The awards were presented at the iF International Forum Design competition after evaluation by an independent jury of experts based on criteria such as design quality, innovation, functionality, and environmental impact. This year the competition attracted almost 11,000 entries from 72 countries, highlighting its global reach and significance.

The first award was given to Solos, a visually striking collection featuring a unique integrated combination of basin and fittings and a range of sophisticated showering solutions. Fine, straight lines and extremely thin edges give the basin its distinctive weightless look, while the sleek, fully integrated fitting completes the seamless, pure appearance.

The shower products combine intuitive, smart controls with various spray modes and an integrated ambient light to create a sophisticated all-in-one solution that provides a true spa-like experience. Made from pioneering materials and packed with advanced technologies, Solos offers modern convenience and everyday luxury in the bathroom. 

Next to be recognised by the judges was the La Dolce Vita® collection, a range that echoes the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian lifestyle. Launching later this year, this new series features solutions for the entire bathroom, from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to mixer taps, shower products and accessories. La Dolce Vita®’s beauty is balanced between geometric shapes and forms inspired by nature. Classic tapered design elements and sensual curved edges elegantly separate the products out of the crowd.

The Alu+ range of shower products and beauty bars was the third collection to be awarded. Sustainability was prioritised during the development of this collection, with Alu+ created from high-quality recyclable aluminium, consisting of 84% recycled content. The range is completely free from chrome and nickel and includes water-saving technology that helps to reduce water consumption without sacrificing comfort. Practicality is central to the range, and Alu+ includes storage shelves and matching beauty bars, with mirrors and other storage solutions, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The entire collection is available in three low-sheen finishes – Silk Black, Rosé and Silver – giving customers the option to play with colour in a new and exciting way.  

The three ranges perfectly embody Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy, which aims to provide solutions across all bathroom categories that can be easily mixed and matched, enabling customers to create tailored designs with no compromise on their vision.

Jan Peter Tewes, CEO at Ideal Standard, said: “We are thrilled to receive three iF Design Awards, which underscore our ongoing commitment to design excellence in the bathroom industry. These awards reflect our dedication to creating products that not only enhance the bathroom space but also enrich the lives of our customers through thoughtful design and innovation.”

Roberto Palomba, chief design officer at Ideal Standard, added: “Design is all about making a difference to people’s lives. This can be through the aesthetic and the enjoyment of being in beautiful surroundings. It can be in the functional, where our experience of daily routines is made better. Or it can be in knowing our lifestyle choices are compatible with caring for our planet. All these things are considered in the creation of an Ideal Standard collection, and I am delighted to see this acknowledged by the iF judging panel with Solos, La Dolce Vita® and Alu+.”

Ideal Standard’s success at the 2024 iF Design Awards is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to design innovation and its ability to consistently deliver products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.

For more information about Ideal Standard and its award-winning product ranges, please visit www.idealstandard.co.uk

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Aqualla releases new range of statement bathroom mirrors

Aqualla Mirrors

Leading brassware brand Aqualla has recently launched a striking new range of mirrors that offer something for every style of bathroom.

The height of modernity, the mirrors combine sleek, contemporary aesthetics with thoughtful features such as wireless charging pads, ambient colour change options, and Bluetooth technology, effortlessly transforming bathrooms and luxuriously lavish retreats. The new mirrors include Horizon, Pebble, Studio, Linea Charge, Gallery, Solaris and Vision.

Horizon

With its unique three-quarter circle design and LED backlight, Horizon draws inspiration from the sunset and sunrise. Horizon, pictured top, is available in 800x746mm (RRP £387.60)and 1200x1120mm (RRP £624) formats.

Aqualla Mirror Studio Kbb Birmingham

Pebble

For those who like abstract décor, the visually intriguing Pebble mirror ticks all the boxes. It is available in an 800x555mm (RRP £272) size.

Studio

Pictured left, StudioA is a modern twist on a classic vanity set-up. Studio pairs iconic retro glamour with integrated LED fittings for a timeless look. It is available in an 800x700mm (RRP £364) size.

All new mirrors feature either LED back or front lights. To operate, simply press and hold the touch switch to select colour warm lighting and adjust the intensity accordingly with the dimmable function. Horizon, Pebble, Gallery, Solaris, Vision and Linea Charge are all fitted with a heated demister pad to prevent condensation, even while showering.

Made from durable 5mm safety-backed glass, every mirror has portrait and landscape fitting options to suit all customer preferences and a 5-year warranty for greater peace of mind.

Ruth Black, managing director at Aqualla, comments: “Our existing mirror portfolio has been incredibly popular, making it a growing category for us a business and one which we are keen to expand and diversify. The trend-led new designs cater to all interior tastes, whether customers are looking for a contemporary statement mirror or a nod to traditional styling.”

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Flair Showers showcased new products at Kbb Birmingham

At kbb 2024, Flair Showers showcased various new products from its premium Harmony Collection and unveiled the beautiful results of its next brand chapter, ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’.

Imagery captured at Largy, an enclosed, secret waterfall on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, decorated the Flair stand. Flair also shared its ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ films at kbb Birmingham. Both the behind-the-scenes footage and its product content are designed to support Flair’s retail partners when discussing shower solutions with their customers, and were thoroughly enjoyed by visitors to kbb.

Flair’s next brand chapter is about exploring those precious moments that bring joy and happiness to our lives. ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ brings to life how you can ‘Find your Flair’ and embrace those moments of joy in your everyday.

Flair AYO waterfall
Flair Waterfall by Flair Showers

For the first time, Flair’s ILI and BABY ILI ranges were on display in the UK. ILI is a collection of high-quality, 1950-mm-tall shower doors that are the perfect combination of simplicity, style, and durability. The ILI range is designed with young families in mind. Its minimalist but robust frames are contrasted by gentle curvature and pillow-shaped forms, and they are available in matte black, brushed brass, and silver.

Born out of the ingenuity of its ILI range is BABY ILI, a range of 1800 mm high shower doors designed specifically for low and sloping ceilings, available in a silver finish. BABY ILI ensures bathroom specialists can meet their customers’ needs, even when space is tight, and enhance the users’ daily showering experience.

Designed to make a statement in the bathroom, at kbb, Flair also displayed on-trend metallic finishes to highlight its diverse portfolio to bathroom retailers. Flair revealed its Country Bronze finish (pictured top), to its AYO modular collection of wetroom solutions and previewed Brushed Nickel and Brushed Bronze finishes for its ETO shower enclosures that will be available this summer.

Flair at Kbb AYO

SAVOUR THE MOMENT

FIND YOUR FLAIR

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Utopia unveils new QUBE brochure

New Qube brochure

To celebrate the launch of the new Qube freestanding fitted and fitted furniture ranges, Utopia has introduced a new Qube collection brochure. The brochure covers the entire range in detail from the wall mounted modular and freestanding modular options available in a choice of Qube Glide and Qube Edge doorstyles through to the new freestanding fitted and fitted collections available in the Qube Edge doorstyle.

The newly expanded Qube collection offers options for every bathroom in seven finishes, including on-trend Wild Green and Indigo Blue with coordinating brassware, handles, and handle trims. It also includes space-saving designs for smaller bathrooms and dedicated cloakroom solutions. The complete collection is available on a free delivery basis direct to the retailer and despatched within 48 hours.

Commenting on the new brochure, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, said, “Qube is now such an extensive collection we wanted to present the range in a concise and easy-to-follow format, detailing each option through beautiful imagery and then outlining the simple ordering process. In particular, the ability to order freestanding fitted runs of furniture using a single code which will make it quicker and easier to design, cost and order beautiful bathroom solutions with Qube.”

The new Qube brochure is in stock now and is also available to view and/or download at www.utopiagroup.com/literature. 

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Flair Showers introduces Country Bronze finish

Flair Showers AYO

The trend-setting Country Bronze finish of the AYO modular wetroom collection by Flair Showers made its UK debut at Kbb Birmingham 2024.

The new finish enhances colour palette options for consumers to personalise their shower space and is the ninth profile finish for the versatile wetroom collection.

The range delivers an abundance of configurations and fixture innovations, such as recessed channels, fixed and rotating deflector panels, ultra-clear seals, and stylish stabilising bar options, giving bathroom designers the flexibility to create diverse wetroom layouts.

The arrangements can include double-entry walk-in showers, corner enclosures and expansive three-panel wetrooms for larger spaces. AYO by Flair is flexible, contemporary and of high quality, ensuring bathroom specialists can design a luxury, personalised wetroom zone to emulate a spa-like sanctuary environment.

At an impressive two metres high, AYO modular glass panels can be specified in either 8 mm or 10 mm thick toughened safety glass, which has been treated with a clearvue hydrophobic coating that resists grime and limescale build-up.

To provide a practical choice for consumers seeking privacy without compromising on functionality, Flair also offers AYO 8 mm fluted and opaque glass alternatives, which have been designed to bring elegance and grace to the space with their striking appearance.  

Now including Country Bronze, the AYO colour palette finishes are created using physical vapour deposition (PVD) technology to achieve an exceptionally durable, scratch-resistant and hardwearing surface finish designed to stand the test of time. The PVD coating is applied to a high-grade stainless steel base on an atomic level inside a vacuum chamber, physically changing the original material to the desired colour composition. With Polished Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Silver, White, Brushed Nickel, Matte Nickel, Brushed Brass and Polished Gold finishes also available, AYO is an iconic range designed to transform the bathroom into the most perfect retreat, satisfying the balance between luxury and versatility.

Ronan O’Grady, lead product designer at Flair Showers, says, “Today’s bathroom designs embrace the trend of mixing and matching metal and colour finishes, with consumers choosing the power of texture and tone when creating their dream shower sanctuary. At Flair, we have, therefore, added another dimension to the diverse colour palette of our AYO modular wetroom collection with the brand-new Country Bronze finish. Effortlessly blending simplicity with style, the AYO wetroom collection by Flair makes a luxurious statement in any bathroom.”

“Consumers can explore endless possibilities with AYO, our wetroom solutions embody the highest level of design innovation, with each piece carefully crafted to create a truly personal shower experience. We have instilled our unwavering focus on product quality within our AYO collection, ensuring our products exude exquisite beauty and exceptional durability, allowing for the creation of a perfect bathroom retreat.”

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Schlüter-Systems joins top building design brands in London’s Material Lab

Schluter Systems

Material Lab, in London’s West End, is a design resource and materials library and home to a comprehensive range of innovative, high-end brands which have been developed for the UK’s architectural community.

The impressive two-storey showroom was founded in 2006 as an inspirational hub for designers, architects and developers where displays, presentations, workshops and partner events bring products, designs and technology to life. It is now firmly established and supported by leading brands in the surface coverings, bathroom, and building design industry generally.  Visitors are offered a wealth of information on different product portfolios – from tiles to worktops; wall coverings to flooring; and taps to showers.

One key partner of Material Lab is Schlüter-Systems. The worldwide company is the leading name in holistic system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and stone, with many of the company’s 10,000 product lines finding applications in challenging conditions such as bathrooms and wetrooms.

Lee Rowland, head of sales for Schlüter, explains “Material Lab is an ideal partner for us as we are accessible to the architectural community in a much-visited, easy location in London. Designed for professionals, it means discerning visitors can access all the information and advice they may require, in an inspiring, friendly place.  We have chosen to display the products and schemes which have proven most popular for commercial projects so that the architect or designer can almost “build” their bathroom, wetroom, or complementary space, here.”

The displays highlight Schlüter’s expertise in providing intelligent, stylish solutions with the product ranges working together to create a waterproof, functional, long-lasting bathroom or wetroom. Examples on view include JOLLY tile trims in realistic, textured finishes, and SCHEINE, RENO and DECO trims and transitions in various metallic options. There is also the chance to see the popular electric underfloor heating system DITRA-HEAT, along with different thicknesses of the versatile KERDI-BOARD tileable, waterproof backerboards, and the handy storage option provided by the Schlüter SHELF portfolio.

Helpfully, visitors can take away samples of selected products; they can also be ordered from head office or Sample Library (www.samplelibrary.co.uk).  There are also sample key chains and ranges of informative literature available.

Lee concludes, “Schlüter-Systems is all about high-quality installations; Material Lab is the perfect place for professionals who want to understand how to get there and create the very best spaces in their projects.”

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

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UWLA calls on industry to work together on World Water Day

World Water Day

World Water Day is an annual event hosted by United Nations and in 2024 it celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. 

The Unified Water Label Association calls on the kbb industry to work together and drive forward a change in attitudes towards using water wisely on World Water Day (Friday 22 March). 

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “World Water Day presents a fantastic opportunity for companies to communicate what they are doing to use water efficiently, helping to save energy and protect our planet.

“In the last twelve months there has been an increased awareness across all sectors, of the need to help consumers make responsible water-saving choices.  The UWLA has had more retailers, manufacturers and distributers pledge their support to use the Unified Water Label and highlight the issues around water scarcity, driving home the message that for the sake of the planet we must use water wisely.

“Working together to change consumer behaviour is the only way we can make a positive change. Restricting consumer choice or banning products will only lead to a backlash, with consumers and others finding substandard products and ways around the legislation.

“Companies have a fantastic opportunity to share their commitment to water efficiency and the Unified Water Label, a scheme which is recognised across Europe, this World Water Day.  Together we can all play an important role to influence and educate consumers on the options available, and help them make the right environmental choices when investing in their home.”

“There has never been a better time to become involved and support the UWLA – visit the website today to find how you can play your part.”

www.uwla.eu

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