Tom Reynolds, chief executive at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, outlines the water efficiency labelling regulations expected to come into force by 2025.
As I write, the devasting consequences of Storm Babet are coming to light with the Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, saying the damage was harder to predict because of “rain coming from the other way, and we don’t have quite as much experience on that”. It feels like a weak excuse and highlights our inadequate infrastructure. But it also highlights a UK-wide conundrum: it rains a lot, yet we have a severe water scarcity challenge to address.
Defra’s statistics say we will need an additional 4,000 million litres of water a day by 2050, almost a third (28.5%) of current public water supplied in England, with over half of it coming from reduced demand. Their target is to reduce public water supply use by 20% for each person by 2038 through measures including “to make regulations to introduce a mandatory water efficiency label to inform consumers and encourage the purchase of more water-efficient products for both domestic and business use”.
At the end of September, Defra published the long-awaited response to its consultation on mandatory water efficiency labelling (MWEL), in which the BMA had provided expert input. The headlines include a projected launch of MWEL regulations next year with implementation by 2025, covering toilets, urinals, taps, showers (including electric models), dishwashers, washing machines, and washer-dryers. Notably, manufacturers must adhere to any new technical criteria and testing.
While we welcome and champion attempts for water efficiency to address our water scarcity challenges, if Defra continues its current intentions for the MWEL, it will have missed an enormous opportunity and potentially cost the taxpayer around £20m unnecessarily.
The UK already has the Unified Water Label (UWL), a voluntary initiative that provides detailed water and energy information for water-related products. IKEA and BMA’s branded manufacturers have adopted the UWL to highlight their products’ water usage. With water-use ratings and an accessible online database, this label enables informed choices for customers, architects, specifiers, and end users. It maintains reliability through strict technical criteria and annual audits.
The BMA will continue proactive dialogue with Defra to reach a sensible conclusion which could see the utilisation of the UWL. In the meantime, I would urge architects and designers to remain aware of their opportunity to play a vital role in reducing our water use by specifying water-efficient products, many of which are available through the UWL scheme. Regulation is coming, so awareness and practice for water efficiency should be addressed quickly.
The Thomas Crapper team has successfully cycled 250 miles to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK and to spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis.
The team took time out of their busy schedules to take part in a static bike ride at the Huddersfield HQ. So far, £1,410 has been raised for the charity, and the JustGiving page is still open, so there is time to donate.
Managing director (and cyclist!), Paul Dwyer, comments: “We were eager to start raising money for Bowel Cancer UK and, as the Thomas Crapper team is small and mighty, we decided on a static bike ride as our first fundraising event. The date was set, bikes were sourced, social team was briefed, PR and marketing content was in place…and we were off!”
All-in-all, the event was a huge success with the Thomas Crapper team reaching 250 miles way faster than anticipated. It was agreed that the next event will have to be more of a challenge. Stay tuned!
Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. The team is on a mission to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. Every year, nearly 43,000 people in the UK are told that they have bowel cancer. It is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer – over 16,500 people die from the disease each year. However, bowel cancer is treatable and curable if caught early and around 90% of people will survive for five years or more. Together we can work towards a world where no one dies of bowel cancer.
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand has enhanced its modular furniture collection with the addition of the new VOLTA OAK furniture range.
A popular furniture choice, the mid-market Volta modular family was previously available in three gloss finishes, so introducing a new oak-effect option makes the collection even more versatile – especially with the selection of accessories that complement the range.
Available in both wall-hung and floor-standing units, the new VOLTA OAK comes with many options, allowing for maximum design flexibility. The new range even takes centre stage by featuring on the front cover of the brand new Bathrooms to Love brochure, showcasing its luxurious looks in a twin basin arrangement for maximum impact (as shown above).
The VOLTA OAK range is available in basin, WC and tall unit types, including a space-saving basin range with a short projection depth of 222mm. Basin unit choices include single or dual configurations as well as built-in ceramic basin or worktop and vessel basin. Laminate worktops include a white slate, a white gloss or an urban black top that can be coordinated with a wide range of beautiful washbowls, such as the ceramic stone-effect ‘Haku’ bowl as shown – a perfect complement to the oak units.
Basin unit widths range from 410mm to 1180mm, and with a choice of drawers or cupboards, spacious interiors provide plenty of storage for bathrooms of all sizes. All VOLTA OAK units have colour coordinated cabinets and come with soft-close doors and drawers.
Contemporary Bar handle options include three choices of finish: chrome, brushed brass or matt black, allowing designers to match up metallic finishes with other product categories. As shown, Bathrooms to Love has teamed the golden tones of brushed brass through the brassware, mirrors, lighting, heating and showering with the warmth of the oak for an inspired bathroom scheme.
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 VOLTA OAK Furniture range from Bathrooms to Love Collection is now available to order via PJH’s class-leading Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.
Saniflo UK – part of the SFA Group – has expanded its portfolio of submersible pumps with rainwater and wastewater pumping solutions just in time for the winter weather. The Sanipump VX range offers a robust range of cast iron pumps with vortex technology and single and three-phase options, whilst the Saniflo SLD is a versatile, powerful solution for high-flowstormwater drainage.
Sanipump VX 50 is a submersible pump for lifting wastewater and rainwater to a maximum head of 16m with a discharge diameter of DN50. Designed to be installed in a manhole or pit, it is available as either a portable or stationary unit and available in 12 versions: 8 single-phase (including 4 automatic) and 4 three-phase. The pump is also compatible with Sanifos 1600/2100/3100 underground pumping stations.
Sanipump VX 65/80 are also designed for the lifting of wastewater and rainwater to a maximum head of 35 m. They are equipped with a vortex impeller and have a discharge diameter of 120 to 190 mm (depending on the model) and have an output in DN 65 or DN 80. Stationary installation is necessary in a manhole or pit.
Sanipump SLD is a versatile, powerful pump solution with a high flow rating of up to 48m³/h for rainwater drainage, as well as waste water. It has a continuous duty rating and is available in single and three phase. The unit features a two-channel impeller with a free passage of 50mm and can also be found in the Sanifos 610 packed lifting station.
The iLook_move cosmetic mirror by KEUCO, with its innovative hinge technology and LED light, provides excellent illumination and great flexibility, and the high-quality mirror surface has fivefold magnification. Created by the design office Tesseraux+Partner, Potsdam, the iLook mirror is available in a round and angular form in chrome or matte black variants.
The slim and elegant mirror can be illuminated with the flick of a switch. This 6500 Kelvin variant is switched on and off directly from the vanity mirror; however, if preferred, the light can be set up to be operated by the room light switch.
The mirror’s hinge technology enables the swivel arm to be adjusted three-dimensionally, the height of the mirror can be adjusted, it can be moved to the side, and the inclination can be changed. Its elegant design maximizes height adjustability without needing a conventional wall rail, and its flexibility allows you to use the iLook mirror when standing or sitting.
Four brand new additions to Utopia’s colour palette for this Autumn reflect the ongoing dominant trends for colour and texture in the bathroom.
Joining Utopia’s already extensive collection of door colours available across the Original Fitted, Symmetry, YOU, and Geo ranges are Bay Green, Carbon Black, Dorchester Oak and Richmond Walnut.
Bay Green (above & below) is a rich, sophisticated colour intensified by its silky matt finish, particularly stunning when teamed with woodgrains and brass accessories. At the same time, the dramatic Carbon Black (pictured at the very bottom) is a deep version of charcoal, a statement finish perfectly pitched to complement and accent other decors in the range.
Additionally, in response to tremendous demand for realistic, natural woodgrains, joining the collection is Dorchester Oak (pictured below), a timeless classic with a golden tone and a light grain texture. The addition of a new carcass and 22mm laminate worktop in the same finish allows the consumer the freedom to create a completely harmonious look or to mix and match.
Richmond Walnut (below) offers a bolder, darker option with a striking vertical grain detail, equally at home in a vintage or contemporary setting.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments, “Anticipating trends in terms of colour and finish is a key part of our product development programme. Our carefully curated collection of colours and finishes is continually evolving so that we can offer our customers a vast portfolio of colours and finishes to choose from plus the option to combine them for a truly personal design scheme.”
To help consumers design their dream bathroom, Utopia offers a free sample service for all finishes and tiles. This, combined with Visualise, Utopia’s online planning tool, allows the consumer to explore all eleven furniture collections, experimenting with colours and combinations in the comfort of their own home until they create their ideal bathroom.
Kast has launched the new Wave collection, which includes designs named Tilde, Dune, and Prim. This contemporary collection breaks away from the confines of conventional lines and embraces the joyful liberation of curves. Channelling the exuberant spirit of the Italian Radicalism and Postmodernism movements, Wave captures the essence of individuality and playfulness.
Nestled at the edge of Sherwood Forest in the UK, Kast is a design-driven powerhouse known for crafting unconventional concrete wash basins. Imbuing their line of innovative wash basins with a new dimension of style, Kast’s Wave collection ushers in a fresh perspective, celebrating the charm of undulating forms and whimsical silhouettes.
“The curved shapes not only add a touch of whimsy but also creates a contrast with the angular lines present in our living spaces,” says Tim Bayes, Kast Founder. “Each basin is designed to serve as a vibrant centrepiece, its unconventional form infusing the bathroom with a sense of delight and creative energy.”
Tilde features an integrated splashback that gracefully reflects the curvature of the bowl, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow that enhances its form. With a design that seamlessly adapts, Tilde can be easily mounted on walls or surfaces and pairs perfectly with a wall-mounted tap.
As for Dune, it offers the flexibility of either surface mounting or wall hanging, while vessel basin Prim, exclusively designed for countertop placement, completes the range with its understated elegance.
Starting at an RRP of £1,750/$2,625/€2,100.
The collection is available to order at kastconcretebasins.com and is distributed worldwide. As with all Kast products, Wave serves as a testament to British ingenuity. Crafted with the utmost dedication, the collection features the finest concrete sourced from local Derbyshire limestone and undergoes meticulous hand-finishing by a team of skilled artisans.
Kudos Shower Products has announced the appointment of Mark Batley as senior business development manager for the company. Mark has 20 years of experience in the bathroom industry and has rejoined the Kudos business to focus on supporting major customer accounts.
“We are delighted to be further strengthening the Kudos Sales team, Mark has worked for Kudos in the past and we will benefit hugely from his knowledge of both our business and his experience in the industry. He will be sharing this development role with Rob Stead across the country, Mark focussing on the midlands and northern based accounts.” Said sales & marketing director Nick Graville.
As senior business development manager, Mark will be focussed on working with distributor partners and growing the number of Kudos retailers and their displays, including those approved for Premium Collection products. He says he is delighted to join the company at this exciting time in its development:
“These are exciting times for the company and myself; Kudos has a fantastic reputation for high-quality UK manufacturing accompanied by great levels of customer service. Since the recent acquisition, Kudos is now part of the Ronal Group AG. The commitment this gives to further grow the UK manufacturing and produce more innovative bathroom products is tremendous and I’m really excited to be part of this journey.”
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.
The new Alpha Solo walk-in shower enclosure from shower brand Kinedo is a single glass panel without a reinforcement bar to create a classic minimalist walk-in shower area, which is simple and stylish in design.
Alpha Solo features a chrome aluminium profile, 10mm transparent glass 2 metres high, and a chrome cover strip at the bottom of the panel. Anti-limescale treatment comes as standard. Alpha Solo is available in sizes 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1200mm and 1400mm and is ideal for corner and recess installations.
The range is available now to retailers, house builders, hoteliers and other accommodation providers who seek a high-end product at an accessible price point.
Offering the freedom of an open shower and suitable for small and large spaces, with Kinedo, it’s possible to create a designer wetroom look no matter the budget or the space size.
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.
Today’s shower designs deliver a variety of options, from multigenerational innovations to bespoke or space-saving designs. And, with sustainability requirements topping the consumer wish list, it is no surprise that manufacturers are brimming over with new ideas. Diane Larner finds out what the latest ranges bring to the table.
Bespoke satisfaction
According to a recent Houzz survey, more than 56% of homeowners are opting to stay in their current home rather than buy a new one that suits their needs. Unsurprisingly, bath and shower rooms remain the most popular area to renovate after the kitchen. When planning to add a second or third bathroom, designers are beholden to the shape of windows, doors, and even sloping ceilings when it comes to layout. Bespoke solutions offer the flexibility required when such creativity is needed.
Colm Lalor, Hudson Reed’s commercial director, agrees but says, “It’s important to ensure that no matter whether your space is large, small or somewhere in between, planning must come first when renovating your bathroom, especially if your space is more awkward to fit a new shower in. Through a recent installer survey, we found that a lack of preparation was one of the main reasons for fails in the bathroom, so a bespoke or versatile option could be the right solution. “ The company offers a wide range of options that it says are tailored to fit even the most awkward of spaces.
Cutting to size to fit the space also delivers a flawless, seamless finish in such spaces. CRL Bespoke Showers are designed to provide streamlined, hotel-inspired design and include glass and surfaces. CRL partners with expert fabricators to ensure they can be precision-cut to exactly the right size and shape. Ceralsio ceramic and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone (pictured above) are the perfect wall and floor surface solutions for the shower area and can be cut to size.
Altogether now
In a new report by the World Health Organization, it is estimated that the population of individuals over 65 years will outnumber those under 15 in the WHO European Region. Unsurprisingly, the number of multigenerational households is increasing, with an estimated 1.8 million falling into this category since the turn of the century. Creating bathroom spaces that accommodate changing needs makes sense whether you are catering for a variety of family members or wish to build in longevity for your own future needs.
Stephen Maley, UK sales director, HEWI UK Ltd, comments, “Intergenerational living has been gaining importance for several years. An ever ageing society and changing family structures are decisive for developments in the sector. And, the shower is an integral part of the intergenerational bathroom.”
We are used to seeing level-access shower rooms with easy-to-access shower doors; however, building a comprehensive design requires features such as grab rails, non-slip flooring, seating and even hand shower accessibility.
Stephen Maley continues, “The shower in an intergenerational bathroom should offer support, flexibility and safety to all users in equal measure. In addition to a shower base that is flush with the floor, non-slip floor coverings and thermostats with scald protection, seating and hand-hold options should also be taken into account for a multi-generation bathroom shower.”
HEWI offer comprehensive design to suit all needs. For example, its new Magnetic Shower Holder features a nifty magnet-function-based height adjustment, which works by sliding the shower head intuitively and requiring only one-handed operation. It is designed to improve showering comfort thanks to its user-friendly, safe and easy-to-clean features.
Simply sustainable
With increased consumer scrutiny on sustainable design, brands that adapt to the new environmentally conscious consumer will stay relevant in a competitive market.
Stacey Seagrave, senior product manager for non-residential fittings at Ideal Standard agrees, “When it comes to evolving trends within the bathroom sector, it goes without saying that consumers are increasingly conscious about their impact on the environment. Housebuilders and architects are responding to that growing demand for sustainability – incorporating low-flow products into their bathrooms and thoughtfully considering the amount of embodied carbon in products.”
New products like Ideal Standard’s Alu+ showering range (pictured above) are built with sustainability in mind, enabling specifiers and designers to fulfil consumer demands and create more environmentally friendly properties. The showers are constructed from high-quality recyclable aluminium comprising 84% recycled content and feature water flow limiters to minimise consumption. Moreover, these showering units are also available in three low-sheen finishes, meaning customers don’t have to compromise on aesthetics when opting for a more sustainable option. For a comprehensive solution, Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy gives architects, specifiers and developers a single point of contact for a complete range of bathroom solutions designed to work harmoniously together.
Alternatively, with research, sustainable bathroom design can be specified across the complete bathroom range when utilising different suppliers. As energy costs spiral, products that alleviate the pressure on the family purse will remain competitive, especially as 80 per cent of the hot water a home creates is used for showering, not heating.
One focus for the environmentally aware brand Kaldewei has been to develop ways to heat more efficiently and use less energy. The Kaldewei shower channel has a heat recovery system, the “FlowLine Heatrecovery” shower channel. Pictured below, it uses heat from the shower water to preheat the cold, fresh water on its way to the shower fitting.
All-rounder
For smaller or oddly configured bathroom spaces, a quadrant shower delivers space economy thanks to its curved frontage. Kudos Shower Products has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 access shower enclosures with level entry, and introduced new corner quadrant models in chrome, matt black or brushed brass profiles. Eliminating the bottom rail on the door gives a minimalist appearance and makes it much easier to clean.
As with all other enclosures in the Kudos Pinnacle8 range, these new options stand 2000mm in height and are produced with 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All glass panels come with LifeShield protection for easy cleaning, and all doors have an iconic Finger Pull handle (with an optional retrofit handle if required).
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