Author

Diane

Browsing

Duravit introduces new Bento Box Series by Phillipe Starck

Bathroom Review Duravit Bento Box Series

Arranged like a Japanese lunchbox: the new Bento Starck Box bathroom series from Duravit and designer Philippe Starck represents the latest Duravit Artisan Lines addition. Inspiration is drawn from a traditional Japanese bento box – which is subdivided into several internal compartments by separators.

The new series includes a washbasin, toilet sets, plus bathtub, featuring a clear-cut design that is perfectly matched to different variants and dimensions of the bathroom furniture. The spacious Bento Starck Box washbasins offer practical and convenient storage areas. All personal care products and accessories can be placed within easy reach.

Washbasins

The Bento Starck Box single washbasins are made from DuraCeram®, and the double washbasins from DuroCast UltraResist. Enabling Duravit to demonstrate how a range of different materials can be used to produce unconventional designs.

Alongside the 650 mm-wide washbasins, the Bento Starck Box collection comprises above-counter basins
in a range of sizes, all available in White and White Satin Matt: round variants with a diameter of 460 mm, and rectangular versions with a width of 550 mm as individual basins or, for two faucets, in widths of 1140 mm and 1340 mm – made from DuroCast UltraResist. The faucet is mounted inside the inner basin on all models.

Bathroom Review Duravit Bento Box Series

Bathtub

The freestanding acrylic infinity bathtub, sized 1800 x 900 mm, is ideal for a spa-like experience in your home bathroom. A tapered water channel prevents a build-up of water and can be used as a storage area for accessories.

Bathroom Review Duravit Bento Box Series

WC

Bento Starck Box toilet sets harmonize with the design of the ceramic and bathtubs, including a compact model with a projection of just 480 mm and the HygieneFlush version with a projection of 570 mm. The range includes a floor-standing, close-coupled toilet and matching bidets. The integrated push buttons on the seat with the gentle, silent lowering mechanism means it can be easily removed and cleaned.

“The Bento Starck Box collection is the start of an elegant serenity,” said Starck, describing the washbasins and bathtubs. “With intelligently divided wet and dry areas, the clean, clearly structured washing areas and bathtubs enable countless options for personal design.”

Bathroom Review Duravit Bento Box Series

Keep Reading
By

Embracing sustainable innovation: The case for water and energy-efficient bathrooms

BMA Tom Reynolds Go certified and go green

Today we hear from Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, who explains how considered bathroom specification will help the industry weather market turbulence and aid the environment.

If most of the forecasting is to be believed, those working in the built environment are in for a tough market in the next 18 months. Yet commercial considerations aside, a pressing question we face is, “How can we contribute to the needs of our environment?” As leading voices in the construction and design industry, architects and specifiers bear a significant responsibility in promoting sustainability in their projects. One such opportunity lies in an often-overlooked space: the bathroom.

The bathroom, surprisingly, represents a significant portion of the water and energy use in our buildings. However, thanks to several recent innovations, we now have the tools to turn this water-intensive space into a model of conservation and efficiency.

Imagine bathroom fixtures such as cold start taps, which only deliver hot water when needed, reducing hot water usage by up to 50%. Or consider delay-fill inlet valves in toilets, which can save 2 litres per flush by waiting to fill the cistern until after flushing. Smart showers even sense when they are not in use, reducing water usage by up to 30%.

Beyond these solutions, more traditional water and energy-saving methods are also at our disposal. Promoting the use of water-saving showerheads, installing aerators on taps, and designing bathrooms that encourage shorter showers can all contribute to significant savings.

However, architects’ and consulting engineers’ roles go beyond selecting these efficient fixtures. I urge you to advocate for these water and energy-saving technologies, educating your clients about the benefits of these green alternatives. We can do this by weaving a compelling narrative around three critical advantages: water conservation, energy efficiency, and financial savings.

Water conservation is a global concern, and these technologies allow us to contribute to the effort. By reducing water consumption, we are actively preserving our planet’s precious resources. Equally important is energy efficiency. A lot of the energy in homes is consumed by water heating. By reducing hot water usage, we can make our designs more energy-efficient and sustainable. Finally, we should recognise the potential financial savings. These technologies may have an upfront cost, but the long-term savings on water and energy bills can more than offset this investment.

In summary, architects and consulting engineers wield significant influence on the adoption of water and energy-saving technology in bathrooms. By advocating for these technologies, considering them in designs, and communicating their benefits, you can make bathrooms not just functional but also sustainable. Let’s seize this opportunity to shape the future of sustainable living, one bathroom at a time.

Keep Reading
By

Wickes revealed as UK’s number 1 bathroom brand

Wickes number 1 batroom brand

According to the latest annual report on the bathroom sector, Wickes is the UK’s most prominent bathroom brand in 2023, with B&Q taking second place. In contrast, Leekes has seen the biggest drop in visibility with a staggering 76% decrease.

The report, conducted by Salience Search Marketing, analysed 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness, for bathroom names to reveal the brands dominating the industry.

Top 5 prominent bathroom brands

RankBrandBrand searches per monthTotal social media followersOwned social score
1Wickes2,240,000310,400518
2B&Q201,000704,4001,162
3Travis Perkins450,000159,485279
4Victorian Plumbing301,000147,599253
5Porcelanosa22,200841,6001,349

The report unveils the most prominent brands in the sector by analysing the number of monthly searches for each brand and calculating an owned social score which combines the number of followers and engagement rate across major social platforms.

The findings reveal Wickes is the most prominent brand in the industry. With over 300,000 social media followers and a sizeable 2,240,000 brand searches per month, Wickes is the market leader in brand awareness.

B&Q is the second most prominent brand in the sector with 201,000 brand searches per month and over 700,000 social media followers.

Regarding organic visibility, there has been a 16% increase in overall organic growth within the industry.

The growth suggests that the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t stopped consumers from conducting home improvements, with home interior publication Ideal Home describing bathrooms as ‘one of the few truly private spaces in the house’ and as a space for creative freedom.

Brand Visibility

RankBrands with the biggest growth in visibility YoY Brands with the biggest drop in visibility YoY
1B&QLeekes
2WickesWolseley 
3PlumbworldPlumbNation
4The Bathroom Showroom Heat&Plum
5City PlumbingVictoriaPlum

For brands, B&Q currently ranks highest with the biggest growth in visibility Year on Year with a 36% increase, followed by Wickes with a 22% jump since June 2022.

In contrast, Leekes has seen the biggest drop in visibility with a staggering 76% decrease.

Product Trends

The latest report on bathroom brands also assesses the current product trends, analysing which products are losing searches and which products are in demand.

Rank Search increaseSearch decrease
1Toilet roll holder wall mountedWalk in shower ideas
2Walk in baths and showersThe range bathroom accessories
3Towel warmerWalk in shower enclosure
4Walk in bathtub with shower / sticky bathroom floor tilesCombined sink and toilet
5Hanging shower caddy Cloakroom suite

According to the findings, toilet roll holder wall mounted sees the biggest increase in searches with an impressive 98% increase.

Meanwhile, walk in shower ideas sees the biggest decrease in searches, with a 46% drop. This suggests fewer consumers are browsing online for bathroom inspo.

As for product search volume, bathroom wall panels has a sizeable search volume of over 33,000.

The demand for the product suggests the interior decor is trending, with over 16,000 views on TikTok for #bathroomwallpanels.

Brett Janes, managing director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “As a whole, it has been a positive year for the industry, with a 16% increase in organic growth and a sizeable volume of searches and visibility.

“Demand for certain products has dipped, with bathroom tiling among those facing a hit as it sees a 13% drop in searches. This suggests consumers may be looking for alternatives, with limewash paint a potential alternative as the interior design has surfaced on social media with over 43 million views for #limewashpaint on TikTok.

“Understanding that trends are ever-changing and building a strong online presence across multiple channels becomes crucial in driving sales and capitalizing on the expanding market demand.”

Download the full annual bathroom industry PDF report here.

Keep Reading
By

Burlington delivers Barbie pink for The Hoxton, Brussels

Bathroom Review Barbie Pink Bathroom washbasin The Hoxton

Traditional British bathroom brand, Burlington, can be seen in the new Hoxton hotel in Brussels. With a distinctive, retro 1970s pink washbasin design, Bespoke by Burlington evokes vintage glamour.

A total of 212 basins in Confetti Pink were supplied as one of the first Bespoke by Burlington projects since the collection launched. Bespoke by Burlington is a unique edit of hand-decorated and coloured ceramics, offering a twist on traditional bathroom design by replacing classic white with covetable colours, floral patterns and unique personalisation.

“We were very excited to work with the Ennismore design team on the full international specification. The Hoxton, Brussels takes its cues from the 1970s and the vibrant but relaxing aesthetic of Bespoke by Burlington’s Confetti Pink has created a bathroom which is less amenity and more luxury.” says David Balmer – Senior Projects Consultant at Bathroom Brands Group.

Bespoke by Burlington is a unique edit of hand-decorated and coloured ceramics. Offering the next level of customisation in bathroom design, it draws inspiration from fashion, nature, and famous eras of design. The iconic collection provides a twist on traditional bathroom design, replacing classic white with covetable colours, floral patterns, and unique personalisation.

In March 2023, two new ceramic colours joined the Bespoke by Burlington collection – Enchanted Blue and Cosmic Green. Enchanted Blue reimagines Clair De Lune Blue, a colour celebrated in luxe 1930s bathrooms. It is a soft powder blue ceramic that delivers style and serenity to any space.

Cosmic Green draws inspiration from the fashionable mint green bathrooms of the 1950s, expressing charm and versatility, and complementing a range of bathroom styles and designs.

Bespoke by Burlington has a range of Edwardian basins, as well as a comprehensive collection of WCs. Each piece is made to order by skilled craft workers in Staffordshire, England, using the finest materials.

Burlingtonbathrooms.com

Keep Reading
By

Duravit builds the world’s first climate-neutral ceramic plant in Canada

Duravit AG is building the first climate-neutral ceramic plant at the Matane site in the Canadian province of Québec. The new Canadian site will create 240 new jobs, with production scheduled to start in early 2025.

Ceramic sanitary ware products such as WCs and washbasins will be manufactured at the site in the future exclusively using renewable energies. For the firing process, Duravit will use the world’s first electric roller kiln powered by electricity from hydropower. The use of this innovative technology will save around 11,000 tons of CO2 per year compared to a conventional ceramic factory. Duravit thus becomes a pioneer in the industry.

Broad political support spurs implementation

The plant, which will enter into service in 2025, will be the first production site for Duravit AG in North America. The business aims to supply the North American market, while eliminating its greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to hydroelectricity and the proximity of inputs, the Matane plant will become the first carbon-neutral sanitary ceramic products plant in the world.

To implement this project, the Government of Canada is providing the business with a repayable contribution of $19 million (EUR 13 million) under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

For its part, the Government of Quebec is granting a loan of $11 million (EUR 7.5 million) through the ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec as its representative.

The use of renewable energies such as hydropower will reduce CO2 emissions in production to zero: Duravit is thus the first ceramics manufacturer to rely on an electric firing process together with market leader SACMI, enabling it to produce in a completely climate-neutral manner. The manufacturer of design bathrooms shows that under the right conditions, it is already possible today to produce in a CO2-neutral way, even for energy-intensive industries.

In addition to climate-neutral production at the plant, logistics are also designed to be sustainable. All raw materials are sourced directly on site in Canada as well as from the USA, which means short transport distances. This additionally reduces emissions and ensures an environmentally friendly supply chain. The ceramic parts produced in Canada are mainly planned for the North American market and thus play a decisive role in the company’s growth strategy.

“The Government of Canada’s investment in this project will not only bring a world-renowned business to Quebec, but also a business that has distinguished itself by its ability to innovate for over 200 years. By focusing on Quebec and its hydroelectricity as a source of clean, renewable energy, Duravit Canada is demonstrating that it is possible for growth and the fight against climate change to go hand in hand. By supporting Duravit Canada, our government is helping a business make the jump into the technologies of the future and make winning choices for our planet.” commented Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

“We are very proud to act as forerunners in designing a sustainable sanitary industry and to actively face the challenges posed by climate change. At Duravit, we are thereby establishing new standards to implement innovative solutions in a sector characterized by high energy consumption.” says Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit


Keep Reading
By

New retail & corporate member for KBsa

Saffron Interiors Gary Turnbull

Saffron Interiors of Guildford is the latest retailer to join the Kbsa, along with kitchen distributer Waterline as a corporate member.

Saffron Interiors is a family-run dedicated kitchen retailer with a reputation for supporting customers on their kitchen journey.  Providing a unique kitchen buyers guide to help explain each step and inviting customers to experience how appliances work, and see fully stocked storage solutions in the showroom.

Gary Turnbull, founder and owner at Saffron Interiors said “We are delighted to join other independent retailers as a member of the Kbsa. We hope to take advantage of the wide range of benefits, which will undoubtedly save us money, and support the growth of our business.”

Kitchen distributer Waterline has also joined the Kbsa as a corporate member. As part of its package to support independent retailers, Waterline will now offer a minimum credit account of £5,000 to Kbsa members and discounts on selected appliances, worktops and lighting brands.

Retail and Corporate membership director Malcolm Scott said, “I am pleased to welcome Saffron Interiors and Waterline to the Kbsa.  Continued growth in membership strengthens the Kbsa as a collective voice for our industry and helps more retailers share ideas and best practice.”

Keep Reading
By

Earth Overshoot Day 2023: Our daily water use can help #MoveTheDate

Grohe Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for natural resources surpasses what the earth can regenerate in one year. This means we are living on credit for five whole months and depleting the earth’s resources further and further. This alarming fact calls for urgent action to reduce our ecological footprint and preserve the planet for future generations.

Simple changes in our everyday behaviour and the use of new, innovative technologies could push back the date of Earth Overshoot Day. Here, Ronke Ugbaja, leader, product management, LIXIL EMENA, and GROHE UK highlights the home innovations available to help reduce consumption at home.

1. When it comes to the bathroom tap, GROHE SilkMove ES technology helps to save energy. When operating standard taps with the lever in the middle position, mixed hot and cold water flows every time – even when only briefly rinsing a toothbrush or washing hands.

2. To reduce water consumption, GROHE taps with EcoJoy technology are equipped with a flow-limiting mousseur. This helps to reduce water flow from the usual 10 liters per minute, to just over 5 liters per minute.

3.  GROHE EcoJoy technology can also save water and energy in the shower area. The water flow is reduced by a flow limiter and, thanks to smaller nozzles, this is not noticeable when showering as the flow remains as strong as usual.

4.  Shower thermostats also help to save water and energy, as they maintain the chosen water temperature for the duration of the shower, so there is no need to spend time re-adjusting or waiting for the shower to reach the desired temperature.

5. The latest innovation is GROHE Everstream, the brand’s first water-recycling shower technology that circulates hygienically treated water in order to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy.

Earth Overshoot day
Keep Reading
By

The Old Rectory – Schlüter Systems & Sussex Wetrooms are the perfect pairing

The Old Rectory luxury boutique hotel

When Sussex Wetrooms was asked to design and install pedicure thrones in the treatment rooms of The Old Rectory luxury boutique hotel in Hastings Old Town, East Sussex, the team turned to Schlüter-Systems to ensure the entire scheme was water- and future-proof; after all, the two companies had worked in tandem in other projects there including two wetrooms and a free-standing in-room bath.

Adam McEwan of Sussex Wetrooms explains, “We were tasked with designing and building these beautiful pedicure thrones for a treatment room. They not only needed to be aesthetically pleasing but also functional so that the technicians could work at a comfortable height whilst having space for their equipment. We created a solid timber framework clad in marine ply then covered it with Schlüter-DITRA and Schlüter-KERDI-200 waterproofing membrane; it was all then finished with a large-format, green onyx porcelain tile.  All external edges were mitred and finished with a gloss resin colour-matched to suit the tile.  Along with installing the basins and mixer taps, we also the Schlüter-REMA system to create a concealed access panel to ensure the taps and basin wastes were accessible for servicing in the future.”

Susie Waddilove, marketing manager at The Old Rectory commented “Sussex Wetrooms is the only company we trust to look after our grade 2 listed hotel.  Adam is more than a plumber; he is a master craftsman and a consummate professional. From our initial discussion to the final product, Adam consistently demonstrates incredible design skills. His innovative approach guarantees that the finished product will be the best possible fit for our requirements.  He is utterly trustworthy, and his delivery is timely.  His wealth of knowledge is invaluable”.

Adam has been installing bathrooms and wet rooms for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he turned to Schlüter-Systems and he hasn’t looked back since.

Sussex Wetrooms handles around 16 projects a year and only specifies Schlüter’s comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and drainage systems.

One of Schlüter’s many advantages, he adds, is its unrivalled product portfolio: “You can give customers options on things they didn’t even realise were possible,” he says. “Schlüter offers more options than competing brands and that was one of the biggest draws for me. I don’t give customers a choice. We work to a minimum specification.”

What also attracted Adam to Schlüter was the versality of the product: “We’ve even created shaped seating in the past,” he says. “They do a product that actually flexes. And we’ve done curved walls whereas, historically, you would’ve been trying to manufacture that. “

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

Keep Reading
By

Utopia: Stepping out for charity

Utopia: Stepping out for charity

Staff at Utopia’s Wolverhampton headquarters have raised over £1,110 for charity following a 10k walk last weekend. The fun annual event is organised by Matt Cox, an assembly team supervisor at the bathroom furniture manufacturer. According to Matt, the walk is definitely not a race but more of a pleasant stroll with colleagues, stopping for refreshments at pubs along the way.

With so much raised already and donations still coming in, the total sum will be split between the Make a Wish Foundation, the national charity that helps to fulfil the wishes of critically ill children, and Utopia’s own Liz Green Fund, set up to benefit cancer charities and local causes following the sad passing of founding director Liz Green last year.

Despite threatening weather, the group of 25 walkers had a brilliant day and are seen here at one of the stops along the way.  All the walkers wore T-shirts proudly displaying the logos for the two charities.

Matt comments, “As well as raising valuable funds for charity, our walk is a great way for colleagues to spend some time together out of the work environment. We had a lot of fun, and there weren’t too many blisters at the end, so well done to everyone who took part. We’ve already set the date for next year’s walk when we hope even more people will take part. ”

More news from Utopia

Keep Reading
By

More power to the portal as PJH adds enhancements

PJH adds enhancements

KBB Distributor PJH has further enhanced its class-leading e-commerce site, the Partners Portal™ (www.partners.pjh.uk), bringing several new features and functionality to support its growing network of retailers.

Developed from feedback received through PJH’s “Voice of the Customer” (VOTC) programme, Partners Portal™ now adds a Digital Paperwork function which allows customers to view and download important documentation such as invoice and credit paperwork as well as delivery and collection notes, with proof of delivery containing signatures and times stamps for ease and simplicity.

Plus, a new Returns & Credits function enables the full returns process to be managed online through the Portal. Customers can raise and manage their returns, including selecting collection dates.

With the number of customers using the Partners Portal™ growing month-on-month, and average transaction values increasing too, the addition of these two new features to the constantly evolving platform, vastly improves PJH’s digital capabilities and e-commerce offering whilst providing the platform PJH’s customers want.

Speaking about the Portal’s new features, Brett Jenkinson, head of retail customer experience, PJH, said: “So much of the PJH Partners Portal™ functionality is driven by the feedback we receive from our customers through our VOTC programme and both the Digital Paperwork and Returns features were developed through this valuable feedback route and join other functionality such as delivery tracking, product images and data downloads – as well as an updated virtual showroom.

“PJH continues to invest heavily in the Partners Portal™ through the constant addition of innovative features and functions, recognising its importance as a sales channel, which now accounts for over two-thirds of all PJH sales orders. All new features bring us closer to our customers, providing convenience and ease of use and to support our aim to be the customers’ ‘First Choice’.”

Customer feedback from using the PJH’s Partners Portal™ is currently 4.85 stars out of a maximum of 5. This highlights just how well it meets the customers’ needs, and PJH will continue to invest to ensure it evolves to meet the ever-changing demands of customers and the KBB market sector.

To find out more about the updated PJH Partners Portal™, contact PJH on:- Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the website: www.partners.pjh.uk

Keep Reading
By