PJH: Heating up on brushed brass style

June 19, 2023

PJH has added to its Bathrooms to Love brand with a new family of ‘GRADA’ heated towel rails finished in Brushed Brass.

A straight ladder radiator, the new Grada Brushed Brass range comes in three sizes measuring 500mm in width and heights of 800mm, 1200mm and 1600mm to suit different-sized rooms. Joining the growing choice of brushed brass products in the Bathrooms to Love Collection – from brassware and showers to enclosures and accessories – this new brushed brass heating option satisfies the increasing demand for the luxurious golden tones of this popular finish.

The Grada Brushed Brass ladder rails boast substantial heat outputs, offering BTU levels of 1062, 1765 and 2153, depending on the size. Colour-matching radiator valves complete the range with three pairs; angled, straight or corner.

The Grada heated towel rail is suitable for three heating systems – central gas heating and electric or dual fuel, using the element kit also available from Bathrooms to Love.

The perfect finishing touch to any bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom, the Grada ladder radiator is also currently available in chrome, anthracite and matt black finishes and has a five-year quality guarantee.

Available from stock and supported with PJH’s Next Day Delivery service to 91% of UK postcodes, this new Grada Brushed Brass radiator is now available to order via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website. For further information, contact PJH on T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

Cosentino: New edition sustainability report

June 14, 2023

Cosentino, a global manufacturer and distributor of surfaces for architecture, has released a new edition of its Sustainability Report.

Sustainability based on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria, includes the company’s performance, milestones and achievements in the social, environmental and good governance fields.

Areas include aspects such as Sustainability and environmental management (Environmental). This area encompasses some of the company’s current major projects; for example, in 2022 alone, Cosentino invested more than €37 million in environmental assets.

Cosentino solid milestones include 99% reused water, Zero Water Discharge (daily recirculation of 80,000 m³ of water), and 100% renewable electric energy.

In 2022, Cosentino reduced its carbon footprint by 6% compared to 2021 and 12.81% compared to the 2018 base year.

The company continued making progress in the recovery and reuse of its waste. In 2022, Cosentino recovered almost 16% of all the solid waste generated at its Industrial Park in Cantoria (Almería).

Finally, last year Cosentino implemented a new industrial energy model, which also covers the management of water resources and activated the largest ground-mounted self-consumption photovoltaic plant in Spain.

In job creation and contribution to society (Social), Cosentino created 426 new jobs globally last year, ending 2022 with a workforce of 5,851. The company’s workforce comprises people from 76 different nationalities and the percentage of permanent contracts increased to 98%.

Download Cosentino Group’s 2022 Sustainability Dossier

About Cosentino Group

Cosentino Group is a global family-owned company that produces and distributes high-value innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design. As a leading company, Cosentino imagines and anticipates together with its customers and partners design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering brands that are leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone®, Dekton® and Sensa by Cosentino®.

www.cosentino.com

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VitrA at the Installer Show 2023

June 13, 2023

VitrA Bathrooms has announced plans to debut at this year’s Installer Show with a striking and entertaining stand and supporting the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) theatre. The show takes place at the NEC Birmingham at the end of the month.

Plumbing influencer James Lawrence, the lead reviewer and advice guru from Plumberparts, is on the stand on Tuesday and Wednesday. At the show, he will participate in VitrA’s industry survey, where every participant will receive an extra mini gift.

Senior channel marketing executive Lucy Holland Explains, “We are excited to be exhibiting at the UK’s largest event for professionals in heat, water, air, and energy technology. We have created an exhibition area that showcases our comprehensive range of feature-rich and cost-efficient behind-the-wall solutions, including our new frames and concealed cisterns – all in an informative and engaging way.”

Bathroom installers visiting the stand will not only get hands-on with the new VitrA frames and concealed cisterns, which VitrA say are one of the easiest to install on the market but can also learn more about VitrA’s award-winning V-Care Smart shower toilets as well as VitrA Aquacare WCs.

Additional product highlights include the Vitrus frame, which provides the perfect retrofit solution for wall-hanging WCs, and the striking Origin brassware collection.

Complementing the product launches, VitrA has included a basketball court on the stand, with a toilet seat basketball hoop! Anyone shooting three hoops can try and crack a safe containing a pizza oven from Ooni – the Fyra 12, with basketballs on offer whether the safe is cracked or not!

Lucy concludes, “No matter the market our visitors operate in, we have a solution for all things bathroom, designed beautifully, tested thoroughly, and certified appropriately. We look forward to a busy fun-packed few days.”

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UWLA: Water efficiency can no longer be ignored

June 13, 2023

Droughts across Europe and the UK are leading to fears that 2023 could create a repeat of last year’s severe water shortage across Europe. Some regions in southern Spain are already suffering water shortages, and farmers expect their worst yields in decades. Climate change has created successive droughts, which have depleted groundwater reserves. Low river and reservoir levels are also threatening this summer’s hydropower production.

Yvonne Orgill, MD at UWLA, says, “Our water efficiency message is now absolutely critical as Europe is on track for another brutal summer, after suffering its hottest on record last year, which fuelled a drought considered to be the worst in at least 500 years.”

“People have to start taking on board our message to use water wisely, if we are to have any impact and reduce the hardship that will result from severe water shortages. We hope that people can now see that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, it’s here and now and affecting every region in the world.

“The bathroom industry is taking action by supporting the Unified Water Label, a smart tool which can help us make the necessary changes. Innovative products developed to use less water and energy, without any loss of performance, are displaying the Unified Water Label, and making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices.

“The Unified Water Label Association is committed to driving home the water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home. We are also working to help consumers understand that they can choose products that fit with their lifestyles, and that they can change behaviours to use products with more awareness.

“Those interested in supporting the UWLA or joining us to embrace a cleaner, greener bathroom revolution can find out more by visiting the website www.uwla.eu.”

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Duravit: New Vitrium by Christian Werner

June 13, 2023

Duravit has launched a timeless bathroom furniture range – Vitrium, by Christian Werner. The space-saving range includes washbasins and furniture, manufactured with the newly developed DuroCast UltraResist material.

Vitrium was presented at ISH 2023 as a series from the Duravit Artisan Lines and represents the first washbasin project for designer Christian Werner. To date, the designer has worked with Duravit on bathroom solutions for many years and has completed six furniture projects.

Two different, delicate washbasins are available: a round above-counter basin and a rectangular, seamlessly integrated c-bonded version with a refined outer edge.

The console vanity unit has a fine metal frame and a choice of fronts made from backlit glass, wood, or various décor finishes. The metal frame is available in White or Anthracite.

Bathroom Review Vitrium by Christian Werner

“The starting point for this design concept was a rigorous interrogation of the habits we take for granted. With Vitrium I sought to redefine the design of the bathroom and the associated routines. As well as the kitchen and living room, for me the bathroom, too, is a place of comfort and refuge,” said Christian Werner.

Space-saving design

The reduced furniture depth with the projecting above-counter basin makes the design ideal for compact
bathrooms.

“The basic design idea for the framed fronts and transparency of the furniture has been realised exactly as I imagined. Timelessly modern and unadorned – that’s the look I wanted for my Vitrium concept,” said Christian Werner.

PEFC*-certified wood

The bathroom furniture made from PEFC*-certified wood is enhanced by rectangular and round mirrors and comes with a mirrored cabinet for built-in versions. All feature integrated LED illumination.

“Vitrium epitomizes the rituals that take place in the bathroom and sets the ambitious framework for sophisticated and contemporary bathroom cultures,” said the designer, describing his idea.

www.duravit.co.uk

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Acquabella: Customisable shower grates

June 12, 2023

In line with customisation trends, Acquabella is introducing new shower tray grating options for its Base and Arq models in three patterns: Mia, Lux and Geo.

Made from stainless steel, the Base and Arq models are designed to enhance customers’ showering experience.

The Akron grates feature the high-definition textures of the Base models – Slate, Beton, Zero and Nude – and are offered in the same colour as the shower tray.

Acquabella’s new approach builds on its vision of creating bespoke bathroom spaces with enhanced customisation.

Acquabella’s CEO, Juan José Benavent, expressed his enthusiasm for the launches: “We are happy to unveil this innovative proposal, another step in our ability to offer maximum personalisation of the bathroom space.

“At Acquabella, we pride ourselves on creating products that exceed our customers’ expectations in terms of quality and design. We are confident that these updates will further strengthen our position as an industry leader and provide our customers with an exceptional bathing experience.”

The new shower tray grating options for the Base and Arq shower trays will come into effect from 1 June 2023 at authorised distributors.

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Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

June 12, 2023

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.

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is a London-based free design festival that returned last month and welcomed 37,725 UK and overseas visitors. Show organisers reported the best attendance results in its 14-year history, with a 24% increase on its 2019 event.

As usual, the May festival was bathed in early summer sunshine as a network of over 160 local showrooms hosted a range of product launches, workshops, and talks. In addition, more than 300 design brands were showcased in 11 exhibition venues.

Diane Larner attended the event and collated six inspirational bathroom highlights from the show.

SIX T O P P I C K S from CDW 2023

Exquisite brassware design – handled with care with Chiasso

Chiasso is a new mixer range from the high-end BAGNODESIGN brand.

Bathroom Review Solos Ideal Standard Atelier Collections

Ideal Standard unveils Solos range

Ideal Standard unveiled a plethora of new ranges at its London Design & Specification Centre, including the new Solos range.

GRAFF presents Harley and new MOD+

GRAFF exhibited at CDW for the first time this year and showcased Harley, and its new iconic MOD+ range.

Majestic reveals bespoke solutions

Shower screen and enclosure manufacturer, Majestic, exhibited for the first time at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week.

Barber Osgerby and Bette present BetteSuno

Presented at CDW, and created in collaboration with Bette, British design studio Barber Osgerby reveals BetteSuno.

RAK Ceramics presents RAK-Valet styled by Patrick Norguet

The new collection was available to view at RAK Ceramics Design Hub, in the heart of London’s design quarter.

Marlon Cera-Marle, director of design at Media 10

We’re absolutely delighted with what we achieved this year – not only because we reached our highest visitor numbers yet, but also because we were met with so much excitement and enthusiasm from our visitors and the wider A&D community.”

This year we made a full-scale return to Clerkenwell – and with our most extensive programme to date. Everyone was so looking forward to seeing interesting products and meeting with their suppliers and peers again.

Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager, Sanipex Group

Always such a vibrant, inspiring atmosphere, the sun certainly shone on this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week. There was a real buzz throughout the three days, as showrooms throughout EC1 threw open their doors and it was a pleasure to be part of it.

The exhibition was the perfect opportunity to showcase our new product ranges and our new showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell. An excellent opportunity to network and to gain feedback on our designs from the people right at the heart of the city’s interior design scene.

About CDW

According to Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), it is the UK’s largest free design festival. Events this year included:

Design Fields – home to international furniture and interiors brands;

Contract – home to commercial interiors;
Light – home to international lighting brands;
Project – home to workplace furniture and solutions;
Elements – home to architectural hardware and finishes;
British Collection – home to the best of British interiors brands;
Detail – home to luxury interiors;
Platform – home to emerging design talent;
Old Sessions House – home to brand pop-ups and activations, and also the festival hub
offering CDW visitors free access
Ceramics of Italy – home to Italian tile brands; and
(NEW) Catapult – home to contemporary design for office, hospitality and retail

CDW will be back 21st – 24th May 2024

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Kudos Shower Products acquired by SanSwiss AG

June 12, 2023

Cumbrian manufacturer, Kudos Shower Products has been acquired by SanSwiss AG, part of The Ronal Group of companies.

SanSwiss, headquartered in Härkingen, Switzerland, is a major European manufacturer of shower enclosures and shower screens as well as other bathroom and wellness products, selling to over 17 countries.

Kudos was identified as an ideal opportunity to bring together two successful businesses with complementary products enabling; expansion in the UK market with existing Sanswiss products; growth potential in Europe with the existing Kudos range; and the development of new products through the combined resource within the enlarged business.

Olivier Gunther and Sebastian Hainz, Co-managing directors of SanSwiss, are convinced about the new opportunities and synergies with Kudos under the SanSwiss umbrella:

”Kudos is a well-known brand with an outstanding reputation in manufacturing and selling shower enclosures and shower screens in the UK. With Kudos, we are further expanding our core competence and performance in shower enclosures, shower screens and trays for our partners and customers across Europe.

We also expect considerable opportunities and synergies through leveraging marketing, technology and product content, new product development, sourcing and production capacity. Both companies and brands will continue without interruption with their independent sales activities in the respective channels and countries.

We are confident that the combined high-level expertise will enable us to offer our customers even more benefits and innovative shower and bathroom solutions”.

Kudos outgoing Group CEO and founder, Bruce Ledwith, who will remain with the company in a consultative role for the foreseeable future, commented: “After 23 years, it was not only time to take a step back, but to consider the long-term future of Kudos. This investment by SanSwiss provides, significant growth opportunities and their strong commitment to maintaining and expanding our manufacturing facilities within the UK, provides our people with greater long term security. SanSwiss have made it clear that their investment is not just in the Kudos brand or market share, but also in the current management team.

Kudos Group MD Mark Hill says “We are delighted to become part of SanSwiss and the Ronal group, and with the opportunity this now delivers to build on our position in the UK market. We have a strong management team, with a very clear strategy for the future built around exciting new products and our best-in-class customer service. It is our objective, and the objective of our new owners, to continue to develop our long-standing partnerships with our suppliers and customers.”

Sales director Nick Graville added “These really are exciting times for all concerned! We now have access to resources and product ranges that will enable Kudos to evolve more quickly and add further value to customers in the UK bathroom marketplace”.

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Exquisite brassware design – handled with care with Chiasso

June 9, 2023

Combining two of the hottest trends in bathroom design into one beautiful collection, Chiasso is a new mixer range from the high-end BAGNODESIGN brand by SANIPEX GROUP.

Chiasso is a contemporary collection of basin and shower mixers, available in four versatile brassware finishes.

Available in chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze, and PVD gold, the inserts on the handles are customisable, and available in 12 finishes, with the opportunity to correspond with Alpine washbasins and countertops by the same brand.

Bespoke inserts can also be produced in the SANIPEX Slab Fabrication Facility in Dubai, making Chiasso a fully customisable option that can be matched to the bathroom countertop and wall tiles.

While the porcelain accent inserts draw the eye, the style points don’t end there. The mixers’ large, fluted handles and elegant, simplistic spout also combine to make this a stand-out brassware collection. The fluted design ties together seamlessly with the brand’s Orology and Bosco furniture choices, for a cohesive bathroom design.

The Chiasso mixer range includes a 3-hole deck-mounted basin mixer, 3-hole concealed basin mixer, concealed thermostatic shower mixer, 4-hole deck-mounted bath mixer, concealed stop valve, and a concealed two-way diverter.

“Inspired by the trend of mixing natural materials with metal, the Chiasso range combines natural stone effect inserts with high-end brassware for a contemporary and elegant look. With 48 combinations to choose from, selecting your style is as personal as choosing your most coveted jewellery,” says Katy Olsen, BAGNODESIGN brand manager, SANIPEX GROUP.

Incorporate Chiasso into bathroom designs featuring BAGNODESIGN’s extensive portfolio, from tiles to mixers, and showers to furniture, for a harmonious look from a single brand.

For more details, contact Sanipex Group on 01924 233977 or visit www.bagnodesign.it

Click the link to read more about Sanipex

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Ideal Standard unveils Solos range

June 9, 2023

At Clerkenwell Design Week 2023, Ideal Standard unveiled a plethora of new ranges at its London Design and Specification Centre (LDSC), including additions to Atelier Collections such as the new Solos range.

Launching in October 2023, this year’s highlight was the minimalist Solos range characterised by its sleek lines and defined edges. Part of the design-led Atelier Collections, the visually-striking collection features basin and fitting, as well as a range of showering solutions.

As well as exploring the latest products, visitors were also able to take part in a drop-in pottery workshop with London based ceramics studio, Social Pottery, and contributed to the creation of a ceramic tile display, between 2-4 pm on Wednesday 24^th May.

Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard, said: “Clerkenwell is one of the most important design events of the calendar.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our new solutions, as well as highlight how we are integrating sustainability into products with ranges like Alu⁺. We’re also excited to discuss our new ESG report, as well as how sustainability is influencing the future of design. 

More news from Ideal Standard

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