Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Hyatt Regency: London Blackfriars UK opens

June 5, 2023

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Marking a key milestone in Hyatt’s strategic brand growth in the UK capital, the 204-room hotel is the 14^th property in the country, demonstrating the United Kingdom as a priority growth market within Hyatt’s diverse and evolving brand portfolio.

In the last five years, Hyatt has increased its brand presence in the UK from five to 13 properties, with six of those based in London.

204 guestrooms and suites provide impressive views of the listed buildings that once held iconic printing presses, while others offer the chance to marvel at the famous skyline of the city of London.

With 10 room categories and up to 753 square feet (70 square meters) of space, guests can enjoy the hotel’s modern guestrooms, complemented by ergonomic work areas, rainfall showers and comfortable aesthetics.

King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace

Housed in a grade II listed building on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars claims a prime spot in London’s business and leisure district, home to global corporations, influential businesses, and law firms.

Many of London’s most popular attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are also within walking distance from the hotel.

In line with the Hyatt Regency brand ethos, the hotel has been intuitively designed for productivity and peace of mind, with an environment for guests to work, connect or relax. Well-appointed guestrooms and suites boast contemporary finishes, high-end amenities, and dedicated workspaces. Three dynamic and diverse food and beverage concepts are poised to become new local culinary destinations. Meanwhile a trio of versatile group spaces offer to host a wide range of meeting and events in this desirable central London location. Guests also benefit from access to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars situated alongside our neighboring landmarks, businesses and cultural attractions,” said Laurent Schauder, general manager of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. “With our welcoming service, inventive food and beverage offerings and ideal location, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is soon to become the hotel of choice for anyone looking for a memorable experience in the heart of the city”.

Guestrooms

Designed by THDP Ltd, the hotel’s interiors are influenced by its local history. The building’s past life as one of King Henry VIII’s royal palaces is referenced in the materials used throughout the hotel, with marble ceramics and gold finishes evoking its former regality. With Fleet Street, the historic hub of printing and publishing, just around the corner, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars pays homage to the craftsmanship of the trade through the bespoke artwork inspired by the art of newspapers that adorns its walls.

Culinary Experiences

Three innovative food and beverage concepts are set to mark Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars as the new destination for inspired cuisine and mixology.

The Chinese Cricket Club fuses traditional techniques and the finest ingredients to offer a contemporary take on Chinese classics. The restaurant is named in honor of the captain of the Shanghai XI cricket team, Feng, who travelled to England in 1857 with his bride, Xiu. When arriving to Blackfriars’ docks, the couple made their way to Limehouse, where Xiu opened the first traditional Chinese restaurant in London. Their legacy lives on in the inviting backdrop of The Chinese Cricket Club and its rich and diverse menu of homemade dim sum and signature specialties.

New York and London meet at NYnLON, a neighborhood-style bistro that celebrates the charm, heritage, and influence of the two great cities. The all-day menu brings together local and sustainable dining, with elevated comfort food favorites, accompanied by an extensive drinks list showcasing authentic American whiskies and exceptional natural wines.

Get lost at The Leaf and Cane, a 1920s inspired hideaway offering a vibrant atmosphere and delightful street food paired with crafted cocktails and premium rums. Bringing the lively flavors of Latin America to central London, The Leaf and Cane immerses guests in a colorful jungle, inviting them to uncover its hidden garden, secret stone vaults, and innovative mixology.

Meeting and Events

For seamless events in the city of London, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars offers up to 4,628 square feet (430 square meters) of multifunctional, thoughtful event space. Two medium-sized spaces have been designed to optimize productivity, and are well suited for meetings, or small group gatherings. The main function room can seat approximately 150 people and is an ideal choice for conferences or large events, benefitting from technology-enabled features, enviable transport connections and a sophisticated city location.

Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars joins a growing list of Hyatt properties in the UK, and marks the ninth Hyatt branded hotel in London, joining Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill; Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt; Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Place London City East, Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport and Hyatt Regency London Stratford and Hyatt House London Stratford.

For more information about Hyatt Regency hotels, please visit: hyattregency.com

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KEUCO: New Slim PLAN blue series fittings

June 2, 2023

KEUCO has introduced two new Slim PLAN on-wall shower fittings to complement the extensive PLAN blue range. Choose from a thermostat shower mixer or integrated head and hand shower combination.

The slim PLAN blue design is perfect for private and hotel bathrooms and both options work with specifications for new builds and renovations.

The PLAN blue thermostatic shower mixers are available both classic chrome and a new modern black with an almost velvety touch. This matte finish has a special lacquer coating that makes it extremely durable and easy to clean, whilst adding an intense depth of colour that adds a luxurious touch to the bathroom.

The design-strong flat head shower has a height-adjustable shower rail and the large overhead shower (a diameter of 250mm) can be swivelled and moved to the desired position, whist the hand shower is positioned within easy reach and at the right height with a shower slide.

KEUCO fittings combine a first-class design, flawless finishes, and high-performing functionality with excellent quality. The traditional design language of the PLAN blue range of fittings allows them to harmonize with different interior styles which makes them the ideal choice when it comes to use in bathroom design.

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www.keuco.com

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Interview: Acquabella’s Rob Heredia talks about Delia, sustainability & market challenges

June 1, 2023

Diane Larner founder of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review, 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.

DL: Tell us about the brand ethos behind Acquabella.

RH: Acquabella is synonymous with quality, design, and innovation, but above all, we like to be different. We have a large group with resources (such as ESG) behind us but retain the clear DNA of a close, family company. We have a commitment to customer service and always ensure we do not renounce the big challenges, such as continuing to be present in more than 40 countries around the world.

All in all, the human team remains at the centre of everything we do, and some, like me, are part of the same team that started 20 years ago.

DL: Who is your target market, and where is your brand positioned?

RH: We have been present in the British and Irish markets for about 12 years and have always followed the same route, direct to the independent bathroom retailer. They are our strength and have raised the brand’s prestige, helping us to gain recognition in the most demanding showrooms throughout the territory.

Acquabella’s positioning is at a medium-high level due to the quality of our manufacturing processes and the range of design we offer. This relationship finds a perfect balance in the boutique bathroom showroom sector.

DL: You have just launched the new Delia collection; tell us about that.

The design of the new Delia washbasin, like the new Natur Wave shower tray and the Hera wall panels, is based on and is a tribute to sea and water, and the underwater world. This is why the design has waves and ripples that featured as part of the stand concept presented in recent exhibitions. Water, and above all, the awareness of how important this resource is for life, is the common thread in our collection.

After achieving ISO 14001 certification we are much more sustainable in our manufacturing processes, and what better time to launch this collection with this element so closely linked to our shower trays?

DL: What sustainability goals/standards does Acquabella have in place?

RH: We have focussed on all aspects from the most important, such as better waste management and the reduction of emissions, to the reduction of material for manufacturing. We have also eliminated all paper in our manufacturing management process (now everything is automated in the factory and no longer printed). We have gradually introduced quality recycled cardboard to replace wooden packaging, and taken many other small actions that have helped us obtain the demanding ISO14001 certificate.

ISO14001 is the reference standard, worldwide, for the environmental management of organisations. It works as a practical guide for the company and allows us to identify and evaluate our environmental risks, reduce impact and improve environmental behaviour in the medium and long term.

DL: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Acquabella this year?

RH: We are looking forward to an exciting second part of 2023, and are tackling the challenges that lie ahead. The most important of which is to prioritise the imminent availability of shower tray stock from our best-seller collections in Worcester, enabling 24h delivery. We also aim to eliminate import taxes for our customers in the new price list (these will arrive within the month) and plan to change the logistics of products manufactured and brought over from Spain to control transit times, and the quality of materials delivered.

Another great asset for Acquabella is that the new catalogue is now being printed and will be available very soon to all our UK-IRE agents and customers.

DL: What plans do you have in store for 2023/24

RH: The roadmap does not change year after year: make Acquabella great in the UK, and make it the number one in the shower tray, engineered stone and resin product sector. This characterizes our group since the ENGINEERED STONE GROUP is already considered number one in that product sector.

We also look forward to Acquabella’s return to kbb 2024 exhibition in Birmingham, where we will once again try to surprise visitors with our stand and product commitment. But the most important thing is, with the new logistics strategy and the new availability of stock in the UK, we will move to a new level where we will be much more competitive against competitors, local manufacturers and distributors.

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Respects paid to former RAK UK Chairman Rob Jull

June 1, 2023

It is with great sadness that RAK Ceramics has announced the passing of its former UK Chairman and Managing Director, Rob Jull.

Rob was a familiar name in the kbb industry for 40 years, at the start of which he could be found selling bathroom suites in a Bognor Regis hotel car park, with his father Leslie who was himself the co-founder and owner of LEC Refrigeration.

Rob quickly progressed to taking charge of his own retail outlet, before becoming an agent for many leading sanitaryware brands and creating a network of nationwide distributors.

When he was approached by the CEO of RAK Ceramics UAE, to represent and promote the brand in the UK, Rob worked tirelessly designing new products and innovations that would appeal to the UK and European markets. Under Rob’s leadership RAK Ceramics became the largest supplier of fireclay sinks and the majority of the sanitaryware ranges that he designed are still available today and play a part in the success of the RAK Ceramics UK story.

“Rob was a hugely inspirational figure who was influential in the bathroom industry, with RAK Ceramics and beyond. He certainly left his mark on the brand, and on the kbb sector as a whole. He will be sorely missed,” said Alvin Biggs, MD of RAK Ceramics.

Rob leaves behind his wife, Veronica, three sons and five grandchildren.

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The future is a multiple-bathroom nation

June 1, 2023

Tom Reynolds, chief executive, Bathroom Manufacturers Association explains:

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a significant shift in consumer buying habits regarding bathrooms, seeing an increasing desire for a bathroom for every bedroom, if possible. This growing trend can be attributed to various factors, including the influence of spending power, changing expectations of well-being and relaxation, and the rise of multi-generational living.

Indeed, BMA’s 2022 research found that there has been a 61% increase in the average amount spent on a new bathroom (including all fixtures, fittings and installation costs), rising significantly since 2018. In addition, although the number of households adding additional bathrooms has remained stable at 10% of new installations, more and more are because of a ‘large or extended family’, accounting for around 27%.

Around 46% of homes also have the much-needed second WC, showing we are no longer willing to put up with the rush-hour queue for the main bathroom. And perhaps the effects of the pandemic, when we were all confined to our homes, has ignited an overwhelming desire for extra privacy and an opportunity to ‘take time out’.

To support this potential boom in additional bathrooms, we see the supply chain disruption experienced created during the COVID pandemic ease enormously. Manufacturers have worked hard to ensure that stock is readily available and will look forward to ensuring demands are met to make bathroom dreams a reality.

Both homeowners and housebuilders recognise the value of having a private bathroom attached to bedrooms, providing a personal retreat and convenience, and most new builds will offer at least one en-suite, reflective of consumer demand. More luxurious properties can offer even more additional bathrooms with high-end features, offering a sanctuary where individuals can unwind and indulge in moments of relaxation, promoting a sense of well-being and tranquillity.

As bathrooms are viewed as personal retreats that offer a respite from the pressures of daily life, consumers expect their bathrooms to deliver a spa-like experience, complete with luxurious features and wellness-enhancing elements such as rain showers, hydrotherapy baths, and smart technologies.

Bathroom designers and architects have a unique opportunity to meet these demands by creating innovative, luxurious, and functional spaces that enhance homeowners’ overall well-being and lifestyle. With clever layouts that can use homeowners’ space to the maximum, these private spaces will deliver a retreat and add value to the homeowner’s property overall.

As the desire for multiple bathrooms becomes the norm, the UK’s bathroom industry is poised to flourish in the years to come.

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New Cyncly structure as MD retires

June 1, 2023

Nathan MacLean, currently managing director at Virtual Worlds, has announced his decision to retire. Cyncly Group recently announced bathroom design software, Virtual Worlds, as its primary bathroom design product in the UK and Ireland, after being created in September 2022.

The new brand united Logicom, Compusoft, 2020 and their affiliate companies. Now, combining knowledge and experience to improve outcomes for its customers and further enhance the customer experience, the Virtual Worlds teams are integrating into Cyncly’s Kitchen, Bathroom & Furniture, retail (KBFr) business unit.

“As Cyncly continues progressing on its journey to ‘Growing as One’ as a foundation of its growth strategy, the gradual and successful integrations of Cyncly’s acquired brands into its functional structure constitute crucial milestones in this journey,” comments Gordon Bartels, general manager, KBF Retail.

Under Nathan’s leadership and guidance, Virtual Worlds has become a highly visible and well-respected brand, known for benefiting manufacturers, retailers and consumers through its pioneering innovation. Nathan’s infectious passion culminated in the receipt of The David Caulfield Outstanding Contribution Award at the BKU Awards 2020.

Nathan says: “I’m proud to have contributed to the kbb industry, attracting a team of professional and dedicated people who share my enthusiasm. Together, we’ve been instrumental in how the industry creates customer design concepts. It’s been an absolute honour to see first-hand how our disruptive 4D technology has swept away the old kbb systems of habit to transform how kitchens and bathrooms are now purchased.

“My 13 years with Virtual Worlds have been dedicated to working hand in hand with our customers, so we could go above and beyond. I’m convinced that the alignment of Virtual Worlds and Cyncly’s functional priorities provide the opportunity to pursue bigger and bolder ambitions, and to support brighter future perspectives, both for our people and our business.”

Bartels continues: “Virtual Worlds is a key player in the UK bathroom market and commands a strong competitive advantage that we want to preserve and enhance, leveraging its cutting-edge technology. Providing a meaningful and exciting work environment to Virtual World’s employees where they can develop and excel is a priority for the Cyncly group.

“With this next phase of our integration, we will work to combine the great people and assets of the Virtual Worlds franchise with Cyncly’s proven functional capabilities and broader market presence.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds call 01908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

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Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms to debut alongside 2024 InstallerSHOW

May 30, 2023

Lyrical Communications has announced the launch of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms, to debut alongside its 2024 InstallerSHOW at the NEC.

Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will showcase the role technology and innovation plays in shaping the kitchens and bathrooms of the future to an audience of 20,000 installers, specifiers, designers, developers, manufacturers and retailers.

Launched alongside the y successful annual InstallerSHOW and featuring its own dedicated, immersive content programme, Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms aims to bring the industry closer together, with education, knowledge sharing and networking.

The themes covered by Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms will include water and energy efficiency in both domestic and commercial buildings, design innovation, sustainable and smart technology, and changing legislation and regulation.

Mike Costain, managing director, Lyrical Communications, said:

“Having successfully established InstallerSHOW as the key meeting place in the UK for the bathroom sector, we are delighted to have partnered with BMA and BIKBBI in extending our proposition to the kitchen industry. Specifiers, installers and retailers from the kitchen and bathroom industry will no doubt flock to the event in 2024 to see the latest technologies and solutions on the exhibition floor as well as hear from key names in our content programme.”

News of the launch has been warmly welcomed by key industry bodies, including BiKBBI and BMA.

Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, said:

“The launch of Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms is great news for the industry. The buzz around InstallerSHOW has really been gathering momentum for the last few years, with more and more BMA members exhibiting and the introduction of a bathroom zone. A hall dedicated to the exciting future of kitchens and bathrooms will boost that momentum even further. BMA is excited to be involved.”

Damian Walters, founder and chief executive, British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI), said:

“BiKBBI welcomes the evolution of InstallerSHOW, which will soon include a kitchen and bathroom hall for the first time. We’re delighted to explore opportunities to support the development of the programme and we look forward to being part of the 2024 plans.”

Lyrical Communications currently includes three thriving brands – InstallerSHOW, InstallerONLINE and elemental. Lyrical, part of the Nineteen Group, specialises in events and digital publishing, creating market-leading content for those working on decarbonisation and the route to Net Zero, with a focus on heat, energy, air and water.

InstallerSHOW 2024 will take place 25-27 June.

Registration for InstallerSHOW 2023 (27-29 June), is open here: https://www.installershow.com/

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The CRL Quartz 2023 collection encapsulated in new brochure

May 30, 2023

With a raft of new additions to come in 2023, CRL Stone has introduced a brand-new brochure dedicated to its CRL Quartz collection.

Featuring new season trends and popular best-selling lines, the brochure is packed with inspiration and information, giving retailers the perfect talking point and a handy reference guide when incorporating CRL Quartz surfaces into customer designs.

Across 120 pages, the full-colour brochure showcases the collection, with stunning lifestyle photography. It includes a surface overview with a more detailed look, including product code, size details, plus the finishes and thicknesses available.

Designed to be simple to navigate the contents of the brochure are divided into sections relevant to the various collections, including Cristallo, Renaissance, Marble, Rock and White. With CRL Quartz boasting many features and advantages, these are also detailed to make it easy for retailers to highlight.

Among the new CRL Quartz styles for 2023 is the Cristallo Collection, responding to the trend for strong colours and patterning in interior design.

The brochure also offers a first glimpse of new surfaces including Lava Black, Milano and Stella Gris, just three of several additions to the CRL Quartz range to come from CRL Stone.

Visit www.crlstone.co.uk for your digital copy of the new brochure, or call 01706 863 600 to request copies by post.

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Ideal Standard sustainable shower system Alu+

May 30, 2023

Leading bathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard, has exclusively previewed its latest showering range, Alu⁺, launching in June 2023.

Sustainability has been prioritised ash Alu⁺ is created from high-quality recyclable aluminium that is made up by 84% recycled content. Completely free from chrome, lead and nickel, Alu⁺ also features water saving technology, which is built into the entire range – the flow limiters restrict consumption to just 8 l/min for the hand spray and 12 l/min for the rain shower without impacting performance.

The new collection stands out with its modern colour palette, practical features and strong sustainability credentials, offering customers a contemporary shower solution for modern living.

In terms of aesthetics the shower systems feature elegant rectangular lines that are perfectly accented by the circular mixer, showerhead and hand spray. The contemporary design is further complemented with the option of three low-sheen finishes – Silk Black, Rosé and Silver, giving customers the option to play with colour in a new and exciting way.

All plastic parts of Alu⁺ are made from high performance, drinking water compliant polymers to ensure water is never polluted with harmful plastics. In fact, Ideal Standard is making sustainably conscious decisions throughout the full product lifecycle for Alu⁺, with all packaging being completely recyclable and free from single use plastics.

Ideal_Standard_ launches_sustainabl_shower_system_Alu+

Alu⁺ includes storage shelves and matching beauty bars, with mirrors and other storage solutions available in the same three colours.

The hand spray and extra-large rain shower head feature two different spray modes for users, with a normal Rain spray and the luxurious SilkRain mode, which sees the shower system dispense ultra-fine water droplets for a premium, spa-like experience.

Switching between spray modes is simple, with an easy to adjust lever on the hand spray and Ideal Standard’s EasyDial control knob on the shower head.

Both the hand spray and shower head are easy to keep clean and free from limescale thanks to the practical EasyClean spray nozzles. The range is available in both thermostatic and single lever options as well as shower rail sets with handset and shower systems with diverter to easily switch between hand spray and overhead shower.

Furthermore, the shower system is easy to pair with matching Cerafine O taps and Idealrain shower accessories in the same colours and style, as well as Ideal Standard’s wider collections of shower trays and enclosures, ceramics, and furniture.

Stacey Seagrave, senior PM of non-residential fittings at Ideal Standard, said: “Ideal Standard has a long history of delivering innovative, high-quality products that encourage sustainable living practices, with technologies designed to help conserve energy and water.

“The new Alu+ range is a prime example of our commitment to reimagining material design and maximising recyclability, we hope that by delivering beautiful and functional yet also sustainable collections, we can set a new standard in bathroom design.”

The collection will be available in June 2023, stay up to date on Ideal Standard’s new releases on its website: www.idealstandard.co.uk

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LIXIL collects 20 Red Dot & iF Design Awards

May 30, 2023

LIXIL Corporation, maker of water and housing products, has collected 7 Red Dot Awards and 13 iF Design Awards to mark the start of the year and over 600 design awards in total, for the company globally.

Paul Flowers leader of LIXIL Global Design and Brand Identity said “I am pleased that LIXIL has collected a total of 20 Red Dot and iF Design awards again this year, empowering our in-house LIXIL Global Design Team of over 120 members who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of everyone, everywhere.

“At LIXIL, design thinking is integral in meeting the evolving preferences and lifestyles of consumers. We are strengthening and building on brand equity through intuitive and immersive experiences that helps us stay ahead of needs and desires. Global Design Awards give consumers confidence that our products are independently certified by design experts at the very highest level.”

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