Accessible Design Archives

KEUCO AXESS – Keuco & Studio Porsche enhance accessibility

March 2, 2023

When Studio F. A. Porsche designed a range of accessible bathroom products for KEUCO, the result was something unique: German engineering meets premium interior design.

KEUCO AXESS, designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, has been created to deliver barrier-free bathrooms in hospitality, private and public sectors, e.g. high-quality healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, hotels and spas. The design focuses on combining aesthetics and barrier-free functionality without making the special functions visually obvious.

Good design has to be honest
“It was our wish to meet the highest aesthetic demands and yet incorporate the specific needs of a barrier-free bathroom system. Our aim was to develop accessible bathroom products from a completely new perspective. Timeless, very clear, aesthetic forms, permanently perceived as beautiful, even after many years. Independent of the spirit of time and trends and at the same time, beyond anything known so far. Out ambition was to create something special, right down to the smallest detail, and making it technically possible. A combination of German engineering and top-quality implementation in every respect. “ Christian Schwamkrug, design director Studio F. A.
Porsche.

Accessibility meets design: for high-quality bathrooms across all sectors
KEUCO AXESS is a sustainable and cross-generational concept made from high-quality materials and ensures safe use of all areas of the bathroom – not only for the elderly and those currently in need of care or for those with a physical disability, but for all generations.

A barrier-free bathroom brings many advantages adding to the quality of life. Turning barrier-free bathrooms into ‘bathrooms’ for people of all ages and for all life situations is a solution adopted by more and more building owners in the project sector, as well as architects, planners and private individuals. Barrier-free increases the level of comfort and safety in the bathroom and adds to property value.

Elegance on the wall: a folding support rail like no other
Studio F. A. Porsche and KEUCO’s folding support rail is a highlight of the barrier-free KEUCO AXESS range. It looks nothing like folding support rails of the past as the visually appealing folding support rail stands uniquely flat against the wall when folded up.

When unfolded and exposed in the downward position, the KEUCO AXESS support rail is an elegant solution. It is available in three finishes: chrome, matt black or aluminium chrome and depending on the surface, a grip-friendly plastic inlay in black or white is seamlessly integrated. The plastic is significant as it makes it easy to grip and prevents slipping when supporting or holding on. There is an optional and retrofittable toilet paper holder which has a black or white roller stopper enabling it to colour match the design.

Two different projections in 700 and 850 mm offer perfect safety and support. The larger projection folding support rail is also suitable for larger wheelchair-accessible WCs. The optional and retrofittable radio WC flush actuator integrates aesthetically into the handle and is compatible with radio flush cisterns from common manufacturers via Bluetooth.

Despite the reduced design, stability is guaranteed with 115 kg load capacity: KEUCO AXESS folding support handles are TÜV tested and certified according to DIN standard.

The rail system – a beautiful design that provides support at the same time

The rail system and the grab rails of the KEUCO AXESS range are characterised by their elegant yet simplistic design. The versatile range provides support in the shower and bath, at the wash basin and the WC. Despite high stability when holding and supporting, this ergonomic design appears light, stylish, and un-cumbersome.

The grip surface at the front forms a smooth rectangular band – with flat surfaces and precise edges. At the back, the rail/grip system and handles are ergonomically shaped in a semicircle – for an optimised grip. This oval rounded back perfectly fits in the hand when grasping so it is not necessary to exert a great deal of force when holding on; ensuring a secure grip and a reliable hold.

The range of KEUCO AXESS grab rails ranges in lengths from 400 to 1000 mm. In the shower, the rail system can be flexibly adapted to suit on-site conditions. The shower rail also serves as a stable grab rail, always giving a feeling of safety. The shower slider can be unlocked and moved up or down simply by pressing on the back, and this can be done with one hand. The shower head can be turned in various positions, to the left and right in the holder and can be tilted up and down from any angle without any problems.

Safe, beautiful and comfortable: mobile seating in the bathroom

A stable seat is a plus for comfort in the bathroom. Taking a shower while sitting down is particularly comfortable. Keuco has supplemented its range of seats with the mobile KEUCO AXESS stool.

The design of the KEUCO AXESS stool, Design by Studio F. A. Porsche, is crafted to the highest standard: as minimalistic, as safe as possible, and as comfortable as possible. In an archetypical, timeless design, the stylish stool takes up little space in the bathroom and fits in any corner. With a load capacity of 150 kg, the KEUCO AXESS stool can be used in both private and public areas.

The stool is particularly stable and resilient as the discretely outward-facing legs with anti-slip ensure a secure standing position, whilst being easy to reposition using one hand.

The softly roughened, non-slip surface of the seat has a pleasant feel and is easy to clean. The seat is slightly curved inwards and features a small hole in the middle which allows water to drain off directly in the shower. The mobile stool with a white or black seat can be harmoniously integrated into the bathroom or shower area.

With a white seat, you can choose between chrome or aluminium legs; with a black seat, the legs are also black. All versions are robust, durable and easy to clean.

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HEWI delivers solutions for primary schools & nurseries

December 14, 2022

Products for children have to meet a variety of requirements: they must be safe, easy to use and robust. In addition, they must be easy to clean and hygienic. Products that are used in cots, nurseries, kindergartens or schools must be able to withstand high loads over the long term. HEWI products for children meet all these requirements.

Washing hands and brushing teeth is much more fun when the wash place design is adapted to the needs of the little users. HEWI offers a comprehensive range of products for the washing area which, with its cheerful colours, virtually invites you to wash and splash around.

The small radii of the washbasins mean there are no corners or edges where children can bump into each other. The narrow rim as well as the compact design of the mineral CST washbasin allow even small children to reach the tap effortlessly.

The product range also includes mirrors, fittings and tumbler racks with hooks and accessories.

www.hewi.com

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Impey launches new coloured wetroom drain tops

September 21, 2022

Impey, best known as one of the UK’s market-leading wetroom manufacturers, has announced the introduction of four new colours of drain top to their portfolio. The shades Gold, Anthracite, Bronze and Black, have been chosen to complement the brand’s Aqua-Dec EasyFit and Aqua-Dec Linear range of wetroom floor formers. The Allure collection and new Paragon drain tops will be available from September 2022, throughout the brand’s nationwide retailer network.

Impey is renowned for its portfolio of wetroom solutions including its Aqua-Dec wetroom floor formers with inbuilt drainage gradient. In addition to the popular Aqua-Dec range, Impey has released an eye-catching new selection of coloured drain tops that offer enhanced personalisation options and will fit both the linear and square style of wetroom floors.

The new linear Allure range is available in both 600mm and 800mm sizes for the Aqua-Dec Linear floor formers. While the new square Allure range has been designed to fit the Aqua-Dec EasyFit.

In addition to the new colours, Impey will simultaneously launch two high-quality stainless steel drain tops ‘Paragon’ which will also be available in a brushed or polished finish. The pioneering new drain tops offer a minimalist aesthetic and customisation within any bathroom space.

Both the Allure collection and Paragon drain tops boast high flow rates, exceptional quality and are manufactured with a low carbon footprint.

Said Jessica Davis, Impey’s product manager, shower floors: “We are excited to launch the stunning Allure Collection and Paragon drain tops as an addition to our Aqua-Dec wetroom floor former drainage solutions. Giving specifiers and homeowners an opportunity to customise their wetrooms and coordinate perfectly with bathroom accessories or screen profiles. The colourful drain tops will sit alongside our existing wetroom floor former options and can be purchased as an upgrade to a complete wetroom solution or as a stand-alone item.”

Both new additions to Allure and Paragon are manufactured in the UK using locally sourced products and suppliers. Targeting sustainability, 100% of the packaging is recyclable cardboard and the Allure collection is PVD coated; the most energy-efficient coating process.

For more information on Allure or Paragon visit https://www.impeyshowers.com/wetroom-inspiration/impey-allure-collection/

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Duravit launches Sustano – its first recyclable DuraSolid® Nature shower tray

September 9, 2022

Sustano is Duravit’s first recyclable DuraSolid® Nature shower tray. The shower trays feature a flat, rimless design for installation flush with the floor in conjunction with the integrated, flush outlet cover, they also come in a wide range of dimensions.

Additionally, the range has an attractive entry-level price and is offered in six colours making it especially suited to renovation projects.

DuraSolid® Nature

Created from recyclable mineral material, DuraSolid® Nature is low weight, adaptable and easy to cut on the construction site. The UV-resistant tray also has anti-slip properties built in to the matt surface versions.

As it is easy to install it is ideal for renovation projects where every millimeter matters in the installation of shower trays. With their extremely low installation height of just 30 mm, the self-supporting Sustano shower trays enable flush-mounted installation even in renovation projects with a low floor height.

Alternatively, they can be installed in floor-mounted or semi-recessed applications. Sustano boasts flexibility since 100 mm can be removed from each side of each shower tray, even on the construction site, making it simple to modify when necessary. Their low weight makes the Sustano trays easy to handle on the construction site, allowing them to be installed by one person.

Sustano shower trays are made from DuraSolid® Nature and have high surface hardness and density, making them durable and comparatively impervious to damage or soiling. A soft cloth with warm water or standard cleaning agent is all that is needed for cleaning.

The porefree surface creates a pleasantly warm, appealing feeling on the skin. The versions in matt colours feature a velvety surface, with a somewhat smoother surface feel than the glossy colours. The flat, easy-to-clean outlet cover with a lattice structure in the same colour as the shower tray integrates into the trays unobtrusively, in both visual and tactile terms. The cover is also optionally available in stainless steel.

Maximum safety and accessibility

The material’s special surface texture means that Sustano shower trays with a matt surface attain anti-slip class C with no additional coating. This is the highest classification for wet (barefoot) areas, like shower rooms, and thus guarantees maximum safety.

The surface of the glossy White variant is comparable to Duravit’s acrylic shower trays. The 1200 x 1200 mm flush-mounted Sustano model is also suitable for accessible bathrooms, even for wheelchair uses.

Versatile design options

The Sustano can be installed flush with the floor, semi-recessed, or on the floor tiles depending on structural factors and personal preference. The flush-mounted application is particularly impressive, as it lends itself to a seamless spaciousness. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray is perfectly attuned to the contemporary bathroom.

Featuring 21 sizes, the ideal solution can be found for almost any new-build or renovation project. With five attractive matt colours – White Matt, Matt Crème, Matt Light Gray, Matt Greige, and Matt Dark Gray as well as a glossy White, Sustano offers a range of options to match the colour scheme of any bathroom.

Sustainable, recyclable material Duravit is mindful of the responsibility it bears when it comes to the environment, its employees, and future generations. A complete bathroom solutions provider, Duravit is committed to treating resources with respect and supplying products that are especially long-lasting and sustainable. “We live and breathe sustainability along our value-creation chain, with a clear focus on the four dimensions of water, resources, climate, and social commitment.

“Our actions – in all strategic areas – are being reviewed and optimized from the perspective of sustainability,” said CEO Stephan Tahy.

Thanks to their low weight, Sustano shower trays are lighter to transport, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Even more important is the material’s durability and recyclability following the usage phase.

After the end of their useful life, Sustano shower trays made from DuraSolid® Nature can be returned either to Duravit or to a local recycling center to keep within the life-cycle principle. The recycled materials can be reused to manufacture new shower trays or can be applied to industrial use, e.g. the manufacture of pivot bearings.

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Bathroom adaptation for form and function

August 30, 2022

Today we talk to Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, about the need to include accessible design as standard.

Much of our existing housing stock is woefully inadequate for an ageing population. Millions of homes have steps to the entrance, and few have an accessible downstairs toilet. Even parents trying to navigate a pram through a household will experience challenges.

While I believe the accessible, adaptable design standard set out in Building Regulations should be a mandatory baseline for all new homes, the home improvement sector needs to be ready to adapt and retrofit to meet our changing needs.

Most people want to live in their homes for as long as possible, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that most adaptations are made in the bathroom when mobility challenges arise. Changes to the WC are the most common, where the seat and height require adjustment with the addition of a grab rail. And while we have traditionally been a nation of bathers, level-access shower adaptations are a mainstay of any bathroom redesign.

However, redesigning bathrooms to meet changing needs does not mean abandoning attractive design. Yes, the adaptation must meet the user’s basic requirements to continue daily living activities, but we at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association firmly believe that form and function are achievable outcomes. Bathroom manufacturers’ in-depth knowledge of adaptations means that products are functional but also desirable and luxurious.

Most people are proud of their homes, designing them in line with their personalities and design tastes, so why stop when mobility challenges arise? Even small changes to a bathroom can make a world of difference and enable people to spend later life in their homes, avoiding disrupting and upsetting potential moves into residential care.

Specifiers, designers and retailers should know that creating accessible bathrooms is not a niche endeavour. And as the population ages, it will become more commonplace. There is an opportunity for us all to challenge the idea that functional equals ugly or utilitarian.

For those looking to make adaptations, the first port of call is often the means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Not all applications to this fund are successful, however. According to the Independent Review of the Disabled Facilities Grant, around a quarter drop out because they have to contribute to the costs.

We want to see the DFG easily accessible to those in need and provide more choices to the end-user. After all, it’s a win-win outcome whereby people can stay in their own well-designed homes for longer while avoiding the rising costs associated with residential or hospital care.

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Keuco presents Plan Care removable shower seat

December 10, 2021

The recent HIX show presented KEUCO the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their Plan Care removable shower seat; an aesthetically pleasing shower seat that can be added and removed at will.

The sleek lines of the most elegant designer bathroom can incorporate this high-quality shower seat from KEUCO. The seat is available in a variety of colours including an elegant grey and chrome combination, which provides a comfortable and practical solution for anyone who finds difficulty standing in a shower or those with restricted movement.

The shower seat is used in combination with the KEUCO PLAN CARE rail system, the chair is fixed in place by simply hanging it over the rail without any form or mechanical fixing! It’s sturdy backrest and folding design means it can be kept neatly in place and removed completely when not in use, making it ideal for both multigenerational use in homes and in hotels, as it provides a stylish installation for any contemporary bathroom.

Manufactured in Germany under TUV Nord certification this practical and comfortable tip-up seat can accommodate weight of up to 110kg and comes in shades of dark and light grey or white on chrome of aluminium finish.

www.keuco.com

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Shower hardware that has visual and practical appeal

November 24, 2021

Bathrooms and shower rooms are increasingly being designed as extensions of our living spaces, a space to retreat, relax and rejuvenate rather than just for practicalities. CRL shower hardware taps into this movement, with colours and styles to suit all décor schemes.

Frameless solutions, such as Cambridge (pictured top) and Serenity sliding shower doors, offer the ultimate in wet-room style luxury that also maximises accessibility in the modern bathroom.

A further highlight is the CRL Geneva hinge, available in a wide choice of finishes and suitable for bespoke applications, enabling the shower area to be tailored to fit any space, ideal when working with awkward shapes and sizes in rooms such as in corners and under eaves.

For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk

HEWI accessible & hygienic shower spaces

May 24, 2021

HEWI creates aspirational accessible shower spaces with built-in anti-bacterial protection and works with clients to overcome any design challenges they may have. Plans will ensure the final space is functional and compliant with current British or International standards.

During the COVID lockdown HEWI worked with an increasing number of clients keen to future proof shower spaces with the HEWI active plus range. These products have been developed to have an antimicrobial effect, microsilver is used, which has broad effectiveness against bacteria and fungi. The Microsilver discharges silver ions, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and other unwanted germs and therefore minimises the risk of infection for humans. Within 24 hours unwanted germs on the surface of the products are reduced continuously so that during this period 99.9 % of the germs are reduced.

In addition to the obvious hygiene implications of COVID, HEWI also helps clients look at the overall compliance of their accessible shower space. For some, this might be the first time that they had a need or opportunity to consider compliance and many are surprised to find areas in which they are lacking. In these instances, HEWI is hand to help adapt and create spaces that are attractive while adhering to all legal requirements. HEWI’s S900 range is the perfect selection of products to best achieve those aims. From the high quality and diverse finishes to the fixed and removable functionality, HEW’s clients are able to fulfil their design briefs which reflected their brand identity.

HEWI is constantly developing new lines of products that challenge the traditional ideas of inclusive accessible design. Whether the building is a hotel, a student accommodation project, a serviced apartment, a health care facility, or retirement home, HEWI helps design solutions to create contemporary inclusive environments.

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Bette launches BetteAnti-Slip Sense which activates when wet

April 22, 2021

German manufacturer, Bette, is launching a new type of anti-slip for glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths that keeps the glossy looks and smooth, easy-to-clean surface, while also providing the highest level of slip protection. BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a type of anti-slip that you can neither see nor feel. Almost magical: the protective effect of BetteAnti-Slip Sense only occurs when the body and wetness meet.

Until now, anyone who wanted to protect themselves from slipping in the shower or bath had a problem: slip resistance could only be achieved through a surface that looked like it has slip resistance, or with unsightly and unhygienic additions, such as rubberised mats.

BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) with very special properties. The anti-slip effect on glazed titanium steel only occurs when the pressure of the bodyweight and water come together, so providing the protection exactly when it is needed: when standing in a wet bath or shower. When the surface is dry and the feet are dry, no additional slip resistance is required as the adhesion is high enough.

Invisible, durable and easy to clean

To achieve the slip-resistant effect, Bette treats the surface with a suspension containing the finest micrometre-sized ceramic particles, which form a permanent bond with the BetteGlaze. They are almost invisible to the eye, and the surface does not become rough as a result. The shower trays and baths retain their flawless, brilliant look and pleasant feel in all glossy colours. In addition, they can be cleaned in the usual way, because BetteAnti-Slip Sense is extremely durable, scratch-resistant and is not affected by cleaning agents usually used to clean shower trays and baths.

The new BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s glossy colours. For shower trays and baths in matt colours, Bette offers the proven, almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.

Certified slip resistance

With its particularly high slip resistance, BetteAnti-Slip Sense is an ideal solution for those who are less mobile and for families with small children – in fact for everyone who wants to enjoy a safe and carefree shower or bath. The slip resistance has been certified by the German institute LGA Bautechnik GmbH in Nuremberg and tested in trials. In these tests, a test person stands on a shower surface wetted with soapy water, which becomes increasingly inclined. With BetteAnti-Slip Sense, the person only starts to slip at an angle of inclination of at least 24 degrees, which corresponds to the highest bathroom slip resistance rating group C. (Six degrees less, i.e. 18 degrees, means only rating class B and 12 degrees rating class A).

The highest level of slip resistance means that there is no requirement for anti-slip mats or pads that can provide the ideal breeding ground for dirt and germs and are difficult to clean. The hygienic and easy to clean the surface of Bette’s glazed titanium-steel with BetteAnti-slip Sense, means that dirt and germs find it hard to adhere to.

www.my-bette.com/en

About Bette

Bette is a specialist in bathroom products that are made of a special metal in a unique manufacturing process: titanium steel sheets are shaped under high pressure and then finished with a thin coating that is related to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is perfect for the bathroom (it is skin-friendly, hygienic, durable and robust), and Bette uses it to make its baths, shower areas, shower trays and washbasins.

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BetteFlat barrier-free shower tray launches at ISH

March 29, 2021

The new BetteFlat is a shower area made of glazed titanium steel, especially for bathrooms that need to provide barrier-free access, conforming to the standard, DIN 18040-2.

It can be installed flush to floor, and 50 percent of its surface can be used to provide space for access to other bathroom items, such as the basin, so it can be particularly useful in bathrooms with small floor plans. In addition, it protects the user with slip resistance to rating group B, is easy to maintain, robust and comes equipped with a sound insulation set. BetteFlat is ideally suited for use in commercial and private residential projects.

In order for the shower area to be considered as accessible according to the DIN 18040-2 standard, it must be at least 120 x 120 cm in size and be of the same floor level. In addition, stability and slip resistance to evaluation group B and a high-contrast design are required. All requirements of the barrier-free standard are met by the new BetteFlat shower area in full, tested and confirmed by DIN CERTCO.

Makes small bathrooms accessible

The BetteFlat can be installed in bathrooms in which the user’s movement areas for the shower, washbasin and WC are overlapping. With a gradient of less than two percent, half of its total area can be counted as a movement area. This allows a bathroom of high aesthetic quality to be realised, even with a compact floor plan of only four square metres.

Safety for all generations

Due to the frequency and severity of falls in the bathroom, DIN 18040-2 requires slip-resistant floor coverings with slip class B (GUV-I 8527 “Floor coverings for wet-loaded barefoot areas”, rating group B) in the shower area. With its proven Anti-slip Pro surface, the BetteFlat offers standard-compliant safety for people with movement restrictions, but also for families with young children or those future-proofing their bathroom – in fact for anyone who wants to enjoy a carefree shower.

A welcome side effect of the integrated slip resistance is that aids, such as anti-slip mats or pads, which with their uneven and difficult to clean surfaces offer the ideal breeding ground for dirt and germs, become superfluous. On the hygienic and non-porous surface of the glazed titanium steel BetteFlat, dirt and bacteria find it difficult to adhere.

Colours also mean safety

The BetteFlat is available in white, in exclusive matt colours and in Pergamon, Manhattan, Bahamas, Edelweiss, Jasmine and matt black. As a result, the shower area can be used in any bathroom interior design and, as required by the Standard, the BetteFlat can form a visual contrast to the surrounding bathroom floor. For people with reduced vision, this means that they can orient themselves more safely, even in poor light conditions.

The anti-slip surface does not diminish the elegant look of the glazed titanium steel. However, the difference between the shower area and the surrounding floor, usually tiles, is also noticeable under-foot, so that two senses signal entering the shower area.

Ease of care and sound insulation included

In addition, the BetteFlat offers a high level of hygiene, ease of care and durability. The glazed titanium steel is impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, chemical-resistant and UV-resistant – Bette provides a 30-year guarantee on the material. With the BetteInstallation System Universal, the shower area is also sealed according to DIN 18534 and can be inspected at any time, because the shower area can be easily removed.

At the factory, the shower area is also equipped with a basic sound insulation set. If a higher level of sound insulation, in accordance with DIN 4109, is required, the set can be extended with further sound insulation measures.

For further information see my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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