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Sanitaryware and surfaces brand RAK Ceramics launched the RAK-Ingot washbasins, offering a touch of elegance to bathrooms. These washbasins feature sleek shapes and luxurious finishes, making them a versatile addition to any modern bathroom design.

The RAK-Ingot washbasins are available in four distinct shapes: oval, rectangle, round, and square. The square basin measures 400x400x10mm, the circle measures 360x360x110mm, the oval measures 550x350x115mm, and the rectangle measures 500x350x100mm. These varied dimensions ensure they fit seamlessly into a wide range of bathroom layouts.

The hallmark of the RAK-Ingot washbasins is their exquisite finishes, available in three stunning options: Matt Black, Brushed Nickel, and Brushed Brass. Each finish exudes luxury and refinement, adding a touch of opulence to any bathroom space. These finishes are meticulously crafted to complement the current trend for metallics and unique textures in contemporary bathroom design, allowing homeowners and designers to create truly bespoke spaces.

The RAK-Ingot washbasins are engineered for seamless integration with RAK Ceramics accessories, mirrors, and taps. This holistic approach to bathroom design ensures a harmonious aesthetic, elevating the overall bathing experience.

The RAK-Ingot range extends to stainless steel Recessed Niches in Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel finishes. Available in various sizes including 30×30, 30×60, 30×60 with 1 dividing shelf, 30×120, and 30×120 with 2 dividing shelves, these niches provide practical storage solutions while effortlessly complementing the RAK-Ingot washbasins.

Contact:
RAK Ceramics UK
01730 237850
www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Architect and designer Antonio Citterio’s Aurena bathroom range for Duravit was showcased at CDW 2024. The range seamlessly integrates balanced proportions with function, offering efficient washing-area solutions to include basins, bathtubs, toilets, bidets, and mirrors. 

“The idea was to structure surfaces and create a sense of order that positively influences the quality of the overall room,” Citterio explains.

The Golden Ratio is regarded as a formula for aesthetic harmony in architecture.   For Duravit’s new Aurena series, Antonio Citterio has created a perfectly proportioned washing area, where he uniformly divides the wet and dry areas. 

The surface made entirely of ceramic offers the option of an integrated or above-the-counter basin; the dry area has integrated dividers, which are precise and elegant, making it a perfect way to store bathroom accessories.  The counter is supported by an aluminium profile frame with a stainless steel finish, and there are options to have either open storage with aluminium shelving or closed with a double drawer.  The vanity can be wall-mounted or placed on a metal frame with graceful legs.

Citteroio’s designs for matching bathtubs, toilets, bidet, and a mirror create a stylish and balanced concept. The integrated bathtub is made from the new cast-mineral material DuroCast Smooth, whilst the back-to-wall models and free-standing bathtub are made from DuroCast Plus. The chamfered edge at the rim of each bathtub provides an elegant finish, and the wall-standing variant features a storage box that forms a connecting element between the organically shaped bathtub and the wall. It has been designed in keeping with the washbasin vanity tops.

The soft geometry is echoed in the oval mirror of the Aurena series, which has a hidden illumination strip laid behind its frame in White.  

www.duravit.co.uk

Bathroom-Review-Citterio-Aurena

Roca’s latest bathroom collection, Tura, was created in collaboration with designer Andreu Carulla, reflecting a fusion of design and sustainability. Inspired by Barcelona’s architectural heritage, Carulla’s Tura has soft finishes and natural textures reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The collection is complemented by durable ceramic, recycled cork, felt, and outdoor fabrics, showcasing Carulla’s mindful approach to environmental impact.

Tura seamlessly fits into various settings, whether a modern city apartment or a countryside dwelling. Its versatility allows it to harmonise with any interior design concept. Below, we highlight its notable features.

Washbasins

Tura’s washbasins are characterised by bold, modern design elements. An impressive feature of the basins is the concealed drain, ingeniously integrated into the design to ensure a seamless, uninterrupted bowl. The collection boasts diverse shapes and sizes, including asymmetric countertop models that offer extra surface area on one side, perfect for storing essential toiletries.

Furniture

Tura furniture is available in several options, such as a version with a drawer and an open bottom shelf, another with two drawers, and an option with two drawers and open-slatted shelves inspired by Mediterranean shutters, Available in Matt White, Light Noble Grey, and Light Terracotta, the colour palette evokes the essence of the Mediterranean. A standout feature of these vanity units is the innovative integrated siphon, designed to maximise storage space without sacrificing functionality in the top drawer.

Small-space solutions

Good things come in small packages, and Tura’s stylish designs are available in a full range of sizes, including for compact bathrooms. For example, basins start from wall-hung models of 550 x 275mm and 450 x 360mm – and there are corresponding vanity units too.

Baths

The shape of the Tura bath is inspired by an architectural cantilever system, creating the illusion that it is floating in space. This effect is amplified by the option of an LED light around the base. The bath’s success lies in its being made from Roca’s composite Stonex®. This robust material allows for a spacious and light bath, with elegantly thin walls and a slim ridge around the edge which accommodates a useful wooden bath tray. From a practical point of view, Stonex® is also warm to the touch, anti-slip and easy to keep clean.

WCs & bidets

The Tura WCs and bidets come in wall-hung, floor-standing and close-coupled options, designed to blend into any bathroom space. The floor-standing models are 42cm high as standard for added comfort for older people. Furthermore, all ceramics are available with Roca’s antimicrobial Supraglaze® finish, which makes it difficult for dirt and limescale to stick to the surface, meaning it is easier to clean.

Accessories

The Tura collection stands out due to its added extras. For instance, the bath tray, essential for all long soaks, is made of FSC®-certified wood and designed to sit flush on the tub’s edge. For added comfort, the Tura bath also comes with a height-adjustable headrest, made of recycled outdoor fabric, which is quick-dry and mildew resistant. The headrest features a wooden counterweight for easy height adjustment. Finally, the collection includes recycled felt storage boxes specially designed for the open shelves. Available in two different sizes, these lightweight boxes come with a recycled cork lid that not only keeps contents dust-free but doubles as a shelf over the washbasins (below, left).

The Tura bath is made of Stonex®, a smooth composite; the basins, WCs and bidets are made of ceramic and come in Gloss White, Supraglaze® White and Matt White finishes; and the furniture is available in Off-White, Light Noble Grey and Light Terracotta.

Stockist: 01530 830080 or uk.roca.com/where-to-buy-showrooms

Where can brass be used in the bathroom, and what do you need to know?

Brass is one of the oldest materials used in bathrooms and can be used almost anywhere – with care and attention. If the finish is natural brass – an unlacquered finish – it will need polishing and buffing regularly if you want to keep its lustrous shine. Natural brass can be left to patina down over time. Without polishing or surface care the shiny surface will develop its own character depending upon the environment.

When buying brass products, or products described as brass, always check whether they are actual brass, or brass-plated and whether they have been lacquered or unlacquered (sometimes called live or living brass). Lacquered or plated brass finishes may cause problems over time as the lacquer or plating can be removed or damaged by cleaning. This can lead to spotting or an uneven surface and can be difficult to rectify. Natural brass, however, can always be returned to a beautifully polished finish with the use of a brass cleaner and a little elbow grease.

Do they come in different shades or different qualities? Will it be patina, etc?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and the different levels of each material may lead to slight differences in shading. The differences are mainly down to the use of the material, whether it will be cast or bent, and the different amount of elements that can affect its use.

Pictured is the Marlborough cloakroom basin with taps in polished brass. The taps retail at £405 inc. VAT, while the basin shown retails £465 inc. VAT.

For further information on Thomas Crapper and its range of brass products, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com

About Thomas Crapper

Thomas Crapper & Co. is a renowned British manufacturer specializing in high-quality bathroom fixtures and fittings. Established in the late 19th century by Thomas Crapper himself, the company has since become synonymous with excellence in bathroom design and craftsmanship. With a commitment to both tradition and innovation, Thomas Crapper continues to produce a wide range of products, from classic toilets and basins to modern fixtures that blend timeless aesthetics with contemporary functionality. Their dedication to quality materials and meticulous attention to detail has earned them a reputation as a trusted provider of premium bathroom solutions, serving both residential and commercial clients worldwide. Today, Thomas Crapper remains a prestigious name in the industry, reflecting a legacy of excellence that spans over a century.

Duravit is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Starck Barrel with a re-interpretation using c-bonded technology to produce a more modern look without losing any of the key characteristics of the original.

The colour variants extend to the wash bowls, with matt and gloss black introduced and a wide range of furniture handle colour options that can be coordinated with the taps.

The Starck barrel is available as a vanity unit in barrel form, 560 mm diameter (c-bonded variant), and in ceramic colours – White, White Satin Matt, Black, and Matt Black.

All washbasins feature the dirt- and bacteria-resistant ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze® Plus. This is fired into the ceramic washbasin as standard and makes cleaning easier.

Furniture lacquers span from classic to contemporary with options like High Gloss White, Nordic White Satin Matt, and Night Blue Satin Matt. Each hue brings its own style, offering versatility to match any bathroom design. The handle finishes include Chrome, Polished Gold, and Brushed Bronze, bringing style and functionality to any space.

About Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck, a renowned French designer known for his iconic creations, has left an indelible mark on the world of design with his innovative approach and distinctive style. Among his notable contributions is the Duravit Starck Barrel, a revolutionary bathroom fixture that redefines luxury and functionality.

Made using broken and discarded ceramics, along with other waste materials from the manufacturing process that would typically end up in landfill, VitrA’s ceramic washbasin, which is fully recycled apart from the glaze, was on display at VitrA London during Clerkenwell Design Week (21 – 23 May 2024).

The recycled washbasin comes in five models: the natural form of the Pebble, the geometric shapes of both the Square and Circle, the distinctive outline of the ‘TV’ and the fluid silhouette of the Oval. All basins are rendered in a textured, matt clay in taupe.

With sustainability at the forefront of people’s minds when choosing which products and brands to work with, the recycled ceramic washbasin embodies the principles of circular manufacturing, where waste becomes a valuable resource. A life cycle assessment found that the production of the recycled washbasin minimises VitrA’s environmental impact on fossil fuel usage and global warming by a significant 30% per product.**

VitrA says it is redefining what an environmentally conscious manufacturing process looks like, motivated by a genuine commitment to conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.

Bathroom Review VitrA 100% Recycled washbasin

Production savings per recycled washbasin stand at over 30% in terms of both raw material savings and savings in electricity usage. Every detail, down to the packaging – a 100% recycled box, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – demonstrates VitrA’s commitment to reducing waste where possible and conserving natural resources. Moreover, thanks to careful design, the product’s durability has not been compromised, with the recycled washbasin meeting FFC body and semi-vitrified body conditions, in terms of deformation, water absorption, and fired strength.

Gökçe Ersel Ötkün, head of sustainability at VitrA, comments: “The launch of the 100%* recycled ceramic washbasin marks a turning point for the brand and the industry at large. Being the first in the industry to devise such a product demonstrates VitrA’s wholehearted commitment to delivering on its promises to champion sustainable design. We’re so excited to be on this sustainability journey, and feel this product is a significant step forward.”

Eczacıbaşı Building Products’ CEO Özgen Özkan highlighted VitrA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the ceramic sector, stating, “by integrating circular design principles and innovative business models, we’ve begun repurposing waste from our ceramic sanitary ware production. This approach allows us to conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and cut carbon dioxide emissions, all while managing costs and material constraints more effectively. Our 100%* recycled washbasin embodies our dedication to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and a stronger circular economy.”

For more information, please visit  https://www.vitra.co.uk/recycled-washbasin/.


  *The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials that are generated and disposed of during the ceramic sanitaryware manufacturing process.  ** The life cycle assessment was conducted internally by VitrA

Sivida by Starck is Duravit’s first washing-area range with mineral-cast material washbasins and bathroom furniture designed by Philippe Starck at an attractive price point.

Sivida utilizes DuroCast®, a mineral cast material gaining popularity in bathrooms for its robust, smooth texture. This sturdy material boasts an effortless-to-clean surface, suitable for the private bathroom or guest toilet as well as in the commercial sector.

The vanity tops adjacent to the washing-area solutions offer practicality for everyday use. Round or angular above-counter basins sit on precisely shaped consoles, both crafted from DuroCast® for seamless integration. Opting for no colour, a furniture washbasin in White Satin Matt is available.

“Sivida is unique. It is a very essential design but with a colourful twist of life. Pale green, white and dark grey are available to create duo combinations that fit all environments. Elegant, joyful and functional, Sivida is the new collection for our everyday life,” explained Philippe Starck.

For those seeking colour, choose from Matt Dark Green or Matt Pale Green for the above-counter basin and console. Noteworthy is the two-tonality concept; basins are optionally available with a white interior or exterior, adding flair to any bathroom.

The gentle aesthetic of cast mineral basins is elegantly balanced against the straight lines of the furniture. Sivida by Starck offers various colour options, from subtle tone-on-tone to striking high-contrast combinations, allowing for virtually limitless design possibilities. Optional metal elements, such as handles, towel holders, or furniture feet, are available in Chrome or Diamond Black.

Bathroom-Review-Sivida-by-Starck-Duravit-candlelights

Completing the ensemble, the matching mirror features candle-like lights arranged on the side, echoing the metal accents and furniture surfaces for a cohesive look.

Optional practical shelves further enhance functionality. Internal dividers for drawers, which can be added later, help organise the bathroom, while tall cabinets provide additional storage space for towels and toiletries.

About Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck, a world-famous creator with a wealth of inventive ideas, is always focused on the essential, his vision: that creation, whatever form it takes, must improve the lives of as many people as possible. This philosophy has made him a pioneer and a central figure of the “democratic design” concept.

More from Duravit

Ideal for hospitality projects, Mercy, Kreoo’s latest creation, marries natural stone and modern design. Crafted from a single block of marble, Mercy boasts a seamless surface adorned with intricate patterns that showcase the timeless beauty of natural stone. Designed by Christophe Pillet, this sculptural freestanding sink features a stunning array of motifs inspired by nature, from delicate leaves to elegant fan-shaped forms.

But Mercy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about practicality, too. With its flush drain seamlessly integrated into the marble, cleaning is easy. And with four material options available – Emperador Light, Olive Grey, Bianco Carrara, and Bianco del Re – Mercy can be customised to suit any high-end residential or hospitality project.

More than just a sink, Kreoo‘s Mercy is a work of art, the result of intricate craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. It’s the perfect centrepiece for any luxury bathroom, combining beauty and functionality in one exquisite package.

About Kreoo

With its extraordinary creativity and experience in the field of marble workmanship, Kreoo creates furniture and design complements for architecture, interiors and outdoor spaces

Kaldewei is launching a comprehensive washbasin campaign for 2024, unveiling new designs and expanded size options tailored to private customers, hotels, and the project business.

The campaign underscores Kaldewei’s commitment to innovation and sustainability with the introduction of elegant bowls and built-in washbasins crafted from recyclable steel enamel in 13 versatile colours. These additions enhance Kaldewei’s portfolio, catering to a diverse range of clientele, from homeowners to commercial enterprises in the hospitality and project sectors.

A standout feature of the campaign is the Kaldewei Avellino washbowl. Available in 13 colours, its delicate structure and slender silhouette offer aesthetic appeal and hygienic functionality. The plastic-free washbowl is available in three sizes, has a long life, is recyclable and offers 100 per cent circularity. It works in both private bathrooms or exclusive hotel bathrooms that want to avoid plastic and minimise their ecological footprint.

For project installations, Kaldewei introduces the Object R and Object Q built-in washbasins, renowned for their robust steel enamel surface and timeless design. The Object R boasts soft, feminine lines, while the Object Q offers a classic rectangular shape. These washbasins are ideal for modern guest bathrooms and high-traffic public sanitary areas, providing durability and ease of installation.

Additionally, Kaldewei expands its existing Miena and Nueva bowl series with new size options, offering enhanced flexibility for designing premium washing areas. Made from Kaldewei steel enamel, these washbasins guarantee quality and durability, and because the material, a combination of steel and glass, is made from natural raw materials and is plastic-free, they ensure eco-friendly disposal at the end of their lifecycle.

Kaldewei Washbasin Campaign


Surfaces manufacturer Cosentino expands its Hybriq+® technology with Silestone®XM. This new iteration maintains Silestone®’s range of colours and collections while reducing crystalline silica content to just 10%, enhancing sustainability and versatility.

Seven years in the making, Hybriq+® technology debuted in 2020, marking Cosentino’s strong commitment to R&D&I in decorative surfaces. It revolutionised Silestone® for enhanced safety and sustainability.

Silestone® shifted to sustainable manufacturing powered by 100% renewable electricity and 99% recycled water. Its composition was overhauled, with a substantial decrease in crystalline silica content through the incorporation of premium minerals and at least 20% recycled materials like glass. Remarkably, these changes maintain Silestone®’s exceptional physical and mechanical properties alongside its renowned high-quality design and colour depth.

This year, Cosentino unveils a significant milestone with the introduction of Silestone®XM. This brand will encompass all new collections released in 2024, along with existing colours manufactured with less than 10% crystalline silica. The ultimate objective is to transition the entire colour portfolio under this new brand.

Debuting at KBIS trade show in Las Vegas, Silestone®XM made its first appearance. It has since been showcased at the ARCOmadrid contemporary art fair and the C.Next Retail Iberia & Latam convention. Soon, Silestone®XM will introduce the EARTHIC® by Silestone®XM capsule collection, a collaborative effort with Italian studio FormaFantasma. This collection will take center stage at the EARTHIC® LAB X FORMAFANTASMA installation, set to be unveiled by Cosentino during Milan Design Week at Fuorisalone.

Another of the collections under Silestone®XM category this year will be Le Chic Bohème, an extension of the already acclaimed Le Chic series introduced in 2023, which was an advanced design exercise that recaptured the beauty of textures and classic style veined patterns in Silestone®.

More info: https://www.cosentino.com/silestone-xm/