Shower Room Archives - Bathroom Review

The smart tech revolution

November 30, 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.

According to new research released this week by Readly, one in ten Brits report using smart home technology every hour of their day. The latest stats indicate a wholesale shift towards a connected home lifestyle, with a third (37 per cent) of UK households owning at least one smart home device to manage tasks such as security, lighting and heating, and kitchen appliances.

Unsurprisingly, the home technology industry is moving apace when it comes to new, innovative smart design. Consumers are keen to save water and energy whilst personalising interior spaces by integrating music and lighting into every room. This opens up opportunities for bathroom manufacturers.

Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard agrees, “Bathroom trends are continuously evolving and when it comes to today’s ‘smart bathrooms’, that’s no different. End-users are increasingly looking to technology to help make their bathroom space work harder for them.”

Statement lighting

Bathroom Review Liprotec Schluter Systems Lighting

Lighting is no longer simply a practicality, and the trend for customisable mood lighting is emerging as a key consideration when designing a bathroom. In 2024, we expect to see an increase in innovative lighting displays that interact with the bathroom design to deliver on-trend accent lighting.

Encompassing the latest LED technology, Schlüter’s LIPROTEC-LED creates restful lighting for relaxing spaces or bright, colourful lighting for busy family bathrooms. Enabled with Bluetooth/wireless receivers, light colours are selected via remote control or Bluetooth-compatible smartphones and tablets. Specifically designed for the bathroom, Schlüter-LIPROTEC-EASY is the company’s simple plug-and-play version, which comes with matching power supply units up to 100W.

Comfort & cleanliness

Shower toilets are increasing in popularity in the UK. A recent report by the European Bidet Seats & Shower Toilets Market study predicts sales of shower toilets will grow by 8% and indicates a cultural change in hygiene habits.

Martin Carroll, managing director for Duravit, agrees and comments, “Shower-toilets in combination with rimless technology are the next big idea for bathrooms. The open design of the WC rim enables an innovative and effective flush even at low water volumes (4.5 litres) and makes for transparent, easy cleaning. Despite not being a traditional market for bidets, shower toilets are growing in popularity in the UK for reasons of age, culture and general enhanced comfort.”

Duravit’s SensoWash® D-Neo lets users configure options via remote control for three shower flow types through a user ID in the seat. Timings for seat heating can also be individually configured. Its attractive price point means it is ideally suited to the requirements of the project sector and price-conscious developers.

Spa-light, spa-bright

Bringing light and colour into the bathroom, Ideal Standard’s Solos shower range features an integrated colour-changing ambient light in the overhead shower, which creates a relaxing atmosphere for the ultimate spa-like shower experience. Users can customise the colour and brightness of the LED to match their mood, thanks to built-in smart technology that integrates with any smart home app, such as Philips Hue or Amazon Echo.

Lee Robinson, product manager for residential fittings at Ideal Standard comments, “Smart technology is key to home evolution, giving people the ability to personalise their environment – from showerheads with integrated ambient LED lighting like our Solos range to wireless speakers and shower settings that can be controlled with the touch of a smartphone button.”

Bathroom brand Laufen is also embracing smart technology and has launched a new version of the Val bath (pictured left) that harnesses the power of light and colour to promote well-being and bring chromotherapy – traditionally offered by hotel spas – into the guest bathroom to enhance the user’s experience.

The redesigned model was recently on display at HIX and has a translucent structure through which an LED panel projects different light settings according to mood.

LAUFEN also presented its new shower system prototype. Designed in collaboration with Andreas Dimitriadis of Platinum Design, the shower system offers the ultimate spa experience to hotel guests thanks to a 12-inch touchscreen display integrated into the shower for the first time.

Taking remote control

Dialling in your requirements is one of the most celebrated aspects of the smart home and brings luxury and convenience to daily life. Aqualisa’s Quartz Smart Showers combines personalised showering with a range of advantages that enhance the user’s experience. For example, users can start their shower remotely using Alexa or Google Assistant or the remote control via Wi-Fi. A clear LED display indicates when the shower is ready – there’s no need to lean in and test the water. A bath fill option allows remote selection of the water temperature and level.

Jessica Clarke, head of channel marketing at Aqualisa, reasons, “With more than 30 million smart meters installed in the UK and nearly half of all adults under 65 owning a smart speaker (Alexa or Google Assistant), the understanding of smart technology and the benefits it brings to our lives is increasing rapidly. There is now an opportunity for bathroom manufacturers and installers to deliver the next generation of connected bathroom solutions to enhance not only showering functionality and performance, but also wellbeing and sustainability.”

END

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Kudos expands Pinnacle8 with new corner quadrant models

October 25, 2023

Kudos Shower Products has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 level access shower enclosures and introduced new corner quadrant models.

There are now seven Quadrant models in the collection. Two are standard quadrants at 900x900mm and 1000x1000mm in size, and there are a further five offset quadrant enclosures from 900x800mm up to 1200x900mm in size. They have all been designed without the need for a bottom rail, providing a level access and making it easier to step in and out of the enclosure.

Eliminating the bottom rail on the door gives it a minimalist appearance and makes it much easier to clean too. These new additions are available in a choice of chrome, matt black or brushed brass profiles. As with all other enclosures in the Kudos Pinnacle8 range these new options stand 2000mm in height and are produced with 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All glass panels come with LifeShield protection for easy cleaning and all doors with their iconic Finger Pull handle (with optional retro fit handle if required).

Pinnacle8 level access is a frameless design with slimline wall profiles concealing a 20mm wall adjustment for ease of fitting. SmartSeal technology is used on the crystal clear seals and glass-to-glass corner join seals, to ensure a clean uninterupted finish and a water tight bond. Overall this collection includes both hinged and sliding door options, to suit both recessed and corner installations, in sizes ranging from 760mm to 1500mm offering a plethora of design options to suit any bathroom. Kevlar impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall brushed finished hinges for consistent smooth opening and closing of the glass doors. And aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in the sliding doors for smooth action and longevity.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Bathroom Review Kudos Pinnacle8 additions to range

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Kaldewei refreshes Superplan floor-level shower

June 20, 2023

For 2023 Kaldewei has given the classic Superplan a makeover; it now has a refreshed design that provides floor-level access from two sides. The Kaldewei Superplan also has an up-to-the-minute look with sharper edges, tight angles, and clean lines.

The installation depth has been optimised to max. 25 millimetres – which is almost half that of its predecessor. Narrow margins create an elegant look and guarantee a lavish standing area for a unique showering experience.

The angles of the outer corners and edges have been reduced so that the Superplan can be easily integrated into an existing tile grid, and tiling up to the edge of the shower surface is much simpler.

Kaldewei’s Superplan is a classic among floor-level showers and has sold over a million in the last 30 years. Trusted by technicians and users alike, whether it’s an exclusive private bathroom in a hotel or a barrier-free bathroom, this seamless shower made of recyclable steel enamel integrates perfectly, guaranteeing a
comfortable, safe floor space.

Sustainable, modern, and flexible

The Kaldewei Superplan is manufactured from recyclable steel enamel, and its non-porous glass surface makes it easy to clean. Combining long-lasting design with natural materials, it adds another excellent product to the world of Kaldewei’s Luxstainability® portfolio.

The shower is available in standard bathroom colours and the exclusive shades of the Coordinated Colours Collection, creating a huge design scope. The new Superplan is 100 per cent compatible with all the smart Kaldewei accessories – from assembly and waste systems to the familiar easy-care and anti-slip finishes.

This new Superplan shower tray will be available in all 41 sizes by autumn 2023.

More news from Kaldewei

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Kudos Pinnacle8 now with level access sliding doors

April 20, 2023

British manufacturer, Kudos Shower Products, has once again expanded its popular collection of Pinnacle8 enclosures to offer further versatility. The new additions are sliding door models that have been designed without the need for a bottom rail, providing level access, making it easier to step in and out of the enclosure.

Eliminating the bottom rail on the door gives it a minimalist appearance and makes it much easier to clean too. These new additions will be available in a choice of chrome, matt black or brushed gold profiles and in four sizes; 1200mm, 1300mm, 1400mm and 1500mm suitable for either a corner or a recessed installation. As with all other enclosures in the Kudos Pinnacle8 range these new options stand 2000mm in height and are produced with 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All glass panels come with LifeShield protection for easy cleaning and all doors with their iconic Finger Pull handle (with optional retro fit handle if required).

The Pinnacle8 shower enclosure collection was initially launched in 2018 and has become one of the company’s best-selling ranges that has been expanded each year since conception. Pinnacle8 is a semi-frameless design with slimline wall profiles concealing a 20mm wall adjustment for ease of fitting. SmartSeal technology is used on the crystal clear seals and glass-to-glass corner join seals, to ensure a clean uninterupted finish and a water-tight bond. Overall this collection includes both hinged and sliding door options, to suit both recessed and corner installations, in sizes ranging from 760mm to 1800mm offering a plethora of design options to suit any bathroom. Kevla impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall brushed finished hinges for consistent smooth opening and closing of the glass doors. And aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in the sliding doors for smooth action and longevity.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk

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PJH launches luxury slate tray with super-fast waste flow rate

March 9, 2023

PJH’s Bathrooms to Love Collection has added a new and improved ‘RefleXion’ Slate Grey Shower Tray to its showering category.

Perfect for contemporary wetrooms and walk-in enclosures, the ultra-slim 25mm high rectangular shower tray with a slate grey effect is made from 100% natural stone resin.

Complete with coordinating steel grate and waste, finished in the same slate grey effect, the tray boasts a highly efficient, tested waste flow rate of 33 litres per minute. This 90mm, flush-fitting, fast flow waste offers top surface access and presents an excellent USP to the retailer.

Handmade in the UK, a slip-resistant slate-effect surface finish offers all-round peace of mind for the consumer. The ultra-slim rectangular tray is available in nine different sizes, ranging from the smallest, 1000mm x 800mm, to the largest, 1700mm x 900mm, so is suitable for all bathroom or ensuite shower room sizes.

The tray pairs especially well with the range of matt black shower enclosures and wetroom screens available in the RefleXion Shower Enclosure collection and also from Bathrooms to Love, helping create a clean sleek look, accentuated by the bold dark grey slate tray and matt black screen profiles.

Held in stock and available for next-day delivery from PJH via the company’s e-commerce platform, the PJH Partners Portal™, the new RefleXion low-profile Slate Grey Tray comes with a two year Guarantee.

For further information, contact PJH to find out more about Bathrooms to Love display deals, point-of-sale material, and all marketing collateral – Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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BetteAir shower floor now available in extra-large

January 24, 2023

The BetteAir flush-to-floor shower tile set a milestone in shower tray design, because of how well and easily it can be integrated into the floor. Now Bette has launched five extra-large sizes in its innovative glazed titanium-steel shower floor.

The five new sizes: 1100×1000, 1500×900, 1500×1000, 1600×900 and 1600x1000mm, give bathroom designers the opportunity to create large-format shower areas with a generous sense of space. The additions bring the total number of size options to 14 and all are available in a choice of 31 matt and gloss colours, including matt white, ebony, greige and stone and gloss white, beige, and black.

Made of strong glazed titanium-steel, the BetteAir shower tile is extremely stable, even in the largest sizes and is hygienic, easy to clean and durable.

BetteAir can also be ordered with one of Bette’s virtually invisible slip-resistant surfaces, including the innovative BetteAnti-Slip Sense for glossy white surfaces, which provides the highest level of slip protection*.

All BetteAir shower tiles are easy to install, as they can simply be glued to the screed like a conventional tile.

www.my-bette.com/en

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The Shower Lab: Fluted design for Portrait Collection

October 19, 2022

The gorgeous new fluted glass fixed panel in brushed gold is a real head turner. The style-informed effect of the fluted glass creates a gentle rippling effect which is bang on-trend for AW22/23.

The new panel is artfully complemented by the brushed gold finish and accents to create a beautiful shower space.

Available in width from 1192 mm, and a generous height of 2000 mm, prices start from £1138 for a choice of 8 components and 10 glass finishes.

Bespoke options are available on request and delivery is approximately 5 weeks from the order.

The Shower Lab has also announced a matt black and matt bronze finish are scheduled to launch in the near future.

Contact the Shower Lab for info on becoming a stockist info@theshowerlab.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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Roman introduces colour additions to Haven Range

September 15, 2022

Shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has released its new Haven Showers brochure with new additions to its Haven Range of shower enclosures, bath screens and wetroom panels, the new Haven6 Black Frame collection and Haven Wetroom Panels are now available in four colour finishes.

The Haven6 Framed range is now available in a Matt Black finish, featuring angular Matt Black industrial look profiles. The Matt Black finish is also then sandblasted for extra durability, scratch resistance and consistency of finish. The Haven6 range presents innovative designs of shower enclosures and bath screens with exceptional quality, style and performance, all at affordable prices. Haven Wetroom Panels are available in 8mm and 10mm thick glass, with four colours to choose from: Bright silver, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass. The Wetroom Collection offers various unique designs to suit every bathroom space.

Roman’s Haven range of showers offers you all the qualities you would expect from the Roman Brand. The innovative and affordable Haven range is backed by nearly 40 years of showering experience, offering high quality products complete with a comprehensive after sales service and a Lifetime Guarantee.

The Haven collection is available from 10mm to 6mm glass thickness and encompasses an array of Enclosures, a selection of Side Panels and In-line Panels, stylish Bath Screens, Wetroom Panels and Shower Trays.

David Osborne, chief executive officer at Roman, commented: “The popular Haven collection is a key range for us in the UK and International markets and the new colour additions and framed design keeps it in line with current market leading trends.”

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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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