Lakes has launched a new Ambient walk-in shower with concealed LED lighting in the wall mount that emits a soft glow of light along the edges of the Low-Iron glass. The light is activated when the embedded PIR sensor is triggered.
Headlining the popular Walk-In Collection, this 2-metre high walk-in is the first of its kind and is designed to make night-time bathroom visits safer while leaving light sleepers undisturbed by the need to turn on bright main lighting. The PIR motion sensor triggers soft LED lighting when someone enters the bathroom in the dark.
As well as making nocturnal bathroom visits safer and less disturbing, the soft glow also transforms the showering experience into one that is calming and restful by virtue of the low-level lighting which helps to create a private, gently lit sanctuary. Ambient has Lakes Glass PureVueHD low-iron glass for superior clarity and AllClear® advanced glass coating for long-life looks. The glass thickness is a generous 8mm.
Managing Director Bev Brown says: “The LED lighting built into the spectacular Ambient walk-in serves a dual purpose. First and foremost it makes the showering space a more soothing environment to relax and unwind in, particularly for showering in the evenings. It also makes the bathroom a safer place at night, showing up potential trip hazards left out by younger generations that could otherwise pose a safety concern for visiting or co-habiting grandparents. Although, who hasn’t stepped painfully on a piece of forgotten Lego or a toy?
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen more and more families welcoming sons or daughters, often with young families, or grandparents back into the family home. Multi-generational living and improving the home to make that possible is becoming a feature of life today. Low thresholds to showering enclosures, non-slip shower trays, seats and reassuring grab rails are the showering accessories that enable this type of lifestyle. The good news is they’re no longer purely functional; the best are very stylish additions and enhancements.
“Showrooms offering solutions for homeowners modifying their bathrooms to suit a multigenerational lifestyle will maximise opportunities and sales by displaying the Ambient Walk-In.”
All Lakes products are backed by a unique guarantee. To add Lakes’ new Ambient walk-in to your display, call 01684 853 870. Download the brochure here: www.lakesshoweringspaces.com.
Kudos has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 luxury shower enclosures. It’s now offering a 1000mm quadrant, four new offset quadrants (900x800mm, 1000x800mm, 1000x900mm & 1200x800mm) and two new door sizes to the hinged range, 1100mm and 1300mm, that are suitable for use in either corner or recess installations.
Pinnacle8 is an elegant range of semi-frameless shower enclosure models initially launched in 2018. The collection has been increased by a number of additions in both 2019 and 2020 in response to increased demand. As one of the most popular selling enclosure ranges the collection has been expanded again and these new options are available to retailers from March.
At 2000m in height, the Pinnacle8 collection offers enclosure sizes ranging from 760mm to 1800mm. All models feature crystal clear seals and 8mm toughened safety glass throughout which is treated with Lifeshield™, a lifetime protective coating for easy cleaning. The collection can be paired with the Kudos KStone or Connect2 shower trays and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
Pinnacle8 enclosures are easy to install with a slimline wall profile with fully concealed fixings maintaining 20mm wall adjustment. 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. Kevlar impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall chromed hinges for consistently smooth opening and closing of the glass doors and aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in all sliding doors for smooth action and longevity.
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian 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.
The Splashpanel PVC bathroom wall panelling range has been extended with a new Premium collection. Eight exclusive designs have been introduced that mirror natural materials such as marble, stone and quartz, elevating the design scope of this easy-to-install product more than ever.
Available in 1000mm and 1200mm x 2400mm x 10mm sized panels, the new Splashpanel Premium decors range from timeless white Calacatta Marble through to sophisticated Pietra Antracite (pictured), with the ever-increasing grey trend reflected in all hues across the designs. The collection offers a choice of four gloss decors and four that feature a contemporary matt finish.
Ideal for fitting in shower enclosures, around baths and in wetrooms, the 100% waterproof Splashpanel system offers a practical cost-effective alternative to tiling. Durable yet lightweight thanks to their 10mm thick cellular PVC structure, the panels can be fixed over existing surfaces, including tiles, for fast refurbishment or alternatively they can be bonded to a flat wall surface. Splashpanel’s grout-free and non-porous surface assures a hygienic and easy to clean wallcovering that is resistant to mould, bacteria and stains. The panels are FR rated and backed by a 5-year domestic warranty.
Splashpanel Premium is part of the comprehensive PanelStyle collection of PVC wall and ceiling panelling which also includes the standard Splashpanel range, Splashpanel Narrow, Proplas and Proplas Tile. The full PanelStyle collection offers a total of 59 contemporary decors.
The PanelStyle range is available ex-stock for delivery in 24-48 hours from IDS branches nationwide. Contact t: 0845 023 0374, email info@panelstyle.co.uk, or visit www.panelstyle.co.uk
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.
We expect a great deal of the once humble shower room. It goes without saying shower spaces should offer multi-generational accessibility, and in the wake of COVID-`19, hygienic features and easy-clean surfaces. However, we are also looking for a sense of spa-like luxury, a space to relax and rejuvenate.
Shower hardware combines all these elements, offering a practical solution that is included throughout the shower area to match bathroom accessories for a cohesive design-led feel.
Simon Boocock, CRL Managing Director agrees: “The shower enclosure has evolved into more of a wet-room, easy access and almost open-plan area, low-level trays coupled with frameless enclosures create a minimalist appeal. With very little on show, the shower hardware, including hinges and U-channels, as well as the brassware, has a chance to shine. Creating a cohesive look is important here, with hardware very often now chosen in keeping with shower brassware and available in a range of finishes to suit.”
Frameless style
CRL Cambridge Frameless Shower Enclosure
CRL’s Frameless designs such as the Cambridge maximise accessibility and deliver a clean, streamlined look. This range is designed to match CRL shower hardware with colours and styles to suit all décor schemes.
Access all areas
HEWI’s System 900 is also a response to the complex requirements of accessible bathrooms. The products boast long-lasting quality, clever installation solutions and a hygienic design. Matching accessories open up versatile design options in the bathroom and HEWI also offers practical toilet roll holders and new towel rails or toilet brush sets in stainless steel, chrome or with a powder-coated finish in white, shades of grey and black.
Hewi System 900 Powder Coated Finishes
Staying grounded
Some of the most serious accidents happen in the bathroom and we expect a high proportion are caused by slips and falls whilst getting in and out of the shower. For hoteliers, keeping bathrooms safe is a priority and the health and safety checklist requires handrails and slip-proof surfaces. For the home, an efficient anti-slip surface keeps all the family safe without having to include rails for open plan designs.
BetteAir Tile
The Bette-Anti Slip Sense surface is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) and claims to provide the highest level of slip protection. This surface is available on Bette’s new BetteAirshower tile for perfect level-access integration.
Smooth operator
Another key aspect when it comes to safe design is not having to fight with your amenities. Lakes Antigua Slider features an easy-glide door that closes effortlessly at the touch of a finger to a near-silent stop. Concealed wheels ensure easy cleaning and a cooler look plus a low threshold for easy and safe access, and a solid cast handle with smooth, rounded edges for a touch of elegance.
Let’s get personal
Lockdown gave us time to get creative and in the UK it fuelled a trend in home improvement, as life imitates art, art imitates life and so, the hospitality sector is creating bathroom spaces that feel like home. In our homes, we still want to emulate that luxury hotel feel. Personalisation delivers the best of both worlds.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.”
“More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
Just relax
Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid Panels tells us: “We want our bathrooms to replicate the spa experience. Bathrooms are increasingly being treated as a treasured area of the home to truly relax and refresh so bathrooms that can capture that spa-like serenity at home will continue to be a standout style for 2022.”
Pursuing tones that give a sense of tranquillity and reflect the natural environment certainly feels like a trend that’s here to stay and using contrasting materials is a simple way to achieve this. However, we can expect a switch back to lighter shades for 2022, for example, greens and blues will still be popular but sage green and sky blue may lead in popularity.
Keely agrees: “Whether it’s a Swedish wood effect or a more traditional yet decadent marble, there is an increasing number of surface options on the market to create a hidden retreat in the home. Calming tones and colours are a perfect way to create serenity within the bathroom. Designers can look at muted tones combined with one stand out wall to create a relaxing, soothing area.”
Mermaid Panels – Elite Range – Himalayan Marble
Mermaid Panels has introduced 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels. Offering an alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges add unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
PJH’s own brand of shower enclosures and trays, RefleXion, as featured in its Bathrooms to Love Collection, has evolved to become a popular choice with both the retailer and the consumer.
The collection is manufactured and designed to a high specification and includes a comprehensive choice of enclosures, wetrooms and trays to suit a wide range of bathroom projects. The RefleXion brand offers three enclosure families – Iconix, Flex and Classix – each offering a range of USP’s and price points to suit varying styles and budgets.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “Over the last two years, sales for walk-in and wetroom enclosures have increased steadily as the demand for larger and more accessible showering areas continues to rise. Whether this is for easy access, perhaps in a multigenerational household, or simply for the desire to create a spa-inspired wetroom environment, there are more and more innovative designs being launched to a highly captive audience.
“Whilst the minimalist frameless plain glass screen look is still popular (see image below), it seems that less is no longer more. The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.
One of the RefleXion 8mm Iconix Wetrooms from PJH
Richard continues “More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel (see very top) and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
German glazed titanium-steel bathroom products manufacturer, Bette, launched a number of products at HIX, including a new type of almost invisible anti-slip surface, which can be used on its shower trays and baths.
BetteAnti-Slip Sense is a new glossy, smooth and easy to clean anti-slip surface and provides the highest level of slip protection on shower trays and baths. A new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) it is almost invisible, and the anti-slip effect occurs when the pressure of the body weight and water come together.
To achieve the slip-resistance, Bette treats the surface with a suspension containing the finest micrometre-sized ceramic particles, which form a permanent bond with the BetteGlaze surface. They are almost invisible to the eye, and the surface does not become rough as a result. The shower trays and baths retain their glossy looks, smoothness and continue to be easy to clean, as dirt and germs find it hard to adhere to the surface, which has a 30 year warranty.
While the primary role of the new Anti-Slip Sense surface is to increase the slip protection on shower trays and baths, it can also help to make a bath more comfortable. Applied to the entire interior of the bath, it can help the bather to maintain a comfortable position and avoid accidentally slipping down in larger baths.
The new BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s gloss white glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths. For shower trays in matt colours, Bette offers its almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.
Anti-slip Sense from Bette
For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
Pictured very top: BetteEve with rectangular surround
The BetteAir from Bette is reportedly the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile and completes the evolution of the shower tray into part of the bathroom floor.
BetteAir integrates so perfectly that it is hardly noticeable and, at only 10mm high, it can be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile. The BetteAir can be installed with a minimum installation height of only 97 millimetres. Durable and easy to clean, it has all the advantages of a tile without any of the disadvantages.
The new BetteAir shower tile is available in eight sizes from 900 x 900 to 1400 x 1000 mm and in a choice of 31 colours.
BetteAir is supplied as standard with basic sound insulation for quiet showering and can also be equipped with an anti-slip surface: BetteAnti-Slip Pro, or the new BetteAnti-Slip Sense for gloss white, which offers the highest level of slip protection.
The Bette-Anti Slip Sense surface is the only glossy, smooth and easy to clean anti-slip surface to provide the highest level of slip protection on shower trays.
It is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097). Almost invisible, the anti-slip effect occurs when the pressure of the body weight and water come together.
New BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s gloss white glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths. For shower trays in matt colours, Bette offers its almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.
All Bette shower trays, baths and washbasins come with a 30 year warranty. Made from natural products, they are 100% recyclable.
For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced an additional series within its premium Midas™ 220 mixer shower collection, featuring an elegant black metal finish.
The Midas 220 in Black series satisfies the growing consumer demand for black bathroom products and accessories. It is equipped with a thermostatic brass body and brass handles, and each model complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality*. Three options are available in the Midas 220 in Black line-up:
• MD220S.MB – Single outlet bar mixer shower with adjustable shower head • MD220SC.MB – Dual outlet shower column mixer with 245mm drencher and adjustable head • MD220BSM.MB – Bath shower mixer with adjustable shower head
Midas 220 in Black: Single Outlet The high-performance single outlet Midas 220 in Black provides a consistently safe and satisfying shower experience. Built from brass, this fully thermostatic valve with cool touch surface technology offers a five spray mode handset that can be easily adjusted to numerous heights and angles.
Midas 220 in Black: Dual Outlet A versatile choice, this brass, wall-mounted exposed bar valve with cool touch surface technology includes an integrated diverter for a conventional adjustable handset shower, or an exhilarating overhead drencher shower from a generous 245mm fixed deluge head. This model incorporates a telescopic rail for extra installation flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of showering spaces.
Midas 220 in Black: Bath Shower Mixer This space-saving option provides the perfect combination of shower and bath fill for a flexible family bathroom experience. The quality engineered, brass deck-mounted valve delivers excellent flow rates to fill the bath quickly, as well as ensuring a powerful and invigorating shower – all with the safety assurance of thermostatically-controlled temperature and cool touch surface technology.
The 24mm five mode handset included with each shower has been designed to be effortless to maintain, with rub-clean jets. An easy fit bracket is included with each product.
Tim Creedon, sales director at Aqualisa, commented, “The black brassware colourway has never been as popular as it is now. Offering high-calibre performance combined with bold and distinctive styling, the Midas 220 in Black blends an iconic and trusted design with refined, on-trend styling for the modern home environment. With three stunning choices, this new collection makes an immediate impact, as well as offering the versatility to accommodate an array of different bathroom spaces, configurations and sizes.”
The Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black range is backed by the Aqualisa five year guarantee.
Pricing and availability The Aqualisa Midas 220 in Black range is available now. For pricing and more information, trade partners can contact their Aqualisa representative or the Aqualisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560020 or 01 864 3363 (Republic of Ireland).
The SUPERPLAN ZERO shower floor is the latest product from Kaldewei created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. Available in over 50 different dimensions, the sustainable enamelled shower surface is easily accessed from three sides.
Designed to be installed at floor level, the shower surface has very narrow edges so it is possible to tile directly up to the shower edge to create the impression of almost invisible joints. The waste is close to the wall to enable comfort when standing and safety when moving around the shower area.
There are over 50 different dimensions from 70 to 180 centimetres, diverse surface variations and a wide range of colours, all of which make the Superplan Zero even more attractive. Whether in large or small bathrooms, building owners, planners and installers have full flexibility. The shower surface is available with the almost invisible, anti-slip surface finish Secure Plus, upon request. The Superplan Zero is 100 percent compatible with all the sealing sets, assembly systems and waste fittings from Kaldewei.
The base is made from sustainable, long-lasting and 100 per cent recyclable steel enamel. The glass surface is applied to the steel using a special process and this is what gives it such a luxurious finish. Kaldewei claims to be the only steel enamel manufacturer that produces the enamel (or the basic substance for the glass coating) in-house with a secret formulation.
To launch Superplan Zero, the well-known musician and photographer Bryan Adams worked with leading choreographers and dancers and shot six different motifs. The aesthetic, powerful movements of ballet dancers are captured on a “stage” made of precious steel enamel, bringing the sensual serenity of the shower moment to the fore.
