Showers Archives

Schlüter® KERDI-BOARD offers versatile, lightweight & waterproof tile backerboard option

May 3, 2023

As one of the most versatile and widely specified products from Schlüter-Systems, Schluter-KERDI-BOARD finds applications for both retrofit and new-build installations, with different thicknesses of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) panel providing a stable and waterproof substrate for natural stone and ceramic tiling.

The panels are available in thicknesses of 5, 9, 12.5, 19, 28, 38 and 50mm and are easily installed across existing masonry, concrete, timber stud frames or lightweight metal framing, with panels featuring parallel grooves also available for creating rounded surfaces, such as for seating or curved walls. With all thicknesses available in 1.25 m or 2.6 m lengths, both by 62.5 cm wide, KERDI-BOARD is frequently used to create work-surfaces, breakfast bars, islands and vanities.

A handy guide can be downloaded from the Schlüter-Systems website which can assist both specifiers and tradespeople in picking the right panel for an application. For instance, 12.5 mm is the minimum thickness recommended for use where a stud frame is constructed to 400 mm centres. The largest three thicknesses should be considered for construction purposes, while there are also special L-shaped and U-shaped panels for use as pipe boxing, and prefabricated niches in different sizes – with or without lighting – to create storage within walls.

Both sides of the KERDI-BOARD panels have a waterproof, cement-free reinforcement layer, which offers an ideal surface for standard tile adhesive, either fully embedded or using the dot and dab method. Printed lines aid accurate cutting using a utility knife or power tools.

KERDI-BOARD is certified BBA certified.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Ultimate10 award-winning open in & out showering

April 24, 2023

Kudos is introducing its Ultimate10 shower enclosure range – a brand-new addition to the Kudos Premium Collection. The range includes 10mm glass shower enclosures that come with a revolutionary Red Dot Award-winning double action hinge, enabling the pivot door to open both inwards and outwards, offering a perfect solution where space is at a premium.

Available from April this new frameless range has been specifically designed to be truly modular offering lots of design configurations. Firstly the profiles will be available in chrome, matt black and brushed gold to co-ordinate or contrast with different bathroom brassware. The pivot door can be installed directly from a wall post or from a glass panel, making it incredibly versatile, and to fit on a shower tray or wet room floor. Each door and panel is 1985mm high including fittings and can be installed in a corner or recessed situation. The stylish door handle doubles as an integral towel rail and all glass comes with lifeshield protection. The collection is made in Cumbria and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The collection is made up of six door models, with off-wall options for recess or corner (standard and large doors) and for off-panel recess and corner. The doors are compatible with the existing Ultimate 10mm wet room glass panels, making it a truly modular system.

A unique component within the range is the hinge which has received a coveted Red Dot Award for its innovative mechanism that allows the doors to open both inwards and outwards yet retain a watertight seal. The profile hinge comes with quadruple magnets, one pair always active so when force is applied the door will release and then attract the magnet pairs. Overlapping aluminium profiles alongside the active magnets in the mechanism prevent any water from passing through.

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.

www.kudosshowers.co.uk

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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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KEUCO’s new glass wiper – strikingly simple design

April 17, 2023

The new KEUCO glass wiper is designed to eliminate soap suds, shampoo and even limescale stains. Its minimalistic, handle-free design, means it is not immediately recognisable as a glass wiper, partly due to its elegant linear shape. The wiper is 82 mm, wide and because of its structure, it makes it easy to clean corners, narrow angles or hard-to-reach places.

This cleaning aid has a groove-less design which avoids deposits of residue particles, guaranteeing a high standard of hygiene.

It has a built-in strap that makes it particularly easy to store, the loop is in the same colour as the glass wiper and it can be hung up, either on the hook provided or anywhere else in the bathroom. At the same time, when you put your hand through the loop, it stops it from falling when you are using it. The loop means the wiper can be hung up in the bathroom using the self-adhesive wall holder that is supplied, it is very easy to fix to the shower wall using the “sticking instead of drilling” system. Just select where it is to be applied i.e., the wall or shower partition then clean the surface, remove the foil on the base of the holder and press onto the cleaned dry area. The very flat design ensures that the wiper lies elegantly on the wall.

Complementing the latest trends the wiper is available in white, black, grey and truffle so it can be harmoniously integrated into the colour scheme of the bathroom.

The core of the glass wiper is made of high-strength plastic, while the outside is covered with silicone, allowing for a velvety, pleasantly soft touch. The plastic core provides stability but is lightweight. The silicone coating ensures it lies in the hand without slipping even when hands are wet. However, should it fall, the soft surface will not leave any scratches or dents on the floor or shower surface.

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Abode extend Kite Collection with wall-mounted Basin Mixer

March 7, 2023

Abode, distributor of kitchen taps, sinks & showering solutions has extended its iconic Kite Bathroom Collection basin, bath and shower brassware, with the addition of a new wall-mounted basin mixer in Antique Brass, dubbed the must-have metal for 2023.

Paul Illingworth, design manager at Abode explains, “With the emphasis on luxury continuing to define a large portion of the bathroom, we have a noted a rise in demand for warm metallic finishes with brass becoming the most desirable metal in 2023. Bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary interior styles, brass even in its raw state, has the ability to be paired with almost any material such as marble and porcelain through to concrete and wood.

Abode_extends_kite-Collection — Abode Kite Collection

“We are really excited to expand our bestselling Kite range to give interior designers and homeowners even more choices when it comes to creating a luxurious space with our premium high-specification collection.”

The Kite Bathroom Collection is handcrafted in Italy and inspired by the classic elegance of the Chesterfield sofa made popular in the Victorian era. The diamond embossed handles introduce a signature style across a complete range of basin, bath and shower brassware and cater for a growing appetite for original product innovations.

Leanne Adamson, marketing manager at Abode says “As brass continues to gain momentum in the marketplace, we are finding that the type of finishing techniques such as brushed or antique, and the authenticity of each precision-engineered component, are helping to keep this material fresh and modern in today’s bathroom space. Adding an extra layer of luxury, highly decorative brassware that naturally depicts vintage style references like the timeless checkerboard pattern, has become a great way to embrace authenticity for both the discerning homeowner and the exacting design professional.”

The new Kite wall-mounted Basin Mixer in Antique Brass is priced from £299 including vat and is available to buy from 1^st March 2023.

Sophisticated by design, the 2-hole wall-mounted model measures 240mm x 65mm with a spout reach of 175-210mm and 5-years warranty for added peace of mind and quality assurance.

Other models in the collection include a Kite Basin Mixer H193mm, Kite Tall Basin Mixer H333mm, Kite Deck-mounted Bath Panel Valves (pair), Kite Concealed Thermostatic Shower Valve (2 Exit), and complementary shower heads & arms, bath & basin clicker wastes and overflows.

Abode | abodedesigns.co.uk

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Aqualisa announces eVOLVE electric shower series

January 23, 2023

Bathroom specialist Aqualisa has introduced the eVOLVE range: a brand new line-up of electric showers designed for safer showering, environmentally-friendly performance and exceptional value.

Sleek and stylish in design, the eVOLVE showers will complement any bathroom interior or décor, with a choice of Arctic White, Space Grey or Midnight Black with a satin silver trim. Three power options (8.5kW, 9.5kW or 10.5kW) allow homeowners to select the model to suit their individual needs.

Energy efficient

A-rated for energy efficiency, these versatile units feature easy-to-use dials and deliver instant, energising showers with no demand on the home’s stored hot water. Providing full control over both temperature and power, eVOLVE only consumes the energy and water flow selected by the user, allowing families to minimise usage of both. And during the warmer months of the year, when the inlet supply is hotter, users will experience even greater benefits as less energy is required to heat the water.

Temperature protection

Engineered for safety and durability, each model is equipped with an over temperature protection system, so the water will always remain at the desired heat level and never exceed 50°C. A digital display clearly shows the temperature at all times, and Aqualisa has built in a low pressure indicator to alert the user should the water pressure fall. Furthermore, Aqualisa’s innovative five-second phased shut-down technology minimises the risk of limescale build-up, helping to extend the life of the product.

Each eVOLVE shower comes with a high quality Flow handset featuring three spray patterns and rub-clean nozzles, and a 1,500mm chrome-plated stainless steel hose.

Easy installation

Flexible and easy to fit, the Aqualisa eVOLVE incorporates eight water and electric entry points for effortless installation, allowing straightforward replacement of any existing Aqualisa electric shower and many other brands. A two year parts and labour guarantee affords extra peace of mind.

Joe Brawn, head of product management at Aqualisa, commented, “Electric showers now account for approximately 45% of the total UK shower market, and are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the control, water- and energy-saving efficiencies they bring. With no hot water source required, they only heat up the water the user needs, taking water from the mains cold supply rather than from stored hot water tanks. Thanks to its innovative new design, the eVOLVE shower range now ensures even further control over energy and water consumption, delivered in an attractive and stylish form factor that will blend in with any modern or classic bathroom interior.”

The Aqualisa eVOLVE line-up is BEAB and CE certified, with WRAS approval pending after launch.

Availability and pricing
The new Aqualisa eVOLVE 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).

For more details, please visit: https://www.aqualisa.co.uk/products/type/electric-showers.html

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Minimalist shower design is a bespoke option with CRL

December 12, 2022

CRL is offering a bespoke shower solution to retailers to allow them to give customers a choice of three elements – glass, hardware and large format surfaces. All options are tailor-made to fit.

Said to be a revolution in shower and wet room design, CRL Bespoke Shower Screens combine the latest innovations in CRL shower hardware with its luxury CRL Stone surfaces, for streamlined, hotel-inspired design.

Longstanding experts in shower hardware, CRL has supplied many of the top hotel groups and prestigious developments. Now, in a first for the industry, CRL is bringing bespoke showers to the market for retailers to offer their customers.

By partnering with local UK glass suppliers and fabricators, and in combination with CRL Stone, CRL has formed a unique partnership which takes the pain out of specifying showers.

Offering a completely new way of specifying shower enclosures and providing consumers with a tailor-made option, retailers can offer a bespoke solution with confidence, rather than a pre-configured shower from a single source that requires work-arounds.

Simon Boocock, managing director of CRL Europe, comments: “Bespoke doesn’t need to be complex and time consuming. With CRL, retailers can provide luxurious quality at an off-the-shelf price, helping to improve design possibilities with better margins. Retailers no longer need to search around to pull all the elements together or stick to a boxed solution that isn’t necessarily right for the space.”

Designed for the perfect fit whether in the family bathroom, or as part of an en-suite extension in an existing master bedroom, CRL bespoke showers are ideal when working with awkward shapes and sizes in rooms such as in corners and under eaves.

Using high quality minimalist hardware for the latest in frameless showering, CRL can accommodate any design for all projects and all spaces, with popular finishes including Chrome, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel, Matte Black and Polished Copper featuring across the different systems.

Highly durable and simple to care for, Ceralsio ceramic and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone is the perfect wall and floor surface solution for the shower area. In a large slab format that can be perfectly cut to size at the same time as the glass, with no grout lines creating a super-stylish and ultra hardwearing floor-to-ceiling wall surface. In fact, the material is ideal for the bathroom, being water resistant, heat, scratch and stain resistant and non-porous.

Offering shower enclosures to the market in a completely new way, this made-to-measure option from a market-leader gives retailers and designers the opportunity to provide a high-end, bespoke finish at a competitive price point.

For more details visit www.crlbespokeshowerscreens.co.uk or call 01706 863600.

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Laufen introduces Lua – inspirational design at an affordable price

November 3, 2022

Created by esteemed French designer Toan Nguyen, Laufen’s new Lua collection comprises rimless wall-hung and close-coupled WCs and bidets; single and double washbasins; freestanding and back-to-wall bathtubs in durable Marbond composite and acrylic drop-in bathtubs.

Laufen LUA — Lua washbasin, £232, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lua wall-hung WC, £291

The Lua collection is designed to complement LAUFEN’s Lani furniture of wall-hung vanity units, wall cabinets and tall cabinets with a timeless aesthetic to suit any bathroom décor, the series offers savvy storage for compact and spacious bathrooms alike.

Beautifully designed inside and out, Lani furniture offers plenty of space for essentials, with safety glass shelving and compartmentalised drawers. A range of mirrors completes the look.

The Lua ceramic collection is available in Laufens innovative Clean Coat (LCC) finish, which is baked on over the original glaze. This creates a pore-free, practically indestructible surface that ensures grime, limescale and bacteria are easily rinsed away by running water.

Lani furniture comes in a standard palette of White Matt, White Glossy, Traffic Grey and Wild Oak. Also available are three metallic finishes – Gold, Copper and Titanium – and 37 matt colours, ranging from Sage Green and Smokey Blue to Antique Pink and Ochre Brown.

Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua washbasin, £232, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in White Matt, £633, Lani tall cabinet in White Matt, £635.

Pictured very top: Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua freestanding bathtub in White, £2901, Lua wall-mounted bath mixer and hand shower, £294, Lua double washbasin, £1217, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in Wild Oak, £1110, Lani tall cabinet in Wild Oak, £794, Lani mirror, £891.

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Duravit’s guide to buying taps with Best Match

October 28, 2022

Various decisions need to be taken before buying bathroom taps as the variety of ranges is wide. They differ mainly in design, function, and price, however, aspects such as durability and the economical usage of water and energy are becoming increasingly important. In the following article, Duravit explains how its latest options can accommodate today’s preferences and needs.

Timelessly modern versatility of design

Decisions on the installation of a new bathroom are primarily based on aesthetics, but it is worth noting that a bathroom tends to remain for around 15 years. Modern design is deeply rooted in Duravit’s DNA – product management, the internal development team, an international supplier network as well as external designers such as Philippe Starck, Kurt Merki Jr., Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez, and Bertrand Lejoly collaborate to develop taps and shower sprays. Duravit offers a wide range of design variants for differing styles and holistic bathroom design. There is something for every budget, at a consistently high design quality, and with the durable, easy-to-clean surface options Chrome and Black Matt.

Tap applications for the whole bathroom

Duravit offers single-lever mixers in a range of sizes (S–XL) with an optimum height for all washbasins, from handrinse basins through washbowls. As a complete bathroom supplier, Duravit aspires to offer something for every part of the bathroom: from the washbasin through the shower and bathtub, as surface-mounted and flush-mounted versions.

The Duravit BlueBox®, a universal installation system for a range of tap designs (lever mixers or thermostats), is used for concealed installation. This allows the design decision to be taken even after the basic set has been installed.

Matching range of shower sprays

Shower sprays are the perfect addition in every area – whether in the shower or on the bathtub. Duravit’s optimized range of shower sprays offers something for everyone. Hand showers and showerheads are available from a range of price points and feature different spray modes and surfaces. Functions such as EasyClean for ease of cleaning or the Click! technology for changing spray mode at the push of a button enhance convenience and comfort. A range of designs, from the classic, wide-diameter hand shower through the minimalistic hand shower wand with a cylindrical or square design also guarantee that the optics will be just perfect.

As practical all-in-one-solutions, the shower systems work as a single-lever or thermostat variant and are ideal for renovation work as they do not require complex in-wall work.

Comfortable operation

Ergonomically designed handles that feel pleasant in the hand are a key feature in designing faucets that are comfortable and easy to use. This enables water quantity and temperature to be set exactly.

Thermostat faucets for the shower and bathtub are available as an alternative to single-lever mixers: the advantage of these is that they can be set to the desired temperature, which ensures constant water temperature and irons out fluctuations in pressure.

Sustainable economy functions

The Duravit taps and shower sprays use intelligent technologies to offer concrete economic benefits. In the centre position, energy-saving washbasin faucets with a FreshStart function only produce cold water to start with. Hot water is only added when the handle is deliberately moved to the left. This reduces energy requirements and lowers energy costs and CO2 emissions as hot water is only used in situations where it is needed. Cold water is perfectly adequate for washing hands, cleaning teeth, and watering plants.

With a flow rate of 5.5 l/minute, all Duravit washbasin taps are sparing in their consumption of hot water and energy. The MinusFlow taps are more sparing still, with a flow rate limited to 3.5 l/minute. The AirPlus technology additionally adds air to the water jet, creating a gentle, voluminous stream.

There are also enormous potential savings for water and energy especially when it comes to showering: Compared to standard showers, Duravit MinusFlow hand showers have a reduced flow rate of up to 40%, rising to as much as 60% on the showerheads (MinusFlow showerheads = 9 L/minute, standard hand showers 15 l/minute, standard showerheads 25 l/minute).

Quality and guarantee

Duravit uses high-quality materials for all taps and reliable ceramic cartridges for a long service life. Before launch, the taps are subjected to stringent tests such as washing comfort and splashing behaviour. This guarantees the Duravit Best Match: A configurator developed in-house by Duravit that helps users find the best combination of taps and ceramics for any washing area: www.duravit.com/bestmatch Duravit offers a voluntary five-year guarantee on all taps and shower sprays. Spare parts are kept available for a whole 15 years after each product line is discontinued.

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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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