Kaldewei’ has received two “Best of Best” accolades at the ICONIC AWARDS 2026 for its refurbishment project at the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin. Presented by the German Design Council, the awards recognised theproject in the Product – Special and Product – Circular Design categories.
Second Life as a Design Concept
The pilot project demonstrates how circular economy principles can be applied to refurbishment projects. Rather than replacing existing bathroom products, Kaldewei dismantled them and returned them to its facilities for refurbishment using a specially developed upcycling process. Sandblasting and re-enamelling restored the products, while shower surfaces were upgraded with Kaldewei’s Secure Plus slip-resistant finish. The refurbished products were then returned to 25hours Hotel Bikinifor reinstallation in the guest bathrooms.
The circular economy conserves resources
Refurbishing the shower surfaces and bathtubs extended their life and reduced the need for new raw materials. According to Kadewei, the process generated 65 per cent less CO₂ compared with the manufacture of new products. The project highlights the benefits of durable design and upcycling to support the circular economy.
“The project at the 25hours Hotel was a milestone for us,” said Christian Büttner, head of innovation and portfolio at Kaldewei. “By refurbishing and reusing existing products, we create lasting value and take responsibility for future generations.”
The two ‘Best of Best’ accolades recognise this approach, with the awards ceremony held at BMW Welt in Munich.
Spanish bathroom specialist Acquabella has reaffirmed its commitment to health, safety and sustainability with a portfolio of premium mineral-based products that are entirely free from crystalline silica. Designed with wellbeing and environmental responsibility in mind, the company’s surfaces combine high-performance materials with independently certified credentials for indoor air quality, hygiene and recycled content.
As awareness continues to grow around the risks associated with crystalline silica and silicosis, a serious occupational lung disease linked to certain engineered stone products, Acquabella is highlighting its proactive approach to safer material specification. The manufacturer’s shower trays and countertops are deliberately formulated without crystalline silica, reflecting a long-term commitment to protecting installers, fabricators, employees and end users throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Instead, Acquabella’s products are manufactured using mineral fillers including calcium carbonate and dolomite, materials that differ fundamentally from crystalline silica-based engineered stone linked to silicosis cases globally. This considered material choice underlines the brand’s focus on creating safer bathroom solutions without compromising on design, durability or performance.
Certified materials designed for healthier living
Alongside being crystalline silica-free, Acquabella’s collections also deliver a range of independently certified environmental and wellbeing benefits. Its shower trays contain up to 74% pre-consumer recycled content, while countertops incorporate up to 57%, both verified by SCS Global Services.
The products also achieve an A+ classification for indoor air quality in accordance with ISO 16000-6, helping to support healthier residential and commercial interiors. In addition, Acquabella’s surfaces are certified antibacterial to ISO 22196:2011, offering enhanced hygiene performance for modern bathroom environments where cleanliness and ease of maintenance remain key priorities.
Further reinforcing its sustainability credentials, the company has registered both Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and FDES certifications for its Akron® shower trays and countertops, independently verified to provide greater transparency around environmental performance.
Sustainability embedded across operations
Acquabella’s environmental commitment extends beyond product development into its wider manufacturing operations. The company states that 100% of the electricity used across its facilities comes from certified renewable energy sources, supporting a more responsible production model aligned with evolving industry expectations.
The manufacturer also holds ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, demonstrating a structured approach to reducing environmental impact and continually improving sustainable performance throughout its operations.
As part of its wider climate strategy, Acquabella has also completed the calculation and registration of its corporate carbon footprint, strengthening its commitment to transparency and lower-impact manufacturing.
With growing demand for safer, more sustainable specification choices across the bathroom sector, Acquabella continues to position itself at the forefront of contemporary bathroom design with products engineered to support both wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
YOO Studio London and apaiser have come together to launch TEMBO in a new collaboration announced today. The collection includes two bathtubs and three basins, and is available in a curated palette of 18 organic shades from the House Palette.
Rooted in a shared focus on materiality and form, the collection pairs YOO’s narrative-led design approach with apaiser’s expertise in handcrafted stone, resulting in a series of quietly powerful pieces designed to anchor and elevate the bathroom space.
Since 1999, YOO has grown into the world’s largest residential design brand, bringing together creative directors including Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Steve Leung, Kate Moss and Sussanne Khan to deliver more than 85 residential projects across 39 countries. This sculptural bathware collection marks YOO’s first move into product design.
Meaning ‘elephant’ in Swahili, TEMBO is defined by a sense of quiet strength and grounded presence. Each piece is conceived as both object and anchor – balancing sculptural clarity with a softness that supports the rituals of everyday life.
“We approached the collection as an extension of the space,” says Claire Rizzi, design director at YOO Studio London. “Each piece is designed to anchor a room; balancing sculptural presence with a quiet sense of restraint.”
“Partnering with YOO Studio London on the TEMBO collection, has been a powerful creative exchange, uniting apaiser’s sculptural DNA with YOO’s bold, global design vision. The result is a collection grounded in spatial sculpture and projecting calm authority,” says Belinda Try, founder and president of apaiser.
Handcrafted in apaiserMarble®, apaiser’s proprietary material made from reclaimed marble, the collection balances sustainability with tactile refinement.
TEMBO introduces a refined, architectural softness through elongated silhouettes, continuous curves and a tactile, material palette.
GROHE’s Rapido Heat Recovery system offers a cutting-edge solution to reduce energy consumption in the shower, providing both environmental and financial benefits. Developed in collaboration with Hamwells, a Dutch startup specialising in sustainable shower solutions, this system efficiently recycles heat from wastewater to lower energy usage.
Product Highlights:
Heat Recovery Technology: The system captures warm water from the drain and circulates it through a separate pipe, transferring its residual heat to the incoming cold water supply. This process reduces the need for additional heating.
Energy & Cost Savings: A typical four-person household can save up to €299 annually, while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 48%.
Dual Efficiency Options: The system is available in single-pipe or double-pipe versions. The double-pipe version enhances heat transfer efficiency, making it ideal for maximising savings.
Efficient installation for maximum impact
GROHE Rapido Heat Recovery is based on the GROHE Rapido Shower Frame, enabling fast, easy, and safe installation of concealed shower systems for partners. Thanks to its pre-assembled components, installation time can be reduced by up to three hours. Requiring minimal installation effort and delivering maximum energy efficiency, it’s a low-impact upgrade that offers high-impact savings for years to come.
With the Rapido Heat Recovery system, GROHE offers an accessible, efficient solution to reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions while maintaining a premium shower experience. This innovative design is a smart addition to any sustainable bathroom project, offering both comfort and long-term energy savings.
This version brings the product details and benefits to the forefront while maintaining a clear, informative tone for architects and designers. It balances technical specifications with key selling points and installation ease, ensuring the content is both succinct and impactful. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments.
Duravit has introduced its new DuraFlush® rotary flush technology, setting new hygiene standards while maximising efficiency. First featured in the ME by Starck Hero Edition wall-mounted toilet, this innovative system delivers a powerful and splash-free flush, even with reduced water volumes of 1.2/0.8 or 1.1/0.5 gallons (4.5/3 L or 4/2 L). This breakthrough technology ensures thorough flushing while contributing to water conservation.
The optimised rimless bowl design ensures thorough cleaning across the entire surface of the toilet bowl. DuraFlush® also helps to reduce build-up, making cleaning easier – for improved hygiene, easy maintenance, and greater sustainability. The whisper-quiet flushing action makes it possible for the whole household to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep uninterrupted.
DuraFlush® at a glance:
Powerful rotary flush
Deep-cleaning action with reduced water consumption
Flush volumes of 1.6/0.8, 1.2/0.8 or 1.1/0.5 gallons (6/3, 4,5/3 or 4/2 L)
Especially quiet flushing action
Optimised bowl shape with a uniform, rimless design
Clerkenwell Design Week will see the UK launch of Bette’s flattest ever shower tray, the BetteUltra Space, and its new colour, ‘Salvia’.All Bette shower trays are made of glazed titanium-steel and are durable, easy to clean, fully recyclable and come with a 30-year warranty, making them as suitable for hotels as they are for private homes.
New BetteUltra Space shower tray
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
New colour – Salvia
Bette’s new colour, ‘Salvia’, an elegant glossy sage green, will also launch in the UK at Clerkenwell Design Week. It joins Bette’s existing 30 Key Colours, which are available on the entire Bette enamelled-steel range of shower trays, baths, and washbasin.
Two colour ranges and new colour fan
Bette’s colour expertise is demonstrated through its two colour ranges: Key Colours and Bespoke Colours. Key Colours offers a choice of 31 colours, available across all Bette’s shower trays, baths and basins, while Bespoke Colours are 40 additional colours, including eye-catching shimmering effect colours. They are available on specific products and can be used to create colour accents and stylish focal points.
All Key Colours and Bespoke Colours are included in Bette’s new free colour fan. Its format and accurate colours are designed to make it easy to select colours to create a complementary colour scheme by holding the Bette colours against other items to be included.
Bette sustainability
Bette products can support a more sustainable circular economy approach, in which products are re-used and recycled. The glazed titanium-steel material from which products are made is so durable that all products come with a 30-year warranty. This means that, when a bathroom is being refurbished, Bette’s baths, shower trays and basins will often be re-used or will be sold for re-use elsewhere. The products are made from natural materials and can be recycled entirely. They are also extremely easy to clean, with minimum cleaning products required.
Where possible, carbon-neutral green steel is used at no extra cost to customers. Bette has been buying significant quantities of green steel since 2021.
Bette also makes its manufacturing processes as environmentally friendly as possible. It generates electricity and heat from combined heat and power plants and solar energy, and when the sun shines, it creates 2/3 of its electricity requirements from solar energy.
Bette is a specialist in bathroom products made of a special material and manufacturing process.
Titanium steel sheets are formed under high pressure and refined with a thin coating similar to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is ideal for the bathroom living space – it is smooth, hygienic, durable and robust.
The family-owned company Bette was founded in 1952 in Delbrück (North Rhine-Westphalia) and has specialised exclusively in this manufacturing process, which enables the products to be shaped with the highest level of precision craftsmanship.
Around 390 people are employed at the production and administration headquarters. Thilo C. Pahl, a representative of the owner family, is the managing director.
The range includes baths, shower surfaces, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture “Made in Germany”: unique pieces that can be varied in colour and dimension and open up inspiring scope for the interior design of the bathroom. Bette manufacturing combines high-tech production with handcrafting where it serves the customer’s benefit. Today, more than half of the products are customised according to the customer’s wishes. Over 600 different bath and washbasin models are offered in a wide range of possible surface colours.
High-quality, completely recyclable products are created from the natural raw materials glass, water and steel. They are verified according to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The perception of electric showers lags behind the reality. Electric showers are often seen a compromise, installed for budget or technical reasons. Some people have had a poor experience with an electric shower, and see them as low quality, delivering a weak water flow that struggles to reach an acceptable temperature. Yet the best modern electric showers are exceptional value, simple to install and offer good performance with A-rated energy efficiency.
Aqualisa’s electric showers have been designed to be stylish and sophisticated additions to any bathroom. They combine the eco-friendly benefits of water and energy conservation. Its E2 series, for example, is a sleek, space-saving shower with advanced functions and simple operation. It provides a hot and refreshing shower virtually instantly, taking water from the cold mains supply, so there is no demand for stored hot water tanks.
Aqualisa produces some of the best shower handsets on the market. The Daily Telegraph consumer team recently awarded its Harmony model a ‘Recommended’ seal. The E2 comes with a three-spray, easy-clean handset that maximises performance.
The electric shower unit is available in Polar White, Titanium Grey, or glossy Piano Black. Each is equipped with eight water and electric entry points, allowing straightforward installation in a new bathroom or when replacing other types of electric showers.
Aqualisa is based in Westerham, Kent, and its customer support is amongst the best in the industry (the current Trustpilot rating is 4.8* based on more than 11,000 reviews). Moreover, its electric showers are backed by a two-year parts and labour guarantee, fulfilled by their UK field team of engineers.
Electric showers, according to Aqualisa, are no longer the compromise option.
The eco-cistem™ is a pioneering toilet cistern designed to revolutionise water conservation. It flushes with grey condensate water from air conditioning units, providing an innovative solution to reduce freshwater consumption. Already installed in numerous commercial hotels and office buildings, the eco-cistem™ is delivering substantial water savings.
This advanced cistern is specifically engineered to capture and reuse condensate water – typically wasted and sent to the drain – by redirecting it to the toilet cistern for flushing.
The eco-cistem™ unit features a unique, patented 18-litre, twin-chamber design. It can store up to 12 litres of ‘free’ condensate grey water, with the remaining six litres dedicated to flushing. The system prioritises using grey water, only drawing fresh water when no condensate is available, ensuring optimal flush performance without any compromise.
Condensate production from air conditioning units varies, but even in the UK, the demand for air conditioning is growing due to climate change and increasingly thermally efficient buildings. For instance, a small 1.75kW air conditioning unit can generate over 1 litre of condensate per hour. An eco-cistem™ installation will yield significant freshwater savings even in this scenario.
The eco-cistem™ has been designed and manufactured in the UK and is suitable for various projects, including hotels, apartments and office blocks. It has been created as a concealed installation and, at 485mm high x 476mm wide x 195mm deep in size, can fit in all standard service voids. It is simple to install for wall or frame-mounted WCs and has adjustable flush volumes between 3.5 and 6 litres to suit different regions worldwide. It has undergone testing and received WRAS approval, ensuring compliance with UK Water Supply Regulations.
Additionally, it has passed the AB Air Gap test conducted by KIWA, achieving Category 5 compliance. The cistern is also eligible for BREEAM points under WAT 01 for water consumption and can earn up to six points in LEED’s water efficiency.
In 2023, Paul Crossley was appointed managing director of eco-cistem™ to refine the product design and branding, streamline the UK manufacturing process, and establish several test sites to measure water savings and gain the required accreditations. The development work has now been completed, successful case studies have been conducted, and the product is currently in stock and ready for distribution.
Manufactured in the UK, the eco-cistem™ is ideal for hotels, apartments, and office blocks. Its compact size (485mm high x 476mm wide x 195mm deep) allows for easy installation within standard service voids, whether wall or frame-mounted. The cistern offers adjustable flush volumes between 3.5 and 6 litres, catering to diverse regional needs. It has been tested and certified with WRAS approval for UK Water Supply Regulations and achieved Category 5 compliance in the AB Air Gap test by KIWA. The eco-cistem™ also qualifies for BREEAM points under WAT 01 for water consumption.
eco-cistem™ is the world’s most environmentally friendly toilet cistern. More at https://ecocistem.co.uk/
Patricia Urquiola’s Balcoon bathroom range for Duravit creates a fascinating combination of modernity and timeless elegance—minimalistic yet also with a strong design identity. By uniting premium features with first-class finishing, she sets a new standard in the medium-price segment, making her design accessible to a broad public.
The range’s objects pair simple geometric forms with clear lines, creating a pared-down, timeless aesthetic that simultaneously exudes warmth and accessibility.
“The design plays with differences in height, projections and the overlapping of materials and textures, from which the name ‘Balcoon’ is derived,” explains Patricia Urquiola.
Form, colour, and material to outlast short-lived trends
The above-counter basins create a sculptural focal point in the room that extends beyond their function. By placing round and oval washbasins on a square plinth, the designer created a specific architectural feeling. Playing with two different levels in this way is a constant across the entire collection – from the wall-mounted washbasins through the toilets and bidets up to the furniture elements and bathtubs.
Patricia Urquiola created an earthy terracotta shade for the Balcoon ceramic objects that brings their tactile and material qualities to the fore.
“Clay Terra Matt is the central colour of the new collection. A shade that makes the ceramics look more authentic and handmade,” says the designer.
This is also the basis of the nature-inspired colour scheme for the bathroom furniture, giving rise to unique combinations that flow from white to earthy brown tones into anthracite.
Textured furniture finishes set playful accents. The mineral consoles available in three colour options are another way of adding more depth and authenticity to the furniture.
Everyday furniture solutions with an aesthetic flourish
The console, with its integrated rear panel, is just one of the striking details within the Balcoon washing area elements and creates a special spatial dimension. The console is overlaid with the fronts of the storage solutions beneath, which Patricia Urquiola designed as an unusual, partly asymmetric arrangement of drawers and open shelves. The combination of contrasting colours further reinforces the visual tension of the furniture elements.
The designer opted for plain décors in a range of colour gradients as standard finishes for the medium-price segment. “The furniture is given a very special upgrade with consoles in a sophisticated terrazzo look and ribbed furniture fronts,” says Patricia Urquiola.
Design meets functional perfection and sustainability
The Balcoon acrylic built-in bathtubs skillfully capture the interplay between two levels and feature two visually striking details: the oval, raised edge of the tub sits on a seamless acrylic panel that extends into the corners and is easy to clean, while the ergonomically shaped interior invites you to indulge in a relaxing bathing experience. Matching faucets for the washing area, bidet, shower, and bathtub complete the range. The cylindrical handle transitions into the faucet body in a gentle curve, making it particularly pleasant to hold. The three surface variants—Chrome, matte black, and Stainless Steel—complement the harmonious colour spectrum of the range. The Balcoon faucets offer resource-saving functions in the form of Fresh Start and Minus Flow, which save energy and water.
Eczacıbaşı VitrA marked its 21st appearance at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for building products, held in Frankfurt from March 17-21, 2025. The brand showcased its VitrA Grid product portfolio, celebrated for its ‘mix-and-match’ versatility, alongside an array of new washbasins, fittings, and bathroom furniture
This year’s stand embodied VitrA’s ‘Design for Life’ philosophy, encouraging visitors to rethink the role of design in the bathroom. A standout moment was the debut of the SustaINdex project – an industry-first in sustainability – which highlighted VitrA’s dedication to innovative, eco-conscious solutions.
The stand, designed in four sections, showcased VitrA’s strengths in product variety, innovation, and design expertise. VitrA Grid, for instance, revolutionises bathroom planning by offering adaptable, stylish solutions that cater to various spaces and styles, ensuring seamless coordination within and across collections.
VitrA Signature, a collection developed in collaboration with renowned designers, introduced a fresh aesthetic to the bathroom, blending craftsmanship with deep design expertise to create inspiring living spaces. Visitors also discovered the latest wellness products, including the Sense Hybrid washbasin and kitchen faucet, as well as new shower and faucet designs, each prioritising comfort and convenience.
VitrA’s sustainability commitment was evident with the introduction of SustaINdex – a new methodology that evaluates and enhances the social and environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. This initiative, developed in collaboration with universities, assesses products’ sustainability profiles and continuously improves them.
Among other innovations, VitrA unveiled the V-Care smart toilet family, SonicFlush technology for improved hygiene, and V-Fit, a new installation system for concealed cisterns. The brand also introduced the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin and a toilet seat made from 92% recycled materials, cutting carbon emissions by 80% compared to standard products.
VitrA’s latest bathroom furniture, including the Integra Round & Square collection, showcased contemporary design with practical features. The Plural collection, designed by Terri Pecora, expanded storage solutions in luxury bathroom furniture, ensuring style and functionality.
Detailed information was available at VitrA’s stand with experts on hand to engage with visitors throughout the event.
