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.
The Kaldewei Nuio Duo designer bathtub combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, offering a premium bathing experience. Featuring infrared heat, ambient lighting, music, and intuitive controls, the Zen Edition of the Nuio Duo is engineered to promote relaxation and holistic regeneration.
Designed by Stefan Diez, the tub’s minimalist, sculptural lines integrate seamlessly into any bathroom, making it an eye-catching centrepiece. Its ergonomic shape, with generous dimensions and targeted back and shoulder support, enhances comfort, ensuring a truly relaxing experience. The Kaldewei Heat Wave feature offers adjustable infrared radiant heat, which soothes muscles and bones, providing physical relief while encouraging emotional relaxation. The synergy of heat and water creates a calming atmosphere, allowing users to unwind fully.
In addition to the Heat Wave, the Zen Edition includes Sound Wave and customizable lighting, offering a full sensory experience. The lighting features a wide colour spectrum, and the sound integration lets users enjoy their preferred music, adding to the feeling of tranquillity. All settings, such as water temperature, lighting, and sound, are easily controlled via an elegant LCD display with an intuitive slider, making adjustments effortless.
The Kaldewei Nuio Duo is built from durable, sustainable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability. Its combination of innovative features and modern aesthetics makes it suitable for both luxury and everyday bathroom spaces. The user-friendly design allows for easy operation, and its sculptural presence enhances the overall bathroom décor.
The Kaldewei Nuio Duo is more than just a bathtub – it’s a complete experience that blends luxury, technology, and design, offering a new standard in bathroom comfort and style. Whether upgrading a bathroom or creating a luxury retreat, the Kaldewei Nuio Duo is the perfect choice.
VitrA’s pioneering eco-friendly Recycled Ceramic Washbasin has once more been recognised on the global stage with the prestigious iF Design Award 2025.
This recognition, which is one of the most respected accolades in the field of design, follows the washbasin’s previous success, including a ‘Good Design’ award in 2024, as well as a ‘Green Good Design Award 2024’ in the Product/Graphic Design category.
With this latest win, the total number of iF Design Awards presented to VitrA now stands at 35. Beyond iF, VitrA products have been celebrated with numerous internationally renowned design and innovation awards, including EDIDA, Design Innovation, Design Plus, Good Design, Iconic Awards, Interior Innovation, Plus X, Red Dot, and Wallpaper*.
*The entire basin is produced from nearly 100% recycled waste materials
Duravit’s bathroom design solutions, combining Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese-inspired Zen aesthetics, have been used to enhance the renovation of Villa Schjøtt in Bergen, Norway. The villa, designed by the renowned Geir Grung in the 1960s, has undergone a sensitive refurbishment led by Michelsens to retain its architectural heritage while embracing modern living standards.
Innovative design with Duravit’s Zencha, ME by Starck, and C.1 collections
Villa Schjøtt’s five bathrooms showcase the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics with Duravit’s Zencha, ME by Starck, and C.1 product ranges. The master bathroom features a striking Zencha freestanding bathtub, while Zencha above-counter basins and matching vanity units create a stylish, consistent look across the other bathrooms. The ME by Starck wall-mounted toilets complement the contemporary design, and Duravit’s hand-held and overhead showers ensure a clean, streamlined aesthetic.
Quality meets sustainability
Designed by Grung, the villa’s emphasis on clear geometric lines, large glass panels, and an open-plan design seamlessly connects interior and exterior spaces. In this renovation, Michelsens have embraced the villa’s iconic materials, such as concrete, glass, and wood, to retain its timeless elegance. Indirect lighting enhances the transition between the materials, while large glass panels allow natural daylight to flood the interiors. The bathrooms’ designs echo this philosophy, offering a calm, Zen-like atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the villa’s architectural vision.
Duravit’s commitment to excellence
The bathroom solutions chosen for Villa Schjøtt exemplify Duravit’s commitment to creating stylish, functional, and sustainable bathroom designs. The Zencha collection’s minimalist design principles, combined with high-quality functionality, make it the ideal choice for high-end residential renovations. Duravit’s extensive range offers products that are as visually striking as they are durable, elevating the design of any bathroom.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Creating a successful design for the hotel industry means building operational and safe spaces that enhance the user experience. In spa areas and bathrooms, guests seek immersive environments where they can unwind and switch off from the everyday. Additionally, integrating advanced technologies, including smart lighting and climate control systems, allows visits to be personalised.
Today’s consumers also want sustainability-assurances, and with eco-travel on the rise, Booking.com has confirmed that 73%* of travellers prefer an eco-sustainable hotel rather than a traditional one.
Keeping it light
Accent lighting in bathrooms or spas plays a key role when developing a functional yet inviting atmosphere. Lighting design that is divided adequately between ambient and task goes a long way to ensure the space is well-lit yet with a good balance between brightness and softness.
Schlüter-Systems is well known for enabling the design and installation of long-lasting, creative bathrooms and has a varied portfolio of intelligent products and systems. The collection of lighting systems, which incorporate advanced control and luminaire technology, offers almost unlimited choice for the most imaginative schemes.
Schlüter-LIPROTEC can be installed in a choice of direct or indirect lighting effects, enabling the interior designer, architect, or property owner to illuminate feature walls, pictures, tiled areas such as shower enclosures or study spaces, kitchen countertops, and stairways. In fact, anywhere, the creative mind can conceive a plan.
Surface appeal
HEWI PVD Surfaces
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) surfaces are increasingly popular in hospitality design thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal. The PVD process is considered more environmentally friendly as it produces less waste and uses fewer chemicals. In addition, PVD doesn’t utilise toxic solvents or heavy metals.
PVD coatings are also highly durable and have an extended lifespan, which reduces environmental impact since they will not need to be replaced. As sustainability becomes a growing focus in hospitality design, the use of PVD surfaces offers a more eco-conscious option without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Florian Haude, HEWI product manager, explains, “PVD-coated surfaces are trending and highly sought after in the hotel industry. Their durable, scratch-resistant finish ensures long-lasting elegance, even in high-traffic areas. From stylish bathroom fixtures to refined furniture details, PVD coatings enhance aesthetics while offering superior resistance to wear and tear.
“In addition to their durability, these surfaces are easy to maintain and retain their flawless appearance. With a wide range of modern finishes available, PVD technology allows hotels to create stylish and contemporary interiors that stand the test of time.”
HEWI has added twelve new PVD metallic designer surfaces, including brass, bronze, and gold. The latest designs can help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being – be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals or the bathroom at home.
A touch of glass
RAUVISIO Crystal Glass Laminates
When selecting products for walls, washbasins, floors or furniture, creating a streamlined look will help to deliver sleek, sophisticated style. Clean cut, reflective surfaces and cabinetry add a high-end feel and reflect light, which in turn enhances the sense of space. These smooth, seamless finishes provide elegant good looks and offer a practical hygiene benefit. In short, materials such as high-gloss laminates and smooth composite surfaces are an ideal way to deliver contemporary style to both public spaces and private rooms, and although traditional glass delivers the same look, it is fragile and hard to maintain.
REHAU’s RAUVISIO glass laminate collections combine this balance of elegance and practicality, offering a modern alternative that maintains the aesthetic appeal of glass with added durability.
All systems go
CRL Stone Serenity Shower System
Employing universal and adaptive design principles means hoteliers can create spaces that are accessible to all guests. Investing in shower rooms that are inclusive is not just a moral step in the right direction, it also represents strategic business acumen that will increase profitability in the long run.
Simon Boocock, MD, CRL, explains, “Hoteliers are increasingly recognising the benefits of bespoke showering solutions which can accommodate a range of guest requirements. Today’s discerning guests want seamless, design-led, accessible solutions that cater for a variety of different needs without looking institutionalised.
CRL’s sleek and stylish Ceralsio surfaces are well suited to damp, humid bathrooms, are durable, and are easy to keep clean while also creating the high-end, spa-style aesthetic that today’s guests expect. They can be combined with its frameless, accessible sliding glass shower doors and CRL’s Serenity Shower System in Brushed Stainless Steel to create a light, minimalistic wetroom design.
“Bespoke showers that provide universal solutions have become an increasingly attractive choice for hoteliers with wetrooms and wall cladding leading the way.”
Make a statement
BC Designs Copper Bath
Incorporating deep, enriching colour into design remains a key trend for 2025. Colour helps create an atmosphere with earthy tones such as reds and gold, promoting cosy warmth, whilst cool blues and greens deliver a calming sense of tranquillity. Add a statement piece, like a freestanding bath, into the mix, and you have a unique design that helps build brand identity.
Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, agrees, “While luxurious freestanding baths have been a staple of hotel design for at least the last decade, we’re seeing a move to combine this with colour and personalisation. Combining a freestanding bath with dramatic colour is a sure-fire way to create an on-trend bathroom without overpowering the space”
“One such colour that is everywhere this year is avocado, which offers both an earthy and rich palette which brings a vibrancy without being overpowering. In fact, it is the biggest colour trend of bathroom design this year.”
BC Designs is renowned for its high-quality, design-led baths, with its Cian® and Copper Bath Ranges being standout choices for luxury hotel bathrooms. These baths not only provide a striking focal point but also offer durability, practicality, and a superior bathing experience—key considerations for high-end hospitality settings.
You can see more on our site if you enjoyed thisBathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
Today, Toby Griffin, a KBB business consultant, explores the topic of greenwashing in the KBB industry as climate change continues to drive the need for sustainability.
As we all know, manufacturers make stuff. This stuff goes into our new kitchens and bathrooms and makes wonderful new spaces for us to use and enjoy. Making these products involves sourcing raw materials and then using machinery, energy and transport to deliver the said stuff to the place it needs to be.
Let’s be honest, though: sourcing raw materials, using machinery, energy, and transport are all, arguably, bad for the environment.
Therefore, in this article in which I am going to be looking at so-called Greenwashing, it is on the understanding that – in practically all cases – making stuff is “bad” for the environment, but it’s something that we have to do if we are to thrive as a species, and – as time goes by – we are learning to make products in a more efficient and less harmful way, and long may this continue.
Understanding and accepting this backdrop, it is notable that the push to reduce the harmful effects of production on the environment mainly comes from outside of manufacturers themselves. The two main drivers, as I see it, are 1) governmental legislation and 2) an increased public consciousness of ‘green’ issues, as part of the popularly referred to ‘climate crisis’. With the former of these influences coming in the form of compliance with new regulations and pressure on factors like emissions caused by production, a brand’s manufacturing capability should comply accordingly or face the wrath of the legislature. These efforts mainly go on behind closed doors (sometimes also amongst legal representatives), as all parties want to be seen to comply. However, in a global production market with factories based in countries and regions that have different laws on environmental issues, it is not easy to monitor and measure.
But the latter of the two external pressures – that of the public’s and consumers’ desire to make ethical purchasing decisions – is generally played out in a very public arena: that of the product brand’s image and marketing efforts. This is where it all starts to get a little cloudy. As we all know, the marketing function’s role in a business is to seek out consumer desire to help influence new product innovation and then to create enquiries for the products on offer. So once a line-up of products has been decided upon, it is then beholden to a Marketing department to ‘put their best foot forward’ when pushing out their message. And this is where accusations of Greenwashing start to fester.
To gauge attitudes amongst KBB professionals as to the environmental credentials of the brands they deal with, I set a poll on Linkedin, posing the following question: “What percentage of KBB companies – do you believe – are sincere about their environmental messaging in their marketing?” The cynicism that I had anticipated very much rang true in the results, with two-thirds of the respondents saying that they felt that less than 25% were sincere, nearly a third saying 26-50%, and only a handful saying more than that. So, why is this? Well, I think it comes back to the drivers of environmental considerations and the second of Marketing’s two functions.
How much does the buying public care?
In essence, do consumers really desire environmental credentials to be a priority, and are THEY sincere? Do they perhaps just want to alleviate their conscience and, therefore, are, in fact, happy with Greenwashing? If not, are they willing to pay extra for products manufactured in more sustainable ways? As Matt Turton of Bold Kitchens told me, “Despite trying to discuss [this topic] with customers, my experience is they just ain’t interested!”.
In reality, environmental concerns aren’t a fixed point anyway. I know that Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturer’s Association is pushing hard on the global front concerning reducing water use, but for some countries/regions, this is a big factor, and in others, reducing water use is not so important. Pitching a water-efficient shower, for example, is easier in Australia than in Scotland.
In what way do efficiency and environmental measures go ‘hand in hand’?
Concerning electrical appliances in kitchens, around the turn of the millennium, the EU introduced mandatory energy rating labels with a grading of A (A being the most efficient), and I remember how quickly the manufacturers responded to the point that classification of A*, A**, and A*** had to be introduced. Since then, the bar has had to be raised, with an old A* rating now being reclassified as F. Is there a better example of legislative intervention having driven up standards (with the benefit to consumers with their appliances now costing them often 50% less than run being a win-win situation)? Maybe a review of a property’s kitchen and bathroom fixtures being included in its EPC-rating might catch some attention too?
Interestingly, based on an analysis of the readership of industry articles on the topic of sustainability and the environment, it seems that readers find the topic a bit of a turn-off, too, although I would imagine that few would express this openly themselves.
So are we, too, part of the problem and/or of the same mindset? Is Greenwashing ‘pressing our buttons’? Or will it just take many more climate-related disasters for collective governments to take action? With the politics of many major economies seemingly waiving their environmental responsibilities, in the current climate, it can be demotivating to ‘fight the good fight’, but alternatively – in making our specification choices with a sustainability mindset now – perhaps we should avoid short-termist thinking and future-proof our kitchens and bathrooms for our both our direct consumers and the greater public good.
Driven by environmental concerns and the growing cost of heating and water, consumers continuously seek ways to create sustainable bathroom designs. Victoria + Albert Baths has produced a bath that is as comfortable and stylish as its existing range but uses an outstanding 30% less water than your average tub.
Ledro’s maximum water capacity is 180 litres. In comparison, Victoria + Albert’s iconic Barcelona 1500 has a capacity of 256 litres – 40% more. Additionally, a typical shower uses 15 litres a minute with an average time of 8 minutes, so it uses a similar 120 litres of water without the luxury and bliss provided by Ledro. Not only is Ledro ideal for residential use but it’s also expected to be a popular choice in the hospitality industry.
Ledro is made from Victoria + Albert’s unique composite, QuarrycastTM, a natural insulator that reduces heat loss and prolongs your luxury bathing experience. The strong, durable, and scratch-resistant material means Victoria + Albert baths are made to last and benefit from a 25-year consumer warranty, further boosting its environmental credentials. Like Victoria + Albert’s other product ranges, the Ledro can be customised in over 200 RAL colours, and customers can choose between a gloss or matt finish.
The Ledro is launching today, August 1st, and is priced at £2,832.00. Customers will be able to purchase in-store or from www.vandabaths.com
The visionary founder of Panificio Architecture Workshop, architect Andrea Benedetti, has created a nearly zero-energy residence in Brescia that adheres to rigorous European nZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards. This project is said to set a new benchmark for energy-efficient living spaces.
In the ambitious demolition and reconstruction project, Benedetti declared absolute dedication to the client’s needs and aspirations. The result is a contemporary construction that blends cutting-edge technology with chic design and demonstrates how sustainability and luxury can coexist harmoniously.
Ritmonio solutions were selected throughout the building across all three bathroom spaces thanks to the product’s outstanding design attributes, built-in hygiene features and water -efficiency.
The DOT316 Collection in Stainless Steel (Black Finish) features minimalist elegance. Its pure lines create a harmonious blend of functionality and style, and the darkened tones add a touch of sophistication, making it a standout feature in the bathrooms.
Diametro35 Inox (Stainless Steel and Black Finish) features an iconic design that brings personality and flair to the space. This series meets the client’s desire for a versatile combination of modern aesthetics and practical functionality.
Diametro35 (Black Matt Finish) features a black matt finish that provides a striking yet subtle touch, enhancing the overall bathroom experience.
Andrea Benedetti’s project is a pioneering example of sustainable architecture. By integrating Ritmonio’s solutions, the residence perfectly balances eco-friendly design with luxurious living.
