According to Hansgrohe, AirPower is a unique shower experience that ncreases the enjoyment of the shower whilst reducing water consumption. The innovative technology AirPower enriches each water droplet with air to produce plump droplets creating a velvety touch on the skin.
Hansgrohe recognises water is a valuable resource, extensive time and research has gone into establishing AirPower technology to help reduce water consumption. When using the shower, air is sucked in through the spray disc that stirs up the water. Enriched with fresh air, the droplets are noticeably lighter, creating more enjoyable showers whilst helping save both water and energy.
Showers
AirPower technology is featured in a vast range of Hansgrohe products including collections Raindance, Vernis, Vivenis and Croma through basin taps, overhead and hand showers and shower systems.
Wash basins
With AirPower, the basin taps from Hansgrohe encourage them to work reliably by adding volume to every droplet of water whilst noticeably reducing splashing. The soft water droplets make for a pleasurable washing experience, whether that’s washing hands, washing hair or caring for children’s sensitive skin.
Showcasing its newly accredited Cradle to Cradle Certified® products, supplier of bathroom and kitchen fittings, GROHE, made its first industry exhibition appearance since the beginning of the pandemic at the HIX design show last month.
The globally recognised Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design approach was first developed in the 90s to drastically reduce waste and the drain on new resources. It is achieved by designing intelligent products, processes, and systems that look at the overall lifecycle of the product.
Whilst this concept differentiates between consumer goods (e.g. natural fibres or detergent), which are biodegradable, and service products (e.g. taps), that are broken down into their original materials, this approach means that C2C products can potentially be reused endlessly, enhancing typical recycling practices.
To achieve certification, products must attain a designated level of achievement within the following categories: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
To date, four GROHE products have been Cradle to Cradle Certified at gold level: three taps – GROHE BauEdge S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart S-Size and GROHE Eurosmart Kitchen, as well as the GROHE Tempesta shower rail set. The certified products are four of GROHE’s best-sellers and are also affordable, cost-efficient fittings that make sustainable solutions accessible to hospitality projects of all scales and budgets.
“We were so pleased to finally be able to attend our first event following the onset of the pandemic,” says Ebru Bircan, Leader, Marketing Activation UK, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK.
“Continuing to pioneer sustainable solutions that combat the over-consumption of natural resources is an imperative part of GROHE’s sustainability strategy. We also intend to keep working with hotel brands to develop more ways in which hospitality and sustainability can come together seamlessly to leave a lasting impression on guests, whilst reducing the impact on our environment.”
GROHE Tempesta 100 shower rail set – C2C Certified
In the wake of the pandemic, bathroom spaces have become a place to recalibrate. The 1918 influenza pandemic shaped the modern bathroom with a new focus on sanitation and, in the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only freshened up our hygiene focus, it has renewed the zest for beautiful design as we prioritise space to relax and rejuvenate.With home entertaining also now back on the agenda, creating the wow factor is back in vogue.
Designing a statement bathroom can be achieved in a myriad of ways from introducing a bold colour scheme to utilising a standout statement piece such as a freestanding bath or totem basin. Whilst selecting one stand-out piece will anchor your own personal style, selecting products from a cohesive collection guarantees symmetry.
Round and about
Liquid from VitrA is a new comprehensive range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon and is the first-ever bathroom range by the acclaimed British designer. Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble.
VitrA’s design director, Erdem Akan tells us “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials – creating more with less. The result is Liquid, a range that is wholly new and yet somehow familiar.”
Bathing beauties
Freestanding baths effortlessly deliver the wow factor bringing drama and elegance to bathrooms. Oval or circular baths promote a contemporary aesthetic and are spacious enough to cater for all family bathroom needs.
Studies on the psychology of shape tell us circular shapes are pleasing to the eye and promote a sense of well being. Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing and product development at Bette agrees “Baths with contemporary curved shapes are becoming even more popular as they can be comfortable for both the eye and the body. Taking their inspiration from nature, they can help to create a welcoming bathroom design and can also be extremely comfortable to use.”
Bette baths are available in over 400 colours so adding a touch of individuality is simple to do from the outset. The BetteEve Oval is natural, comfortable and perfect for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical backrests on both sides and a central waste outlet.
BetteEve Oval Silhouette bath
Geo style
When it comes to smaller spaces, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms tells us “You don’t necessarily need a large bathroom to create a statement. People often associate impact with a very spacious bathroom where there is a clear focal point such as a freestanding bath or large walk-in shower but in reality it’s what you achieve with the space you have and the materials you use that can add stunning visual appeal. “
Utopia delivers a contemporary Geo arrangement that combines minimalist style and stunning finishes for a chic effect. This is also a look that can easily be scaled down to suit a smaller space with no loss of impact.
Opula in Indigo and Burnt Copper from Utopia Bathrooms
Paint it black
Design schemes that break the mould are also achieved with clever use of colour, this strategy is useful for modest bathrooms where monochromatic options help build impact and create the illusion of space.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director Akzonobel Dulux UK agrees “When it comes to creating instant impact in the bathroom you can’t beat a slug of gutsy colour. Fortune favours the brave in small spaces where we should be able to enjoy a full immersion sensory experience in everything from invigorating water on our skin to texture and colour.”
Black and white tones are also ideal for creating a rustic-inspired bathroom with retro accents. White bathroom walls are the starting point for this look, Absolute White from Dulux, delivers a crisp finish, and dark oak doors and cabinetry pair beautifully with Victorian-style silver taps and pipework.
Walk-in wonders
Sustainability is the watchword for 2021 and is set to stay at the top of the agenda indefinitely. Combining luxurious statement design with sustainability appears to be an incongruous pairing, but it is key as we move into a new era of eco-responsibility.
Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK head of sales agrees “Sustainability has always been at the core of Kaldewei’s business and is a constant and consistent theme when designing and creating new products, our steel enamel solutions add a luxurious air creating a feeling of ‘luxstainabilty’ – luxury and sustainability – to any setting.”
The SUPERPLAN ZERO is the latest product from Kaldewei. This impressive enamelled shower surface is the perfect addition to a statement bathroom and has been created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. The style is reserved yet extremely comfortable underfoot.
All GROHE EcoJoy™ products are systematically designed to save water and energy so that precious resources are conserved. These products, equipped with water-saving technologies, offer the perfect water experience without the need to compromise. Reducing water and energy consumption goes hand in hand with convenience and attractive design. Less water, perfect flow.
GROHE Tempesta 250 shower set (Cube design) with thermostat for wall mounting
Designed to be wall-mounted, this exposed shower system features a Tempesta 250 Cube head shower, a Tempesta Cosmopolitan 100 hand shower, thermostat, shower rail with 390mm swivable shower arm and gliding element to adjust the hand shower, plus a 1750mm Rotaflex Twistfree hose.
At 250mm the head shower creates a generous showering area and has an appealing slim profile. The spray pattern is the gentle, refreshing Rain Spray. There are 2 spray patterns to choose from on the 100mm hand shower – the soft Rain and the powerful, targeted Jet Spray. Both showers feature water-saving GROHE EcoJoy – limiting flow to 9.5l/min on the head shower and 5.7l/min on the hand shower – for reduced water consumption but the same great performance.
The shower system delivers water at a constant temperature with no nasty surprises, thanks to GROHE’s TurboStat technology makes sure that the water is a constant temperature with no unpleasant fluctuations. The GROHE SafeStop override button is set at 38°C to prevent scalding and keep the whole family protected. And the GROHE SafeStop Plus temperature limiter can be set to limit to 43°C for an extra level of safety. Switch between head and hand shower and adjust the volume, all via one handle, with the AquaDimmer function.
Bette glazed titanium-steel baths, shower trays and washbasins combine high-end design with robust eco-credentials.
Glazed titanium-steel is one of the most luxurious materials, but it can also be one of the most sustainable, especially as it is extremely long-lasting, made from natural materials and 100% recyclable.
Bette also strives to improve its sustainability every year through a host of initiatives that cover everything from the energy it uses, to the packaging that protects its products.
Bette currently produces two-thirds of its own energy requirements through investment in solar technology at its factory in Germany, and its aim, over the coming years, is to produce all of its own energy through investment in renewable energy technologies.
BetteOval Silhouette
Bette also has a policy of buying its materials as locally as it can, with 99% being bought from Europe. This not only helps with its carbon footprint, but also with continuity of supply.
This year Bette will be launching its first annual sustainability report. It will include detailed facts and figures on Bette’s sustainability performance and will be updated every year to give its customers an accurate picture of its sustainability credentials.
For more information see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
The new digitally advanced GROHE Plus basin taps offer users the possibility to accurately control the water temperature and includes a visual colour marker to encourage users to avoid wasting energy.
Using the principle of “nudging”, a concept from behavioural economics, users are made aware when hot water is flowing unnecessarily which in turn encourages users to avoid wasting energy. This design approach promotes responsible use of the valuable resource of water and saves energy at the same time.
The eco-friendly functionality of GROHE Plus is reinforced by its accessible Eco Spray setting. To switch from the standard spray to the more refined Eco Spray of just four litres per minute users can simply swipe their hand over the lit icon on top of the spout to activate the sensor-controlled system which will change the water flow. The GROHE Plus collection also skillfully combines round and square elements, this makes the range a real statement for every modern bathroom, both in terms of sustainability and design.
Progressive design for elegant features in the bathroom The dynamic design language of GROHE Plus is inspired by the arc, which symbolises both strength and lightness. Combining circular shapes with the crisp, clean lines of a cube, GROHE Plus creates an exciting architectural silhouette. At the same time, the design supports ergonomic comfort and invites interaction. The 90-degree swivel spout also increases the user-friendliness and caters for a variety of different interactions and uses.
The combination of cubic and organic shapes not only distinguishes GROHE Plus aesthetically but also makes the tap collection the perfect counterpart to both square and round ceramic lines such as GROHE Essence or GROHE Cube – all according to personal interior design style. To complete the harmonious overall look of the bathroom, the two-tone surface of GROHE Plus’ LED display made of chrome and high-quality acrylic glass in MoonWhite can also be found in several of GROHE’s shower collections too, such as the GROHE SmartControl thermostat and GROHE Rainshower SmartActive head showers.
In addition to the new digitally-enhanced models, the GROHE Plus collection includes a wide range of classic single-lever mixers in different sizes and with additional functions such as a pull-out spout, wall-mounted 2-hole basin mixers, taps for shower and bathtub, and a visually striking freestanding bathtub option. For even greater design freedom that meets the growing demand for personalised style in the bathroom, GROHE Plus is available in Chrome, SuperSteel and Brushed Hard Graphite finishes, the latter of which is accompanied by a black LED display.
RRP from £699.00
Learn more about GROHE’s sustainable technologies by visiting GROHE X.
