WC Archives

GROHE’s easy WC: new upgrades for SOLIDO All In ONE

September 28, 2022

For many DIY enthusiasts, upgrading their own home is an enjoyable pastime, taking time to create their perfect space. When it comes to designing our homes, the stakes are often high, especially when it comes to our functional rooms such as the bathroom.

Planning a new bathroom is not just about creating your very own oasis of well-being, it’s also about ensuring that the products match, fit and function perfectly. Making a conscious product selection is key for ultimate comfort, design harmony and long-lasting quality. That’s why many tend to hesitate when it comes to the more complex changes – such as installing a new toilet.

New bundle concept

The brand-new, bundle concept GROHE SOLIDO ALL IN ONE is a user-friendly alternative that means consumers no longer have to spend time on choosing individual products, but instead can buy smartly and have peace of mind. Once a GROHE WC design has been chosen, the ideal combination of high-quality products and installation components is pulled together by GROHE in just one box, ready for installation.

Making the ideal look possible

GROHE SOLIDO ALL IN ONE makes it easy for consumers to choose the right WC model to suit all
preferences. No matter if it’s a classic or modern look, basic level or luxurious comfort – the ready-to-install packages are available in different design variants to meet the highest of standards.

Consumers can choose from four designs that include best sellers and beloved classics such as Bau, Euro, Start Edge and Essence. Consumers also have freedom of choice with regard to preferred features, for example, a quiet flush and hygienic functions. Multiple product options, including all the important parts of a WC set, will ensure the consumer’s choice is a perfect match for all their style and functional requirements.

The perfect WC is more than just a look…

…it is a big component of people’s everyday lives. Nowadays, aspects such as hygiene and sustainability matter when it comes to choosing the right product for the home. The value of hygiene in the bathroom in particular has never been more important, and wall-hung WCs enhance this further. Thanks to their space-saving positioning they allow easy cleaning, with limited fixtures and streamlined fittings.

On top of this, features such as the strong GROHE Triple Vortex flush supports hygiene by cleansing every corner of the bowl, limiting the chances for bacteria to thrive. As people’s conscious decisions are reflected in their interior design choices, the search for sustainable products does not end with the WC itself. The GROHE dual flush system in GROHE’s air flush plates reduces water consumption by up to 50%, helping to support sustainable lifestyle choices.

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Building a Martian House: A vision of life on Mars

August 24, 2022

Duravit’s contribution includes the expertise of development engineer Franziska Wülker and products such as SensoWash® Starck f.

What might life on Mars look like? How would everyday living be managed? Two artists from Bristol, working with an interdisciplinary team, have taken it upon themselves to answer these questions by building the Martian House. Duravit is also in the mix thanks to the expertise of development engineer Franziska Wülker and products like SensoWash® Starck f – the Martian Toilet.

Visionary project
Inspired by the Earth-like planet Mars, the artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent brought the project “Building a Martian House” to life in collaboration with Hugh Broughton Architects and Pearce+. The aim of the public art project is to build a real prototype of a Martian house.

Nicki Kent explained: “Mars is a place where you’d have to live carefully and resourcefully.” Ella Good added: “Imagining how a small community would live there offers a sharp lens on our lives here on Earth today and our fraught relationship with consumerism.”

Standard of living and comfort in an environment that is hostile to life
Franziska Wülker, head of research & development at Duravit AG, came on to the initiators’ radar. In 2020 she took part in the NASA Lunar Loo Challenge, the aim of which was to develop a toilet that would work both in zero-gravity and on the moon. Wülker’s design ranked among the top three.

The development engineer’s fascination and motivation to be involved in the project arises from the discrepancy between the hostile planetary environment and daily comfort: “Everyday life on Mars is challenging and arduous as a result.

That’s why it’s so important that everyday items in the home are designed to be as simple and comfortable as possible. That applies especially to the things we don’t like talking about, such as using the toilet.”

Different approaches to a Martian toilet
Requirements for the Martian Toilet include low water and electricity use, ease of operation and maintenance, prevention of unpleasant odors as well as the ability to use urine and feces as fertilizer.

Franziska Wülker identified various approaches: incinerating toilet, separation & composting toilet, freeze-drying, or a toilet with a water flush. Freeze-drying, for instance, removes any water contained in the matter and enables the dried residue to be disposed of. Mars is subject to cold temperatures and low pressure, both of which are required for freeze-drying. “At the same time, the overall process is complex, and we want to make life comfortable for the astronauts on Mars.”

Water extraction on Mars
The total volume of the ice reservoir on Mars is 5,000,000 km³. Franziska Wülker: “On Mars there are ice caps at the north and south poles. Some parts of the planet have subterranean ice layers and glaciers up to 100 meters thick and close to the surface. So it’s best to build the Mars base where there’s lots of ice that’s easy to get at.” Water could be extracted by drilling and melting frozen water.

The Martian toilet: SensoWash ® Starck f
Franziska Wülker: “SensoWash® reduces the consumption of toilet paper, which also ensures a high level of comfort and hygiene.” A symbiosis of toilet and bidet, Duravit’s SensoWash® shower toilet offers gentle and comfortable hygiene. Pure water is an ideal way to ensure gentle, highly hygienic cleaning. Significantly gentler and more sustainable than toilet paper, water removes bacteria, boosts circulation, and is gentle on skin.

Expanding on her theoretical ideas, Franziska Wülker said: “Treated grey water from washbasins, showers, etc. can be used for flushing via a circular system. It is also conceivable that an additional urinal could be used to separate urine and turn it into fertilizer.”

Franziska Wülker and the project team ultimately opted for a shower-toilet: “We opted for a toilet with a water flush. We’ve also integrated a shower function, which is comfortable and hygienic – plus there’s a lot more water than toilet paper on Mars.”

Exhibition in Bristol
The house at M Shed Square in the English city of Bristol will be open to the public until October It will start off as an empty façade and will come to life thanks to alternating interiors that provide opportunities to collectively explore a new, sustainable culture.

Initiator Nicki Kent: “It is to be a place where people can research, experiment, and discuss: a blank canvas to try things out and imagine new perspectives for today’s lifestyles.”

Ella Good sums up: “Each of us has expertise to offer and a part to play in shaping our shared future.”

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Kartell by Laufen collection is refreshed with new colours

May 19, 2021

The Kartell by Laufen collection has been expanded with original products, in new colours and finishes. A timeless concept with a wide range of pieces that can be combined to create new compositions every time.

The bathroom, like all spaces in the home, is constantly evolving, changing to adapt to the latest lifestyle trends. From research and study on today’s ways of living, the Kartell by Laufen collection has boosted the impact of the colours and finishes of the ceramic fixtures and accessories, inserting new fresh, neutral tones that can be freely combined to generate different settings.

Kartell by Laufen is an extremely complete, variegated collection for the bathroom: it is composed not only of sanitaryware, washstands, brassware, shower trays and bathtubs – the indispensable constants – but also furnishings and décor complements, which can continuously change. Such a wide range of different items gives rise to a collection that combines the Italian design tradition and high quality of materials typical of Kartell.

The Kartell by Laufen collection has been enhanced with new chromatic versions for the sanitaryware and the accessories, while moving forward with the research on taps and mixers. The matte and soft touch finishes effectively mingle with the rest of the collection, bringing a contemporary image that easily fits in any type of décor solution. The white and gray tones previously favored are joined by black and anthracite gray for the washstands in different forms and sizes, produced in the finest ceramic which makes it possible to achieve squared lines and very slim borders, reducing environmental impact to a minimum.

Ochre, mustard yellow and blue-gray are the new hues for 2021, selected to facilitate different compositions of cabinets and drawer units that combine compact, linear design with ample size to offer maximum functional quality in any type of bathroom.

The transparent design accessories establish a perfect dialogue with the ceramic fixtures and the cabinets, adding a touch of lightness in the bathroom thanks to the transparency of the various modular elements. From the Sound-Rack storage systems, which offer great compositional freedom and an ample selection of colours and finishes, to the extensive selection of accessories and complements: Kartell by Laufen is an eclectic, contemporary collection that permits personalisation of the bathroom to suit the mood of the moment.

The toilet (rimless) and the bidet stand out for their linear form, like an overturned truncated cone, with the possibility of attachment to the wall or the floor.

The brassware also plays an important role in the collection: the various possibilities of installation and the great quality of the finishes allow for countless combinations with the ceramic fixtures. The minimal form of the mixers and cylindrical columns are softened by the elegant lines of the curved spigot, the perfect completion of a large washbasin or tub.

The sky’s the limit!

There are no limitations to the compositional freedom offered by the Kartell by Laufen collection: the bathroom becomes a fluid space, capable of adapting to the new needs of living that call for rapid, flexible solutions, in which functional quality rhymes with design and innovation. Sanitaryware, cabinets, complements and accessories, featuring pure geometric forms, to create combinations that are perfect for any space, of any size.

www.kartellbylaufen

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Ideal Standard launches landmark Atelier Collections

March 1, 2021

Today, Ideal Standard is introducing its brand-new design-led range, Atelier Collections, created in collaboration with renowned Italian studio PS+A. The bold designs have been created to work in harmony to allow complete customisation on every project.

The products bring together the skills of Palomba Serafinia Associati (PS+A), through its founder Roberta Palomba, with Ideal Standard’s broad manufacturing expertise.

The ranges draw inspiration from iconic Ideal Standard products of the past to create exciting new collections for the present. Roberto Palomba, with 25 years of experience in international design, has created unique collections that include an exclusive range of ceramics, brassware and furniture.

Inspired by Ideal Standard’s leading product lines from the past, the Conca range (pictured top) nods towards the iconic Ideal Standard basin, offering minimalist designs. The Blend range of WCs has been created to perfectly complement these basins.

Ideal Standard Conca — Conca round vessel 45 cm and free-standing pedestal – Joy wall mounted basin mixer

Conca round vessel 45 cm and free-standing pedestal – Joy wall mounted basin mixer

Core to the Atelier collections is colour. PS+A have created a new, bold colour palette, some of which draws on colour influences that can be found in Ideal Standard’s design heritage, and others which reflect and define new colour trends. Launching in March, the colours have been applied to the Ipalyss range of super slim washbasins, designed by Robin Levien. Incredibly striking in colour and design, new shapes and sizes are also being introduced, creating an extremely durable and versatile range, made possible by Ideal Standard’s Diamatec^® technology.

Additionally, there is also new brassware, with two new lines of mixer taps, Check and Joy. They are available in chrome and PVD finishes to offer a stylish simplicity.

Ideal Standard Ipalyss & Joy — Ipalyss washbasin

Commenting on the new collections, Roberto Palomba said: “We are particularly proud of the results of our partnership with Ideal Standard. We maintain a very simple approach for our creations: quality paired with intuitive design that also keeps an eye to the past, while ensuring the levels of practicality, purity and elegance meet the needs of modern society.”

Torsten Türling, Chief Executive Officer at Ideal Standard added: “Throughout our history, we’ve worked closely with the leading designers of their era. Master designers have a unique ability to capture the essence of the time and translate that into designs that shape the evolution of society and influence the culture of design beyond the bathroom. This essence of design is what we wanted to capture again and this is reflected in Atelier Collections.”

The Atelier Collections will be available exclusively through independent retailers, with Ideal Standard committing significant investment into showroom and marketing support for the collections.

David Barber, Managing Director for Ideal Standard UK and Ireland said: “The Atelier Collections mark a new era in Ideal Standard’s design journey and we understand the importance of these ranges for our retail partners. Not only are we committing to a consumer advertising campaign to drive footfall to showrooms, but we are also working with retailers to provide support and tailor-made packages to ensure they are fully equipped to serve their customer base.”

To learn more about the Atelier Collections and to view the full brochure please visit: https://www.idealspec.co.uk/sectors/design-solutions_s63_c1.html

The Atelier Collections can also be seen in person at the London Design & Specification Centre in Clerkenwell, London. To book an appointment at the showroom visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/about-us/contact-service/london-design-and-specification-centre

About Ideal Standard International

Ideal Standard International is one a leading manufacturer of high-quality private and public bathroom solutions. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the privately-owned company employs around 9,000 people and operates 16 manufacturing sites, serving over 100 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Using the latest technologies and working with world-class designers, the company is focused on developing innovative bathroom solutions across multiple product categories including bathroom Ceramics, Taps & Fittings, Bathing & Wellness and Furniture & Accessories. Its products are sold under strong international and local brands such as Ideal Standard, Armitage Shanks (UK), Sottini (UK), Porcher (France), Ceramica Dolomite (Italy) and Vidima (Eastern Europe).

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VitrA launches V-Care Prime smart WC in collaboration with Arik Levy

November 12, 2020

Leading bathroom brand VitrA is launching V-Care Prime, the latest addition to its range of shower toilets. Designed by Arik Levy in collaboration with the VitrA’s Design Studio and the Innovation team, this new shower toilet WC combines the functionality of a standard WC with the personal cleaning properties of a bidet and integrates the latest bathroom technology.

The elegantly designed new shower toilet provides a modern, refreshing, and hygienic washroom experience and will be available to retailers and specifiers at the end of November 2020.

Given increasing consumer focus on cleanliness, hygiene and wellbeing, the popularity of smart bathroom products has increased exponentially. Smart bathroom solutions take advantage of the benefits of washing with water with features that allow users to control the flow and pressure. Offering a cleaner and more natural experience, washing with water also reduces the need for toilet paper and is more suitable for intimate areas. As a result, the UK market is now embracing the health benefits of washing with water – a concept that has been commonplace across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for centuries.

Design & Touch-Free Experience

Available in both wall-hung and back-to-wall models, V-Care Prime is sleek and compact and includes a remote and app control. The design is almost identical to that of a standard VitrA WC, but the intelligent features, such as the night light, elevate the design to a more sophisticated level. Designed to be triggered when the ambient light reaches below a certain level, the night light is a feature that can also be controlled on the mobile app.

What sets the V-Care Prime apart from other shower WCs is the option for a hands-free control through the remote control and app, which allow users to tailor their bathroom experience to their individual needs. Using the remote-control users can have a completely hands-free experience. This option is an excellent feature to help minimise the risk of cross-contamination, either within the home or in public restrooms.

Additional adjustable features include the temperature, pressure and direction of the water flow, and there are also several different personal drying modes. The heated seat has been ergonomically designed to offer additional comfort. It offers temperature control and an automatic open and close function to reduce contact.

Hygienic Benefits

All V-Care products are fitted with a Rim-ex bowl, which is 95% more hygienic than standard alternatives. This feature eliminates the ducts inside the bowl, offering effortless cleaning. The stainless-steel nozzle also has hygienic properties and automatically cleans itself before and after each use. V-Care Prime also has a feature to help easily remove the build-up of limescale.

Additional Features

VitrA is committed to producing products that address different user’s needs; for example, V-Care Prime includes a child mode which can be activated by parents through the app to adjust the water flow and pressure. The integrated bidet nozzle is also specially designed for female hygiene.

The combination of the advanced bidet features within a standard WC results in a stylish space-saving solution – this is particularly useful for smaller washrooms or cloakroom bathrooms. V-Care Prime also offers three different modes: standby, energy-saving and normal.

As a leading bathroom company that has provided WCs and bidets for decades, VitrA is well-positioned to understand the advantages of washing with water and provide contemporary solutions. A selection of the shower toilets; V-Care Prime, V-Care and Aquacare products will be on display at the VitrA London flagship showroom, opening in Clerkenwell in Autumn 2020.

About VitrA

VitrA is part of the Eczacıbaşı Group, one of Turkey’s most prominent industrial groups. Founded in 1958, VitrA is a leading bathroom manufacturer, which in recent years has expanded into international markets with over 70 per cent of VitrA’s total output now being sold outside of Turkey. From 13 production facilities in Turkey, Germany, France, and Russia, VitrA produces a full range of bathroom products including over 5.6 million pieces of sanitaryware a year along with complementary bathroom furniture, brassware, and accessories ranges, which are distributed to over 75 countries on five continents. VitrA UK, based in Oxfordshire, has been supplying the UK bathroom market for over 25 years and is an active member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI). In Autumn 2020 VitrA will open a flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events, and workshops.

vitrA.co.uk | @VitrABathrooms

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Plural Collection – new range on display

November 29, 2019

Terri Pecora’s award-winning Plural Collection was on display at Sleep + Eat 2019. The new range which includes free-standing bathroom furniture, WCs and bidets, has been extended with a selection of urinals.

This innovative range reimagines the bathroom as a living space, by using smooth, rounded edges and solid woods to emulate furniture usually found in other rooms of the home. The Sleep & Eat set featured a number of Plural washbasins including a monoblock basin and countertop bowls, as well as new wall-hung urinals.

www.vitra.co.uk

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