Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

LIXIL brands contribute to solve water & sanitation crisis

March 24, 2023

Water is the basis of life yet one of the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Currently, 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water while 2.3 billion live in water-stress countries.

Yesterday’s annual World Water Day was about “accelerating change” to help solve the ongoing water and sanitation crisis – a crisis that is closely linked to progress in other major global sustainability challenges, including health, hunger, education, and economic development.

LIXIL Corporation, maker of pioneering water and housing products, is committed to progressing Sustainable Development Goal 6: to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. To deliver on its aim to “make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere”,

LIXIL provides solutions that enable everyone to use water in more sustainable, smart, and safe ways and is leveraging its expertise to improve water access and quality and increase water security for communities and nature.

Helping consumers save water with innovative products
LIXIL’s house of brands offers products that cater to many preferences and needs while helping reduce water consumption and increase water safety.

At the heart of LIXIL brand INAX lies cutting-edge technology. Its Navish hands-free faucet, for example, starts and stops water flow automatically, using its built-in sensor technology to reduce water consumption by 30% compared to traditional faucets.
New step change in water-saving technology

LIXIL brand GROHE has recently introduced its upcoming GROHE Everstream water-recycling shower system. Reusing the water within the showering process, it is designed to create a showering experience that meets all expectations while using as little fresh water as possible and far less energy. The shower system cuts water use by up to 75% and energy use by up to 66% for a 10-minute shower.

Scaling up efforts to build sustainable sanitation economies Established as one of the three focus areas in the Corporate Responsibility strategy, LIXIL’s sanitation initiatives aim to innovate solutions to improve sanitation and hygiene for 100 million people by 2025.

As part of this, LIXIL’s brand and social business SATO offers innovative, affordable toilet and handwashing solutions for underserved communities, and partners with organizations, and entrepreneurs, both globally and locally, to increase the availability of products. Just recently, SATO celebrated its first decade in operation, impacting the lives of more than 35 million people in 45 countries.

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Perrin & Rowe introduces Armstrong bathroom collection

March 22, 2023

British manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom fittings, Perrin & Rowe, has introduced Armstrong – its latest bathroom collection. There are 15 new pieces to choose from in a choice of six finishes, from hand-polished Chrome (electroplated to a thickness beyond industry standards) through to 24-carat plated Gold.

Combining an industrial aesthetic with a designer’s eye for balance and proportion, Armstrong offers a luxurious take on a pared-back design trend.

The Armstrong bathroom collection is one of the most comprehensive ranges Perrin & Rowe has ever launched. Choose a single lever basin mixer or a three-hole tap, either wall-mounted or deck-mounted. An iconic freestanding bath-shower mixer is available, as is a complete Shower Set with hand-shower and overhead rose. Accessories include robe hooks, a paper holder, a towel bar or towel ring, and a matching built-in soap dispenser.

Perrin & Rowe Armstrong bathroom deck-mounted basin mixer in Chrome finish

Every piece can be specified in Chrome, Nickel or Pewter along with 24-carat Gold, Polished Brass or Satin Brass for a golden glow. Perrin & Rowe’s two brass finishes are unlacquered, so will develop a unique patina over time, enhancing the beauty of the alloy. For a true industrial look, English Bronze offers a darker metallic finish that brings out the detail of the knurling.

Each tap is made with the highest quality brass, poured by hand at 1700° Fahrenheit into moulds. After machining, specialist polishers develop the deep, lustrous finish. It’s a time-consuming and painstaking task. The freestanding bath-shower mixer, for example, can take over four hours to perfect.

The launch follows the recent success of Perrin & Rowe’s award-winning Armstrong kitchen collection, which has rapidly become one of Perrin & Rowe’s most popular ranges. Now, homeowners and designers can choose industrial-styled brassware across both the kitchen and bathroom.

NEW Perrin & Rowe Armstrong bathroom collection in Satin Brass finish, shown with the Victoria + Albert Barcelona bath

Perrin & Rowe launched the Armstrong bathroom collection simultaneously at London Design Week and at the ISH 2024 industry trade event in Frankfurt, Germany, in March 2023. First customer deliveries are likely to be in the Autumn.

The Inspiration

Perrin & Rowe’s foundry in Wolverhampton is just a short walk from the site of the old Stafford Road Railway Works. From 1858, it produced over 800 steam engines for the Great Western Railway. Most were designed by two brothers, Joseph and George Armstrong. Intended as durable workhorses, their locomotives still stir the emotions today. Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong bathroom collection has been inspired by these brothers, transforming an industrial aesthetic into a model of timeless elegance.

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UWLA – industry has solution for water and energy home efficiency

March 21, 2023

A presentation from the Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) at ISH, the leading trade fair for HVAC + Water, held in Frankfurt this month (March 13-17), concluded that the industry has the solution to better water and energy efficiency in the home with the Unified Water Label.

Speakers from leading companies and brands that support the Unified Water Label shared their commitment to using and promoting the label in order to help them achieve their sustainability aims.

René Marienfeld, senior product design engineer, IKEA, said, “We have embraced the Unified Water Label as it provides easy-to-understand information about the technical features of a product and creates awareness of water and energy consumption. The feedback from our staff, partners and consumers has been really positive and we are excited to be part of the scheme.

Steffan Erath, head of innovation & sustainability at Hansgrohe Group talked about Hansgrohe’s Green Vision beyond Water, and how they see sustainability as an opportunity. Hansgrohe has committed to bringing all of its products onto the Unified Water by the end of 2024, as part of its eco goals for 2030. Steffan said, “Supporting the Unified Water Label provides us with an opportunity to work with the industry and the government to bring about change.”

Carla Rodrigues, executive director of ANQIP, explained how Portugal developed its own Water Label scheme but was one of the first schemes to support the Unified Water Label. She said, “We cannot wait any longer to take steps to combat the impacts of climate change. Aligning our schemes is a logical and easy step.

“We are currently in transition but working towards having one certification and one label for Portugal markets that align with government initiatives and regulation by 2024.”

UWLA CEO Yvonne Orgill said, “We are grateful to our partners and supporters for joining us at ISH to raise the visibility of the Unified Water Label.

“They have shown that the industry has the solution and can lead the change in consumer awareness and behaviour that is required to support the products available.

“It is clear that our message is being heard as the number of enquiries we have had from ISH is phenomenal, with forty six serious enquiries about joining the scheme.”

UWLA president Carlos Velazquez added, “The Unified Water Label is now recognised across Europe and beyond, by companies and governments that have signalled their intention to address climate change and energy efficiency.

“We have an industry led solution that has been identified as the bench criteria for government legislation such as the Taxonomy Directive and within the ISO Standard 31600 as best practice. The newly developed shower criteria in the Energy Technology list also references the Unified Water Label. By working together we are achieving greater visibility in the marketplace, and driving forward significant changes in attitudes to water and energy efficiency.”

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Luxurious fluted ‘Texture’ range welcomes bold graphite grey

March 21, 2023

Bathrooms to Love by PJH has welcomed a bold new matt graphite grey option to its premium fitted bathroom furniture range, Texture, that features a beautiful soft fluted finish to its drawer and door fronts.

Offering high specification storage incorporating luxurious soft-close hinges and drawer boxes, contrasting oak-effect interiors, durable 18mm doors and panels, and plenty of interior drawers and shelves to help organise space, the new Matt Graphite Grey Texture fitted furniture range sits at the top end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture portfolio.

An elegant soft fluted, tactile design creates an aesthetically pleasing play with the light and the range is a perfect choice for adding individuality to bathroom schemes. What’s more, with three handle choices in Matt Black, Brushed Brass or Chrome, designers can coordinate with other products in the scheme, like, as pictured, with Matt Black brassware, shower, enclosure, mirror and lighting.

Responding to the growing trend for adding new textures and finishes to the bathroom, this super-matt Graphite Grey fluted furniture style is a good choice for showroom displays with its beautiful bold looks, flawless fitted design and inviting tactile finish. It is available in a number of unit options, including Basin, WC, Tall, Drawer, Base, Wall and Mirrored cabinets.

It also teams up perfectly with the choice of complementary basins, WC’s, worktops, and colour matching plinths and panels, all available from Bathrooms to Love.

Available from stock on a Next Day Delivery service from PJH’s Partners Portal™ platform, the Graphite Grey Texture range comes fully assembled with a five-year guarantee. Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, point-of-sale material and all marketing collateral.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Baden Bathrooms, Guildford – a Thomas Crapper retailer

March 21, 2023

Designing and installing some of the most beautiful bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites in Guildford and surrounding areas is Baden Bathrooms’ speciality and passion. Owner, Jeremy Fennell, with a 15-year pedigree as a plumber and bathroom installer, along with Ashley Wilson, know exactly what it takes to create functional, long-lasting and beautiful bathrooms for both the retail and interior designer markets.

In 2019, Baden Bathrooms became a high-street favourite in Guildford when Jeremy converted an old curry house, in a quirky 550-year old building, into the modern bathroom showroom it is today. Clients can explore a variety of styles from uber-modern to traditional and, of course, the suppliers have been selected from the very best in the UK and Europe today. Quality and creativity are at the heart of both the product ranges and the service; while the personal touch, with time invested from the very beginning of a project to completion, is where Baden excels.

Thomas Crapper is a relatively new partner for Baden Bathrooms and is already making its mark as the clients’ go-to brand for innovation in the traditional bathroom; the portfolios are proving especially popular for wow cloakrooms where all house guests visit and the family’s personality can shine!

*Pictured is the Thomas Crapper* *Harwood cloakroom basin*.

Jeremy explains more, “We are fortunate to work in one of the most beautiful, and historic, parts of the UK. Not only is the Thomas Crapper bathroom range one of the most highly engineered and striking, the brand is specified to tip a wink to the age and history of the dwellings themselves. It’s a brand which hails from the 1800’s – with all the technology and quality we expect today. The famous high-level cistern, which can be customised in different colours and inscribed with family names (I P Knightly or Stay on Target are recent examples). This service is popular when a client is looking for a personalised, statement cloakroom. Blue and green are favourites and we are generally finding that people who visit boutique hotels, where the trend for the traditional bathroom is stronger than ever, come to us wanting that same look at home.”

“Thomas Crapper has everything we need to create such bathrooms and we do not need to introduce the brand! Everyone knows it. By looking carefully at the demographics of our target areas, we have noticed that the people who have saved on train fares and holidays during the past two years, are those who now want to invest in style in their homes – styles that they will see in pleasure destinations like hotels and restaurants when they are out and about again.”

*Pictured is a personalised* *814 cistern* *in British Racing Green.*

The personal service from the Thomas Crapper team is crucial to Jeremy and Ashley. Ashley comments “We know we can contact our key people at Thomas Crapper at any time – and directly. We have all the mobile numbers and, actually, they are part of our family now! Supply is smooth and dialogue is open at all times which mirrors our ethos with our clients.”

Paul Dwyer, Managing Director of Thomas Crapper concludes, “We choose our retailers carefully; we need to maintain our values and protect the successful, historic Thomas Crapper brand which has undergone a transformation to meet today’s demands. A prestigious high-street specialist retailer such as Baden Bathrooms complements our mission and we are delighted to have them on board!”

For further information on Thomas Crapper, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com and for more information on Baden Bathrooms, please visit www.badenbathrooms.co.uk

*Pictured is a Thomas Crapper bathroom display –* *low level 814 toilet* *set and the Bentham basin and furniture.*

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Roman’s environmental journey continues with electric company cars

March 21, 2023

Shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has further reduced its environmental impact by replacing all company cars with fully electric ones.

Roman says it has furthered its commitment to sustainability by updating all company cars to fully electric, helping to reduce its carbon emissions, the company has electric charging points for all cars installed at its headquarters.

Moving to fully electric vehicles is just a small part of Roman’s environmental journey to becoming carbon-zero. Roman has been working on its environmental credentials for well over 10 years, fully embracing the circular economy and achieving carbon-neutral status in 2021.

According to the manufacturer, all its products are sustainable and it incorporates circular economy principles throughout its supply chain with a focus on recycling before and after the life of a product. For instance, all the aluminium used in Roman’s production is 100% recycled before use and at the end of life as it is extremely easy to recycle aluminium back to its original value.

Likewise, Roman’s solid surface moulding and fabrication plants use material which is a predominantly natural stone – once again it can be reground for re-use.

The brass used for hardware such as Shower Enclosure handles is 100% of recycled material before use, without compromising on strength or functionality. Roman is also working very closely with suppliers of glass and expect to be close to 100% recycled content in 2024.

Additionally, all packaging is made from recycled card and can be fully recycled after its use, all inserts are also card (not polystyrene or plastic).

David Osborne, chief executive officer of Roman, commented: “Moving all company cars to fully electric was the next step on our environmental journey, with the long-term goal of becoming Carbon Zero. As the leading British Shower Enclosure Manufacturer, we give huge focus to sustainability and further breakthroughs will be coming over the next few years.”

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Saniflo show van tours merchants in March, April and May

March 20, 2023

Saniflo – designer and manufacturer of macerators and pumps – is taking its van on the road throughout March, April, and May, touring the UK and Ireland and visiting builders’ and plumbers’ merchants showcasing Saniflo products, plus shower cubicles from its sister brand Kinedo.

Throughout the rest of March, the van will appear at Graham Plumbers Merchants in Eastbourne on the 23rd, and Williams & Co in Minworth on the 30th. The van will tour Ireland from 17-21 April and then appear at City Plumbing Coventry on the 23rd of April. In May, you can catch the Kinedo van on the 2nd at Wolseley in Barnsley, on the 18th at Wolseley in Whitby and at Plumbase in Kings Lynn on the 24th. Saniflo is adding further dates to the itinerary.

Merchants will find the Sanicubic and Sanicom on display, plus shower trays such as the Kinemoon, the Kinerock Evo and the Kineline, which resemble natural stone, and the fully assembled Brooklyn Factory shower cubicle and the Smart Design and Fast 2000 cubicles. The flexible range includes sliding and pivot doors, single panels and folding panels.

Saniflo renovated the van last year, after a three-year break from road trips due to Covid, upgrading the displays to the latest Kinedo products. Previous tours have been a hit, with some merchants taking advantage of the on-site representation from Saniflo to deliver in-branch product training from the Saniflo team whilst on-site, boosting knowledge and sales.

Saniflo UK marketing manager, Amanda Mills, says: “Feedback from merchants confirms that the Saniflo Kinedo road trip is a valuable exercise as their customers and teams can get an authentic feel for the versatility of the Kinedo range and see for themselves how easy to install our shower cubicles are and how stunning they look. We encourage merchants to get in touch to have the van at their branch.

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A marriage of sustainable and innovative solutions

March 20, 2023

Tom Reynolds, BMA CEO, explains why and how the creators and innovators are embracing change.

The global demand for sustainable living spaces has never been more pressing. This urgency, coupled with our innate desire for comfortable yet functional designs, has led to a new breed of innovative products from leading bathroom manufacturers. By embracing water and energy efficiency, these forward-thinking creators combine beauty, functionality, and eco-consciousness. Architects and designers focused on sustainable bathroom design are uniquely positioned to capitalise on these industry advancements, ultimately serving their client’s needs and our planet’s well-being.

One of the most remarkable advancements in this arena is the development of water-efficient taps, showers, and toilets. By adopting neat solutions like flow restrictors, these products ensure that the water used is minimised without compromising user experience. By replacing traditional water facilities with these modern products, residential and commercial spaces can significantly reduce their water consumption.

Energy-efficient bathroom designs are another hallmark of the eco-friendly movement. Manufacturers have unveiled innovative lighting systems that utilise LED technology to drastically reduce energy consumption without sacrificing quality or design aesthetics. Installing sensor-based light switches has also paved the way for green bathroom spaces.

The circular economy is also crucial to bathroom manufacturers with many taking a keen interest in creating products that are not only more sustainable in their use but also at end of life. This means designing products from recyclable materials, making disassembly and recycling more straightforward, and promoting the concept of “design for life” among industry professionals.

For architects and designers, these advancements translate into numerous benefits. Integrating resource-efficient products allows the creation of spaces that adhere to or surpass building regulations concerning water and energy consumption. Moreover, this focus on sustainability often adds a significant competitive edge when presenting designs to prospective clients who are conscious of their environmental footprint.

Additionally, utilising eco-friendly products demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which appeals to both the public and private sectors. As green building certifications, environmental accreditations and a commitment to schemes such as the Unified Water Label increase, designers and architects can showcase their eco-friendly projects to enhance their professional reputation.

The rise in sustainable bathroom design is more than a passing trend – it reflects a collective consciousness that recognises our responsibility to create living spaces that preserve the environment. As bathroom manufacturers continue to innovate and present a line-up of water-efficient, energy-efficient, and recyclable products, designers and architects have many opportunities to marry form and function with environmental stewardship. It’s time to embrace these innovations and create bathroom spaces that not just pamper us but also safeguard our environment for future generations.

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Luxury Steam Room finishes from Siminetti

March 16, 2023

Siminetti natural Mother of Pearl mosaic surfaces are the perfect finish for luxury steam rooms. The movement within the natural mosaic creates an eye catching finish from every angle and with a range of 18 colours, there is a choice for almost every project.

Biscotti

Relax, morning, noon or night in this striking spa finished in Siminetti Biscotti. Designed by Goddard Littlefair of London, for project Southbank, the mosaics roll smoothly over the seating making for a smooth touch finish.

Anthracite

The cool natural tones of Anthracite reflect tranquillity and a return to a statement space. Designed by Hill House Interiors for a private client, the tones within this freshwater pearl mosaic capture movement from every angle, perfect for defining any space.

Gentle Earth

Rolling over these spa loungers at the exclusive Marriot Bonvoy Langley Park Hotel in the UK, the Mother of Pearl is captured beautifully by the ambient lighting, to ensure a tranquil space to relax and drift away.

Napoli Shade

Utilising our sustainable Saltwater Pearl, Napoli shades from the stunning tones of Midnight Pearl through to the vibrant tone of Bianco, drawing the eye over the shade, revealing a striking contrast of colour and movement.

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Water-recycling shower GROHE Everstream to come to market in Spring 2024

March 16, 2023

GROHE, a leading global brand for bathroom & kitchen solutions, has revealed the market launch of its water-recycling shower GROHE Everstream, expanding the brand’s range of bathroom and kitchen products that promote efficient water use and make sustainable choices easier.

The shower will be available to customers from spring 2024. The shower system is currently being field-tested and a training programme for installers is expected to start in the second half of 2023. In addition, GROHE is also aiming to have all GROHE concealed showers water-recycling-ready by 2030.

GROHE Everstream has been designed to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy. The Everstream system uses as little as a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, translating into a cost-saving of up to 65% a year for a four-person household and up to 70% fewer CO₂ emissions, depending on individual shower habits.

Jonas Brennwald, leader, LIXIL EMENA, comments: “Last summer in Europe was one of the driest on record. Water scarcity is affecting us all and it is our responsibility as a water-technology provider to offer solutions that allow consumers to make a difference. Implementing water-recirculating technology in our GROHE portfolio elevates our offering to a new sustainable benchmark and is a milestone for our entire organisation.”

How it works

GROHE Everstream demonstrates how the home can actively and positively shape our personal impact on the planet and its resources. It divides the shower process into three parts allowing users to enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge they are minimising waste.

1) First, users start the shower with fresh water, as with any regular shower.
2) Once finished using the shampoo or soap, the user can switch mode: The water collected in the drain after switching is pumped into a circuit, maintaining the desired temperature, and hygienically treating the water.
3) After use, cleaning takes place to prepare the shower for the next user.

Making water efficiency attractive

“It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art technologies for using water resources sustainably while also creating additional environmental value for water. As we strive towards a circular economy, circularity can also play a much bigger role within our products themselves. GROHE Everstream takes our technology to the next level. We are looking forward to the results of our field-testing of the product, to fine tune it for market launch in 2024,” says David Mainka, leader electronics and innovation R&D

Fittings, LIXIL International

As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability activities as well as its product developments are embedded in LIXIL’s Environmental Vision which calls for Zero Carbon and Circular Living. Water sustainability is one of the focus areas here. The goal is to help people enjoy water while ensuring sustainable water use on a global scale in order to have a positive impact on the planet.

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