Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Installer opens Kinedo-only showroom in Wales

November 3, 2022

After decades in the plumbing trade, Tom Pendrick, a long-serving plumber and installer located in Neath, South Wales, has opened a Kinedo-only showroom, which doubles up as a training centre for local plumbers interested in Kinedo cubicle installation.

Tom first came across Kinedo 20 years ago, and during the past two decades, he’s installed Kinedo shower cubicles in his own properties and those of his customers. Tom’s showroom has the full range of Kinedo cubicles on display, because, he says, there is a unit for everyone.

At Ace Inspirations showroom at The Hub in Neath, Tom displays the new Brooklyn, which has a model with a modern black crittal frame and panels and black shower fittings and is aimed squarely at younger consumers. He also has the Kinemagic Serenity, a family favourite with its fold-down seat and handrail, which is popular with families who have young children but equally favoured by older, less mobile customers who have the peace of mind of a seat and support rails if required. Other models include the Kineprime Contract, with its sturdy one-piece plastic interior and the Eden, Moonlight, as well as a Kinemoon tray and Kinestyle glass panel.

In addition to the showroom, Tom is setting up installer training at his premises for plumbers who want to take advantage of the installation benefits of the cubicles. This would fulfil Tom’s ultimate aim to become a supplier rather than an installer as he ages. As part of the training, he will demonstrate how Kinedo offers a tremendous commercial opportunity for plumbers and fitters who will enjoy repeat business time and time again. Typically, when one customer purchases a Kinedo, a family member or friend tends to do the same.

Tom says: “During my career as a plumber, I have been called out to so many jobs where the issue was leaking showers. I was always interested in solutions that could eliminate that issue. Silicone can degrade over time, and grout can crack. This can seep through wooden walls and floor joists, causing rot and instability. At this point, the customer calls a plumber in, but it can be too late to fix the original shower. I found that the all-in-one cubicles from Kinedo not only address these issues, but they look great, are simple to clean and maintain and can be fitted in a day – including removing an old bath or shower.

“The beauty of installing Kinedo cubicles is that you don’t get called back in to sort aftercare issues. Once fitted, they are also ready for use immediately, so no waiting for grout and silicone to dry. When dealing with the brand, it’s the customer service that sets them apart. During one installation, I lost a blind-headed bolt – the Kinedo technical team sent a replacement – no charge – as well as a few spares in case. They arrived early the next day. The team also did all the legwork to obtain a seal for a discontinued model – which let me fix a customer’s cubicle and made it good for several more years. Everyone in the team is so helpful.”

Keep Reading

Desiring water efficiency is not enough

November 3, 2022

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association shares his thoughts on water-saving progression in the UK.

As the cost of living crisis bites, households up and down the country are looking for ways to reduce monthly outgoings. As we head into winter, more and more people are resisting the temptation to heat their homes as they usually would.

The awareness to reduce our energy consumption is very high, but can we say the same for water? In addition, are consumers fully informed about the energy needed to heat water for baths and showers and where savings can be made?

I’ve spoken numerous times about the UK’s water scarcity challenges and the ongoing efforts by bathroom manufacturers to include integrated water-saving technology in their products. Many products are on or close to market, from recirculating showers and flow regulators to forced-air toilets. Adoption of these products, however, does take an industry-wide awareness effort from manufacturers, retailers, designers and installers.

The BMA commissions Opinium Research bi-annually to provide insights into our sector, and in the latest report collated in July 2022, they looked at showers and the cost of living. The results highlight that when thinking of buying a new shower, price (56%) is the most important consideration for the public. Energy efficiency (49%) and water efficiency (43%) were also important.

More than half (51%) of the British public say their attitude to reducing water use has changed due to the rising cost of living. This grows to 71% of 18-34-year-olds. When asked what they think a reduction in the frequency or duration of showers would cause, 58% believe it would save the amount of water they use. Other knock-on effects include saving money on energy bills (51%) and energy used (48%). The same amount thinks it would save on their water bills (48%).

This research shows a desire from the public to include water-saving measures. While we welcome this, we know this ‘desire’ urgently needs to become a reality to save water and reduce bills.

The BMA secretariat recently attended a meeting organised through the Future Homes Hub to assist in gathering evidence for their project on water efficiency. Many diverse opinions were aired, yet there was a recognition that although manufacturers see a rise in interest in low-use water products, the uptake is disappointing. Ultimately, bathroom fittings can be hyper-efficient, but how they are used and what is expected of them must be understood. Consumers must use water-efficient products as they were designed to be used.

The adoption of water-saving products, using them properly, and reminders about water-efficient behaviour will rely on the continued efforts of our entire sector. This includes designers, and I would encourage them to spark the conversation with customers – highlighting the benefits to their pockets long term and their environmental footprint.

Keep Reading

How to create stylish yet accessible bathrooms for the partially sighted

November 3, 2022

According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), there are estimated to be over two million people living with sight loss or visual impairment in the UK. As the country’s population ages, the RNIB expects this to grow to 2.7 million by 2030.

Whilst we shouldn’t be alarmed by these figures, it does highlight the fact that many people need to consider home modifications to help those with visual impairment navigate their way safely around it.

Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum shares six top tips with details on its range of bathroom furniture, floor and wall tiling, and accessories to help anyone who is partially sighted to use their bathroom with ease.

Victoria Plum designer, Ruth Foster, said: “Living with a visual impairment can make moving around the home much more difficult. Bathrooms are probably one of the smallest but most essential rooms in the house and can often be a challenging environment if you are partially sighted.

“However, there are several ways to make sure the space is safe and functional while still remaining sumptuous and stylish. The best way to do this is to create identifiable zones, levels and contrast throughout the bathroom using colour, texture and accessories.”

Here Ruth shares six design tips to consider when planning an accessible bathroom for a partially sighted person.

Zones and levels

If you look at the top image you can see how zones can be created by having clean, light walls, and contrasting tiles for different parts of your space.

By laying tiles that lead to the toilet, sink and shower enclosure you will create directional prompts and make the bathroom easier to navigate.

Level access can be incorporated into the design, with a wet room enclosure. A darker shower unit and a different texture of tiles underfoot will identify this new zone. These adaptations are subtle, but important.#

2.High contrast design

Using colours such as a dark wood countertop with a white basin, and a black basin tap set against light-coloured tiles, will create contrast that can be recognised easily.

Apply the same rule to tiling and shelving. You can draw attention to shelving and bathroom products by using a bold colour tile above it then use light contrasting accessories so they can be easily reached or identified. Bold coloured towels and accessories against pale coloured tiles also work well.

3.Stylish and functional accessories

Accessories for independent living such as grab rails no longer have the “clinical” look and feel they once did.

Placing a grab rail by the shower on a white wall space, again will improve contrast for the eyes and help to guide the user into the walk-in shower.

Black accents are really on trend so by adding a matte black grab rail your shower will be stylish as well as practical.

Wood effect tiles

Wood can give your bathroom a natural and contemporary look but isn’t always the most suitable material for high moisture spaces.

Wood effect tiling on the other hand is a great way to get the desired look and create a nice contrast between your walls and your sanitaryware.

These tiles extend from the floor onto the wall, allowing the white toilet to stand out against them and create a route to the toilet.

Contrast these with a smooth anti-slip tiles in the shower area, and, in bare feet, the feel between the two will be instantly recognisable.

Smart features

Technology in the bathroom is advancing all the time and there are a few simple smart features you can introduce to help with using it independently.

A smart wall hung toilet will create more space underfoot and is really practical for those with a visual impairment.

This toilet uses a smartphone app for simple operation and personalised user settings. An automatic motion sensor which opens and closes the seat is also a great feature.

Furthermore, constant warm water cleans and dries without the need for wiping, and it has a long-lasting germ-resistant coating and self-cleaning spray arms.

Shower area

To make the shower area safe and accessible for anyone with a visual impairment there are a few simple design tips to follow.

Have a shower tray which is level to the floor, so there is no risk of tripping and use a much lighter colour than surrounding tiles, so it stands out.

This will also future proof the shower for an elderly person or someone with mobility issues.

Use bold colour tiling inside the shower and add shelving for your toiletries with contrasting bottles in different shapes and sizes for each type of product.

Position a digital controller above the grab rail to make it prominent. The bright display makes it easier to see the temperature and control the shower to your preference.

Keep Reading

Laufen introduces Lua – inspirational design at an affordable price

November 3, 2022

Created by esteemed French designer Toan Nguyen, Laufen’s new Lua collection comprises rimless wall-hung and close-coupled WCs and bidets; single and double washbasins; freestanding and back-to-wall bathtubs in durable Marbond composite and acrylic drop-in bathtubs.

Laufen LUA — Lua washbasin, £232, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lua wall-hung WC, £291

The Lua collection is designed to complement LAUFEN’s Lani furniture of wall-hung vanity units, wall cabinets and tall cabinets with a timeless aesthetic to suit any bathroom décor, the series offers savvy storage for compact and spacious bathrooms alike.

Beautifully designed inside and out, Lani furniture offers plenty of space for essentials, with safety glass shelving and compartmentalised drawers. A range of mirrors completes the look.

The Lua ceramic collection is available in Laufens innovative Clean Coat (LCC) finish, which is baked on over the original glaze. This creates a pore-free, practically indestructible surface that ensures grime, limescale and bacteria are easily rinsed away by running water.

Lani furniture comes in a standard palette of White Matt, White Glossy, Traffic Grey and Wild Oak. Also available are three metallic finishes – Gold, Copper and Titanium – and 37 matt colours, ranging from Sage Green and Smokey Blue to Antique Pink and Ochre Brown.

Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua washbasin, £232, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in White Matt, £633, Lani tall cabinet in White Matt, £635.

Pictured very top: Lua wall-hung rimless WC, £525, Lua wall-hung bidet, £525, Lua bidet mixer, £270, Lua freestanding bathtub in White, £2901, Lua wall-mounted bath mixer and hand shower, £294, Lua double washbasin, £1217, Lua basin mixer, from £223, Lani vanity unit in Wild Oak, £1110, Lani tall cabinet in Wild Oak, £794, Lani mirror, £891.

Keep Reading

Engineered for Control: Navigo® by Ideal Standard

November 1, 2022

Created to give users ultimate control of their shower, Navigo® technology from Ideal Standard is incorporated into the shower mixer systems such as the Ceratherm Navigo® range.

Available in both square and round variations, the Ceratherm Navigo® shower mixers have been designed to complement Ideal Standard’s wider offering, featuring a choice of four stylish finishes: chrome, magnetic grey, silver storm and brushed gold. A slim faceplate, of just 10mm offers specifiers and end-users a contemporary, clean appearance with discreet shower symbols located on the control knobs.

Ideal Standard’s Singular™ philosophy approach means there are a number of matching Idealrain shower accessories available too, including rain showers, hand sprays, hoses and wall fixations for a complete shower offering.

The German engineered Navigo® technology features a simple one push-and-turn movement to control water flow at your preselected temperature. The ergonomically designed metal handles have been created with easy-grip grooves that mean it can be use even with soapy or wet hands to easily start or stop the shower.

Safety is front and centre of the technology too, with the FirmaFlow® Therm thermostatic cartridge providing users long-lasting, precise control over temperature settings. Innovative temperature safety technology adds to user’s well-being, by automatically adjusting the flow of hot or cold water if pressure spikes or is lost. Meanwhile, the Cool Body technology works like a protective shield, keeping the controls and body cool to the touch despite the interior flow of hot water.

To ensure flawless performance, Navigo® shower mixers work with built-in installation technology – the Easy-Box. The Easy-Box benefits from a range of smart features, such as the Fast-Fix mounting system. Conveniently positioned fixings facilitate all installation positions, while the fixation feet allow for depth adjustment to make sure application is hassle-free. Easy-to-use connections allow for quick pipe attachment for common sizes, meaning the Easy-Box works for any project – whether it is in-wall, on-wall or in-front-of-the-wall installation, as well as mounting on pre-carrier systems or on prefabricated cells.

To find out more about Ceratherm Navigo®, visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/products/collections/ceratherm-navigo

Keep Reading

The Superplan Zero from Kaldewei

November 1, 2022

Kaldewei is always looking for ways to improve and expand its sustainable offering. Recently this has meant manufacturing its excellent sanitaryware using Bluemint steel which reduces its carbon output by 70 per cent and enables them to produce its luxurious, sustainable bathroom solutions and coining the term Luxstainable.

For over 100 years Kaldewei has continued to create and supply ingenious and stunning eco-friendly sanitaryware and shower trays are a key part of this. The most recent introduction is Superplan Zero a shower surface, which provides a completely floor-level finish. Superplan Zero, is totally flat to the floor, with zero steps, zero edges, and zero compromises. This makes it ideal for bathrooms in both the hotel and hospitality sector as well as for homebuilders. Developed by the award-winning Berlin product designer Werner Aisslinger the Superplan Zero maintains Kaldewei’s green credentials with its luxurious steel enamel base it is both durable and 100% recyclable.

The new shower tray is a great addition to the Kaldewei product collection. Especially as homes and hotels are looking for options that encompass a wide variety of needs. Flat-to-floor shower surfaces are ideal for multi-generational families and especially for barrier-free bathrooms. For example, up to 60 per cent of the floor-level shower can be incorporated into the movement area of the bathroom with the Cayonoplan Mulitspace shower surface, creating a stylish and accessible bathroom for all ages.

www.kaldewei.co.uk

Keep Reading

House of Piccadilly joins Virtual Worlds

October 31, 2022

A new brand to the market, the House of Piccadilly, has made its catalogue available on Virtual Worlds software.

House of Piccadilly offers a diverse range of colours, sizes and styles across its range of products, from radiators to mixer taps. The range is said to cover everything needed to create stunning bathroom designs, from composite stone baths and wash basins, to antique radiator valves. Al its products are imagined and made by plumbing and interior experts, combining an eye for artistry with years of experience in what works best.

“House of Piccadilly is all about celebrating originality, with a vision to develop a brand that is constantly evolving ahead of interiors trends,” explains managing director Harry Pashby. “As a new brand to the market we want to shake things up and provide customers with added value. Joining Virtual Worlds is an important part of this, enabling retailers to include our extra-special piece in their designs with ease, so their customer can enjoy homes that are extraordinary.

“Not only are the products out of the ordinary, but the price point is a key differentiator too. Working with its manufacturing partners, House of Piccadilly can provide the unique styles, varied colours and superior standard that consumers are seeing, at a more widely affordable price.”

Find out more about House of Piccadilly here and for more information visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk or call 01908 663848.

About Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds is a UK leader in innovation-led CAD technology for the KBB market. Since launching in 1998 it is said to be the first company to develop 3D design software for KBB retailers and, most recently, it has launched its new 4D Showroom Technology. Virtual Worlds is a division of Logicom Computer Services (UK) Ltd

Keep Reading

Duravit’s guide to buying taps with Best Match

October 28, 2022

Various decisions need to be taken before buying bathroom taps as the variety of ranges is wide. They differ mainly in design, function, and price, however, aspects such as durability and the economical usage of water and energy are becoming increasingly important. In the following article, Duravit explains how its latest options can accommodate today’s preferences and needs.

Timelessly modern versatility of design

Decisions on the installation of a new bathroom are primarily based on aesthetics, but it is worth noting that a bathroom tends to remain for around 15 years. Modern design is deeply rooted in Duravit’s DNA – product management, the internal development team, an international supplier network as well as external designers such as Philippe Starck, Kurt Merki Jr., Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez, and Bertrand Lejoly collaborate to develop taps and shower sprays. Duravit offers a wide range of design variants for differing styles and holistic bathroom design. There is something for every budget, at a consistently high design quality, and with the durable, easy-to-clean surface options Chrome and Black Matt.

Tap applications for the whole bathroom

Duravit offers single-lever mixers in a range of sizes (S–XL) with an optimum height for all washbasins, from handrinse basins through washbowls. As a complete bathroom supplier, Duravit aspires to offer something for every part of the bathroom: from the washbasin through the shower and bathtub, as surface-mounted and flush-mounted versions.

The Duravit BlueBox®, a universal installation system for a range of tap designs (lever mixers or thermostats), is used for concealed installation. This allows the design decision to be taken even after the basic set has been installed.

Matching range of shower sprays

Shower sprays are the perfect addition in every area – whether in the shower or on the bathtub. Duravit’s optimized range of shower sprays offers something for everyone. Hand showers and showerheads are available from a range of price points and feature different spray modes and surfaces. Functions such as EasyClean for ease of cleaning or the Click! technology for changing spray mode at the push of a button enhance convenience and comfort. A range of designs, from the classic, wide-diameter hand shower through the minimalistic hand shower wand with a cylindrical or square design also guarantee that the optics will be just perfect.

As practical all-in-one-solutions, the shower systems work as a single-lever or thermostat variant and are ideal for renovation work as they do not require complex in-wall work.

Comfortable operation

Ergonomically designed handles that feel pleasant in the hand are a key feature in designing faucets that are comfortable and easy to use. This enables water quantity and temperature to be set exactly.

Thermostat faucets for the shower and bathtub are available as an alternative to single-lever mixers: the advantage of these is that they can be set to the desired temperature, which ensures constant water temperature and irons out fluctuations in pressure.

Sustainable economy functions

The Duravit taps and shower sprays use intelligent technologies to offer concrete economic benefits. In the centre position, energy-saving washbasin faucets with a FreshStart function only produce cold water to start with. Hot water is only added when the handle is deliberately moved to the left. This reduces energy requirements and lowers energy costs and CO2 emissions as hot water is only used in situations where it is needed. Cold water is perfectly adequate for washing hands, cleaning teeth, and watering plants.

With a flow rate of 5.5 l/minute, all Duravit washbasin taps are sparing in their consumption of hot water and energy. The MinusFlow taps are more sparing still, with a flow rate limited to 3.5 l/minute. The AirPlus technology additionally adds air to the water jet, creating a gentle, voluminous stream.

There are also enormous potential savings for water and energy especially when it comes to showering: Compared to standard showers, Duravit MinusFlow hand showers have a reduced flow rate of up to 40%, rising to as much as 60% on the showerheads (MinusFlow showerheads = 9 L/minute, standard hand showers 15 l/minute, standard showerheads 25 l/minute).

Quality and guarantee

Duravit uses high-quality materials for all taps and reliable ceramic cartridges for a long service life. Before launch, the taps are subjected to stringent tests such as washing comfort and splashing behaviour. This guarantees the Duravit Best Match: A configurator developed in-house by Duravit that helps users find the best combination of taps and ceramics for any washing area: www.duravit.com/bestmatch Duravit offers a voluntary five-year guarantee on all taps and shower sprays. Spare parts are kept available for a whole 15 years after each product line is discontinued.

Keep Reading

BETTE reports over 59,000 carbon-neutral, green steel products made

October 28, 2022

As part of its sustainability strategy, since 2021 glazed titanium-steel bathroom manufacturer, Bette, has been using significant quantities of carbon neutral steel, known as green steel.

To date the company has made over 59,000 products from green steel, at no extra cost to customers. Now Bette has added a counter to its website which gives the latest data on products made entirely of green steel and is providing information on its approach to the selection and use of green steel.

Bette CEO, Thilo C. Pahl comments: “Environmental protection has to be done properly – merely going through the motions isn’t going to help our planet. Because of this, Bette purchases green-certified steel based on specific projects being undertaken in the steel producers’ plants to reduce their carbon emissions, rather than trading purely on the basis of certificates. It is by buying green steel made in these plants where change is happening, that Bette is also supporting the transformation of the steel industry.

“We are confident of the advantages of our glazed titanium-steel material, and that our manufacturing methods are as environmentally friendly as possible. However, as with any product, the ecological impact must be considered from the beginning of the supply chain. Bette’s aim is to produce around 50 percent of its baths, shower trays and washbasins from carbon-neutral steel by the end of 2024. However, we must be honest with customers so they understand that our use of carbon-neutral steel will depend on developments in supply and demand.”

The use of green steel is one component of Bette’s sustainability strategy, and is said to have had a significant impact on Bette’s carbon emissions. The company has reported its emissions fell by 10 percent in 2021, and predicts even larger reductions of around 42 percent in 2022.

According to Bette the company is constantly working on improving its resource conservation and is putting its processes and procedures across the entire supply chain to the test. For instance, the company has been generating electricity and heat from combined heat and power plants and from solar for many years. However, a manufacturer’s most important emission is, and will always be, its product, which is why Bette is careful to avoid overproduction: around 70 percent of its goods are manufactured to order; the remaining 30 percent are stock products.

Bette say its products can support a more sustainable circular economy approach, in which products are re-used and recycled. The glazed titanium-steel material from which products are made is so durable that all products come with a thirty-year warranty. This means that Bette’s baths, shower floors and basins have the potential to be re-used, even when the rest of the bathroom is being refurbished or will be sold for re-use elsewhere. The products are made from natural materials, with no plastic and can be completely recycled. They are also extremely easy to clean, with minimum cleaning products required.

The company published a sustainability report for the 2019/2020 reporting period based on the GRI standard (Global Reporting Initiative), and environmental product declarations as per ISO 14025, which have been carried out since 2012.

Bette is showcasing its products’ sustainability benefits at The Sustainability Design Summit in London on November 29.

For further information on Bette’s use of carbon-neutral green steel and the latest on the number of products produced using the material see https://www.my-bette.com/en/about-us/sustainability/green-steel

Keep Reading

Stone Italiana: 2nd Sustainability Report & EPD certification

October 25, 2022

Stone Italiana, a leading quartz and composite surface manufacturer, has published its second annual Sustainability Report and obtained an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) environmental certification for its entire range of surfaces.

The report acts as ongoing public proof of the company’s commitment towards a more environmentally conscious world and achieving a circular economy through greater use of recycled aggregates. All Stone Italiana products contribute credits to LEED-certified projects across four categories

The second Stone Italiana Sustainability Report records an increase in the percentage of recycled raw materials used to 11%, the introduction of a resin binder which is 25% of vegetable origin, and a 21% increase in turnover compared to the forecast. Securing EPDs for the full Stone Italiana range of materials was a goal set and achieved during the reporting period, extending the life-cycle study on all their materials from cradle to grave.

However, providing the design world with sustainable and aesthetically pleasing materials is nothing new according to Stone Italiana; the company has long adhered to an internal Green Vision.

Since 2020, Stone Italiana has focused on promoting its innovative new material Cosmolite^® – high-tech slab material made from inert materials that are 100% derived from recycled minerals. The inert materials are 100% recycled pre-consumer minerals other than quartz and part of the polymeric binder originates from renewable vegetable sources obtained from non-Genetically Modified (non-GM) and Identity-Preserved (IP) plants.

Their Green Vision has also driven the company to continually innovate and focus on increasing the levels of recycled materials across all their products, on creating products that are low VOC and safe for food, and on reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint through the installation of photovoltaics and grid economisers installed at their manufacturing sites.

Stone Italiana materials are available in the UK through Italian Luxury Surfaces Ltd.

About Stone Italiana:

Stone Italia say: Creativity, versatility, production capacity and research are the keywords of a company that since its establishment in 1979 has made its mark on the market with an avant-garde approach to producing engineered quartz and marble. Stone Italiana designs, manufactures and supplies slabs in varying sizes and thicknesses to make them adaptable to a wide range of uses. Stone Italiana has reworked qualities found in nature, such as uniqueness, originality and variety, with high-performance solutions to satisfy an ever more demanding market.

Keep Reading