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Easy & accurate product planning with the new Bette Configurator

Bette Configurator

Bathroom product manufacturer, Bette, has added a new online product configurator to its website: my-bette.com/en to make the planning of its baths, washbasins, shower trays and shower floors easy and accurate. The configurator allows bathroom designers, installers and end customers to put together a product, add relevant accessories and view it from all sides in 3D in the desired colour.

Customers can choose from an enormous variety of bathroom products, dimensions, colours and equipment options using the new configurator, which can be found on each product page of the Bette website.  It means that users can configure their product without having to worry about whether the selected features and accessories are appropriate, because the configurator only provides the options that are available and work together.

Individualisation

The user is shown which dimensions and colours can be selected, which accessories can be used, whether a Bette frame can be chosen and which sealing and installation systems fit. In the case of multi-part products, such as the BetteLux Shape bathtub, which sits within an exterior frame, the configurator allows the user to choose the colour of the bath and frame individually.

Once the configuration process is complete, the user receives a summary, including the final reference number, plus all features and selected accessories. The summary can be downloaded as a PDF, or sent by e-mail as a link, so that it can be shared for example with a retailer or designer. If the link is called up again at a later time, the configuration can also be edited again.

Benefits for bathroom designers, installers and end customers

For end customers, the new service means they can share their desired product configuration with their retailer, and this is made even easier as the retailer search facility is directly below the summary. Bathroom planners can tailor products on the screen for discussion with the customer, face to face. Installers can also benefit from the practical tool, as they can view and check possible product combinations. For example, the planning aid ensures that the correct fittings and installation systems are automatically preselected when the height of the finished floor is entered. Simple instructions on how to use the product configurator can be found at www.my-bette.com/en/service/configurator

Sven Rensinghoff, Head of Marketing & Product Management says: “The idea was to develop a tool with which bathroom products can be configured easily, accurately and quickly – without a lot of scrolling and without a lot of text. Bathroom planners, installers and end customers can quickly find the perfect product thanks to the intuitive controls. And for Bette, it’s another important building block in the digitalisation of our sales.”

For more information see my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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United Water Label launches primary school project to celebrate Water Saving Week

UWLA Schools Project

The Unified Water Label Association has launched a school project to celebrate Water Saving Week (23- 27 May).

A pilot project was run in two primary schools in Kent, earlier this year, with the results and feedback from this shaping the school’s pack, which will be available to download from the UWLA website, from 06 June.

The project pack includes templates and information to guide schools through their own project.  Activities such as water-themed tasks, including a fun water survey that children can do at home. There is guidance on how to bring the results back to class, record and discuss. All tasks have been designed to link into the National Curriculum.

A short PowerPoint presentation on the origins of water is also available. This covers how water is used, and wasted with an explanation of the ‘Water Label’.

The pilot project also included a poster competition for Key Stage 2 pupils, with a theme of ‘saving water’.  Prizes were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and all entries received a free UWLA water bottle. The winning posters are displayed in local shops and businesses.   

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “It is really important that we reach hearts and minds on water efficiency as early as possible.  The school project will encourage children to learn about environmental issues and to think about the consequences of their choices and behaviours.  By developing a greater understanding of the need to use water wisely and the link between water and energy efficiency, we can collectively make a difference for the benefit of the planet.”

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Opening today at #CDW2022 – the Tokyo Project by TOTO

TOTO The Tokyo Toilet

TOTO, a leading Japanese sanitary ware company, has announced a new exhibition at its Concept gallery space in Clerkenwell, London. THE TOKYO TOILET Project (an initiative of The Nippon Foundation) will feature 12 exemplary projects by leading architects and designers including works by Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, and Kengo Kuma. This unique project will be exhibited at TOTO Concept Gallery in Clerkenwell as part of CDW 2022.

TTO tell us Japan is one of the world’s cleanest countries. Even public toilets have a higher standard of hygiene than in other places. Nonetheless, people try to avoid using them as many are considered dark, dirty and scary. To dispel these misconceptions, the city government in Shibuya – one of Tokyo’s 23 districts – started working with the Nippon Foundation in 2020 to build new public toilets or renovate existing ones. The 17 small structures were designed by 16 renowned architects and designers. They all feature modern, inviting architecture and hygienic, accessible sanitary facilities. This is also an expression of Japan’s world-renowned hospitality culture or Omotenashi – in this case, people think about ensuring that the toilet is clean and fresh for the next person to use. As Japan’s leading manufacturer of sanitary ware, TOTO is contributing its expertise to suggest fixtures and layouts in each toilet.

THE TOKYO TOILET Project wants visitors to enjoy a friendly, clean public toilet at any time or day or night. TOTO supported the creative minds on the project to explore what would make using a public toilet safe, simple and hygienic. Ensuring maximum accessibility was also important: All people should be able to use public toilets at any time, whatever their gender, age or physical limitations. It’s also important to ensure the highest possible standard of hygiene with the appropriate products and regular cleaning.

Extensive research

When working on the new concepts, TOTO explored what would make using a public toilet both safe and comfortable for people.

All inclusive

An important aspect was ensuring that people with disabilities could use public toilets easily, including the consideration that those in wheelchairs need extra space. At the same time, bathroom stalls that are too large can be uncomfortable for the visually impaired. The studies also took into account the needs of parents with small children as well as the elderly.

Hygienic

TOTO provided information about regular maintenance and cleaning, including details about sterile, antibacterial fixtures. By November 2020, seven of the 13 planned projects had been completed – including ones in Ebisu Park (architect: Masamichi Katayama Wonderwall), Jingu-Dori Park (architect: Tadao Ando) and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park (architect: Shigeru Ban).

“We hope that the project will give international visitors the opportunity to experience a sense of Japanese hospitality. We also hope that we can introduce the culture of clean, comfortable toilets created by TOTO to the rest of the world,” read the statement from Satoshi Shirakawa, Executive Vice President and Representative Director TOTO Ltd.

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Formica launches European flagship showroom in Clerkenwell

Formica Clerkenwell

Formica Group, a leading manufacturer of laminates, has announced the launch of its European flagship showroom, based in Clerkenwell, London.

The showroom is a hub for architects, designers and specifiers to immerse themselves in Formica Group’s diverse and innovative range of laminate solutions for everything from doors and work surfaces, to furniture, wall panelling and washrooms.

Tracey Hopkins, head of specification & business development UK and Ireland explains: “We’re delighted to officially open the Formica Group showroom in time for the Clerkenwell Design Week in May. It will serve as a vital destination for customers to experience Formica® laminate first hand, learning more about the versatility and many benefits of incorporating our laminates into their interior design and commercial projects, and to have one-on-one time with our experts.”

Situated in a prime London design location, the Formica Group showroom invites those wanting to view the full spectrum of colours, woods, patterns and metal laminates to book an appointment with the showroom team.

Visitors will also enjoy Formica Group’s own time tunnel – charting the company’s history and rich pedigree in interior surfacing innovation, and a samples zone that displays the Formica® Collection, including the newly launched ‘Colors’ and ‘Woods’ ranges for 2022.

A breakout area, presentation room and area showcasing the wide range of Formica® worktop solutions comprise the lower floor, completing the showroom’s multi-functional and interactive offering.

Tracey adds: “Laminate has kept pace with the evolving trends and expectations in cross-sector interior design. Now more than ever, with material shortages and increasing costs, it is an ideal material for architects and designers to include in their projects – from large scale hospitality to bespoke healthcare clinics and commercial offices – and we encourage people to come and see for themselves at our Clerkenwell showroom.”

Visitors to the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week (24-26 May) can visit the Formica Group showroom as part of the prestigious festival’s participating showroom collection.

The Formica Group showroom can be found at: 5 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5PE

To book a visit, and view the new ‘Colors’ and ‘Woods’ introductions, visit: www.formica.com/ukshowroom

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PJH invests in a new marketing technologies suite to enhance the retail journey

PJH

KBB Distributor PJH has launched a suite of innovative new technology tools that are designed to support both its retailers and their customers through the ‘research’ element of the sales journey.

Embracing ‘try before you buy’, one of the key new technologies is Augmented Reality (AR). PJH’s AR tool is facilitated through QR codes on its printed brochures and sales literature that allows those with a smartphone or tablet to see not only additional product features and benefits but also visualise products in a real-world environment.

Also launched is PJH’s new Virtual Reality (VR) tool, which using a PJH VR headset transports customers to a ‘virtual’ environment where they can not only view products but also interact with them for the totally immersive experience of being in PJH’s vast showroom.

Speaking about the new technology marketing support tools, Sally Hough, PJH’s Multi-Channel Marketing Manager, said: “The benefits to our retailers are enormous; the AR and VR allows them to demonstrate more products than their current range of displays, it allows them to support consumers, now able to experience products in their own space, on their buying journey, and also easily demonstrate product features.”

Sally added: “The end consumer is extremely tech savvy and looking increasingly to new technologies as an integral part of their buying process, especially when researching product features and benefits where being able to get a ‘real-world’ feel for a product can help secure a sale.”

  • PJH invests in new marketing technologies

The new marketing technologies suite supports PJH’s existing marketing materials such as brochures, point-of-sale and its virtual showroom, which together forms part of its aim to allow both customers and the consumer to “Imagine, Experience, Realise” its portfolio of bathrooms, appliances, sinks and taps.

To find out more about PJH’s latest Marketing Technologies suite, contact the company on:- Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the e-commerce site: www.partners.pjh.uk

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Duravit selected for Deichman Library in Oslo

As part of its sustainability concept, the Deichman Library selected toilets from the Happy D.2 range as well as electronically powered DuraStyle urinals from designer bathroom manufacturer Duravit in order to optimise water usage, hygiene, and shorten cleaning times.

Passivhaus standard

When viewed from the outside, the striking elements of the Deichman lLbrary are its sloping frontage and glass façade. Another truly outstanding feature is the fact that the building meets the Passivhaus standard, resulting in a saving of 50 per cent of emissions compared to similar buildings. This was achieved using an innovative façade structure, novel ventilation systems and cooling with seawater, as well as the use of recycled materials.

  • Deichman Library
  • Deichman Library

Library with a clear view of the fjord

Norway’s library is located centrally in the Bjørvika district between Oslo’s main railway station and the opera. It was designed by the architecture firm Lund Hagem Architekter AS in collaboration with Atelier Oslo and attracts millions of visitors a year. The building has six floors that are held in place by three towers, creating an open space in the center of the building that forms an atrium.

This openness, the elongated façade windows, and the lighting shafts generate an inviting ambience bathed in daylight with a clear view of the fjord.

Unique concept
The library is accessed via three central entrances in the east, west, and south. The exterior merges into the interior on the ground floor, where visitors are fluidly guided into the foyer. Diagonal light shafts that extend across all floors distribute additional light to the entrance zones.

At the heart of the design is the continuous central library room. Additional library rooms are located on the upper levels. The building also houses an auditorium, workshops, reading rooms, a cinema, offices, and various stacks.

The building’s overall concept generates a unique impression: in addition to the actual lending and reading of more than 400,000 books, there is a year-round program of concerts, fairs, workshops, and various courses for all ages. Visitors can while away some time in the restaurant and cafeteria with roof terrace, which offers not only food and drink but also a dash of hygge.

The Deichmanske Library is one of Norway’s most illustrious and largest public libraries. It can trace its origins back to 1785 following the death of the businessman and industrial pioneer Carl Deichman, who not only lent his name to the library but also bequeathed his collection of 6,000 books to the city and its residents, which still today form the foundation of the library’s collection.

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Houzz Pro adds Augmented Reality feature to 3D Floor Plan tool

Houzz Pro

Home renovation and design platform Houzz has announced the addition of a new Augmented Reality feature for its Houzz Pro 3D Floor Plans to enable residential construction and design professionals to ‘walk’ clients through a virtual tour of a finished project.

With the AR view for 3D Floor Plans, professionals can provide a life-sized walkthrough to better communicate the value of making major changes to a home, such as adding or removing walls, windows, cabinets or islands. They can also show clients how proposed products and materials, such as worktops and furniture, will fit within their homes, speeding up the decision making and purchasing process.

The 3D Floor Plan tool is included with any subscription to Houzz Pro, which is said to help design and trade professionals run an efficient business and make it easy for them to reach new customers.

“At Houzz, we’re focused on building technologies that make the home renovation and design experience more productive and enjoyable for industry professionals and their clients,” said Alon Cohen, Houzz co-founder and president.

“In the past year, the number of 3D Floor Plans created using Houzz Pro has more than tripled, signifying the important role that visual tools play in client communication. Now, we’ve created a true AR-enabled experience for residential construction and design pros to immerse their clients in a proposed renovation or redesign and better visualise how their space will be transformed.”

The Houzz community includes more than 65 million homeowner and home design enthusiasts and over 2.7 million home renovation and design professionals around the world in more than 100 categories, including architects, interior designers, builders and landscape professionals. 

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Origins Living introduces new Ludgate & City mirrors

Bathroom Origins

Leading mirrors, storage and accessories specialist Origins Living has introduced two new mirror designs – the Ludgate and City. Each model has been designed with an attractive display shelf.

Co-founder Sofia Charalambous explains: “We have hand-picked these mirrors to give you the best of both worlds – two ultra-contemporary designs which not only look super-stylish but also come with a practical shelf to provide ample room for storing everyday items or prized possessions.”

The Ludgate Mirror with Shelf features a durable, curved stainless steel frame in a unique architectural profile, which incorporates a shelf within this design. Available in chic black or brushed brass, users can choose which finish to match or contrast with their personal bathroom decor.

The modern City Mirror with Shelf features a striking metal surround with a shelf, which has been crafted within the base of the mirror. Choose from a striking white or sleek black finish to add the perfect finishing touch to your distinctive bathroom scheme. 

Please contact co-director Sofia Charalambous at sofia@originsliving.uk for more details.

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VitrA explores the power of colour at Clerkenwell Design Week

VitrA CDW

VitrA is bringing the immersive art installation ‘Colour Rush’ to Clerkenwell Design Week as part of the global bathroom brand’s year-long cultural programme around the theme of colour.

“We’re delighted to be part of Clerkenwell Design Week in 2022, alongside some of the best names from the creative industry,” says Margaret Talbot, VitrA Regional Marketing Manager Europe and UK. 

“The 2022 Festival marks a double celebration for VitrA as it’s also the first birthday of our VitrA London hub located in the heart of the design district. We’re delighted to welcome the A&D community and beyond to experience engaging talks and events and see our latest products showcased in an inspiring space alongside the latest technology for specifiers.”

Margaret adds, “Colour is central to our cultural programme in 2022, with a stellar line-up of commentators, experts and practitioners joining us to explore all things colour. Watch this space!” 

The VitrA London showroom is situated in Clerkenwell’s award-winning Turnmill Building by Piercy & Co, with showroom interior by TP Bennett. As part of this year’s festival, VitrA has commissioned internationally acclaimed artist Lothar Götz to create the site-specific installation Colour Rush. A reflection on the act of seeing itself, the artwork is experienced from inside and outside, subtly shifting perceptions of space, colour and objects as the light changes over time.

“The shapes in Colour Rush are about connecting what’s already there; the geometries created by our own eyes when we look at buildings and spaces. Like a three-dimensional painting, the artwork creates abstract space,” says Götz.

Influenced by spatial experiences tempered by coloured light including Moroccan bathrooms, King Ludwig II’s Oriental eyrie at Schloß Schachen in Bavaria and Baroque ecclesiastical architecture, the VitrA art commission incorporates themes of colour, geometry, perspective and thresholds. Externally it responds to the architecture of the Turnmill building. Internally it interacts with VitrA’s displays, colouring bathroom products and tiles as well as the spatial experience so we see everything in a new light.

Tuesday: Colour + Me event

In the event Colour + Me on Tuesday 24 May (6pm), VitrA London brings together a group of industry experts to discuss the psychology of colour in design and art. Featuring Götz, Rhonda Drakeford of Studio Rhonda and Darkroom, and VitrA Design Director Erdem Akan in conversation, the event is moderated by colour expert and trend forecaster Jane Boddy.

Wednesday: Virtual Reality

On Wednesday 25 May (10am – 5pm) VitrA London is partnering with Virtual Worlds to host a series of drop-in virtual reality experiences, with visitors invited to explore immersive bathroom spaces using VitrA’s 4D theatre.

Thursday: Drinks reception

To mark the final day of Clerkenwell Design Week (Thursday 26 May) an evening drinks reception will be hosted in the showroom from 6pm.

RSVP to all events via this link.

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Industry must tackle confusion over water efficiency if targets are to be met

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says proposed government targets on water efficiency are meaningless without more education and promotion of the Unified Water Label.

The government is committed to delivering the UK’s 25-Year Environment Plan and the first period of public consultation on target setting is now drawing to a close.  Within this there is a target for household water use of 110 litres per person per day.

This is an ambitious target but the real issue is how many consumers understand what 110 litres of water looks like, or even know how much water they typically use in their daily shower.

Until we can educate consumers on how much water they use in the home, and give them a means to measure and make choices then these targets are meaningless and will never be met.

If we want consumers to take on board the government targets we must promote the use of the Unified Water Label so consumers can understand the impact their choices make and we can help them to become more water savvy.

For example, a typical modern shower may be using 12 litres a minute, research shows that a typical showering time is 7 minutes; giving a total of 84 litres used by just the one shower.  This is about 70% of the daily target, not leaving much for all the other washing/ WC flushing that takes place on a typical day.

If the industry comes together to provide more education and the consumer understands why water matters and what they can do, they could select a product that uses less.  Choosing a shower that uses 10 litres a minute and spending less time in the shower, say 5 minutes, reduces that 84 litres to 50 litres, without any loss of performance from the product or experience of the shower.

We are making progress, the Unified Water Label is currently used extensively by over 10,500 architects on new building projects and supported by a database of products across 14 categories – over 13,500 individual products at this time.  Global home furnishing brand IKEA, and leading German DIY retailer Globus both promote the Unified Water Label across their sustainable bathroom and kitchen products.

If we are serious about helping government reach these targets we must all work together to focus on promoting the label and educating the consumer to ensure that we can manage the pressure on our water supplies, matching supply and demand without damaging the environment.

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