Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

VitrA V-Box takes to the airwaves

February 10, 2022

VitrA has chosen Fix Radio, a station dedicated to building, plumbing and electrical trades, to promote its innovative V-Box thermostatic shower valve installation system.

The on-air advertising campaign, which has been running since late autumn, highlights the easy installation benefits of the V-Box system.

“We knew that Fix Radio was a great way to reach our target customers”, commented Margaret Talbot, VitrA marketing manager for the UK and Europe.

“Consumers like the sleek, uncluttered look of a concealed shower, especially now that minimalist walk-in shower enclosures are so popular. V-Box makes installing a concealed shower fast and simple. Using a radio station dedicated to trades allowed us to get our message across quickly and effectively,”

Box offers complete flexibility to fit any bathroom design. It enables three water outlets (bath, hand shower and showerhead) and can be used with a range of square or built-in round mixers. For 3-way showers (bath spout, hand shower and showerhead), select a 1-way thermostatic shower mixer and 3-way diverter. V-Box can be trimmed to fit a 77mm wall depth standard in the UK and is compatible with VitrA’s thermostatic shower mixers.

www.VitrA.co.uk

Keep Reading

Utopia introduces three new stand out brochures

February 9, 2022

With another major product launch imminent, Utopia has introduced three new dedicated brochures.

Designed to provide clear focus to its largest range of furniture to date Utopia has split its offering to provide a focused solution for Fitted Furniture, Modular Furniture and the Roseberry painted timber collection, whilst also comprehensively covering its complementary products portfolio.

With significant product launches across the board this Spring, the brochures feature new imagery to inspire consumers as well as suggesting creative and imaginative solutions for every bathroom type.

In keeping with its environmental policy, Utopia is acutely mindful of the impact of brochure production. Whilst many people view brochures online with the option to download them, there is still a definite requirement for a printed brochure and the company has therefore taken advantage of the latest developments in paper sourcing and printing techniques to minimise the impact of this.

As Helen Clark, Utopia’s Head of Marketing, explains “Working closely with our ISO14001 accredited printing partner, we have specified that all paper used is not only FSC certified but also ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free), which means it has been bleached using chlorine dioxide as opposed to the more harmful chlorine gas method. In addition, the printing process uses vegetable-based inks and water-based coatings, and a minimum of 40% of each brochure is recycled material.”

Utopia has also opted to go one step further by paying an additional supplement to carbon balance the paper through the World Land Trust, an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats acre by acre.

Keep Reading

Splashpanel Premium decors elevate design scope of PVC bathroom wall panels

February 8, 2022

The Splashpanel PVC bathroom wall panelling range has been extended with a new Premium collection. Eight exclusive designs have been introduced that mirror natural materials such as marble, stone and quartz, elevating the design scope of this easy-to-install product more than ever.

Available in 1000mm and 1200mm x 2400mm x 10mm sized panels, the new Splashpanel Premium decors range from timeless white Calacatta Marble through to sophisticated Pietra Antracite (pictured), with the ever-increasing grey trend reflected in all hues across the designs. The collection offers a choice of four gloss decors and four that feature a contemporary matt finish.

Ideal for fitting in shower enclosures, around baths and in wetrooms, the 100% waterproof Splashpanel system offers a practical cost-effective alternative to tiling. Durable yet lightweight thanks to their 10mm thick cellular PVC structure, the panels can be fixed over existing surfaces, including tiles, for fast refurbishment or alternatively they can be bonded to a flat wall surface. Splashpanel’s grout-free and non-porous surface assures a hygienic and easy to clean wallcovering that is resistant to mould, bacteria and stains. The panels are FR rated and backed by a 5-year domestic warranty.

Splashpanel Premium is part of the comprehensive PanelStyle collection of PVC wall and ceiling panelling which also includes the standard Splashpanel range, Splashpanel Narrow, Proplas and Proplas Tile. The full PanelStyle collection offers a total of 59 contemporary decors.

The PanelStyle range is available ex-stock for delivery in 24-48 hours from IDS branches nationwide. Contact t: 0845 023 0374, email info@panelstyle.co.uk, or visit www.panelstyle.co.uk

Keep Reading

Sealskin to launch in the UK with Duka 5000 series

February 8, 2022

Leading showering solutions business Coram UK has announced the British launch of showering brand, Sealskin and the ‘Sealskin duka’ collection.

Sealskin has partnered with the leading Italian shower enclosure brand duka, bringing to the retail market, the Acqua 5000, Pura 5000 and Libero 5000 range of enclosures – featuring tailor-made design and cutting-edge innovation.

Coram’s current brand portfolio includes Impey wetrooms and Geesa bathroom accessories.

More news from Sealskin.

For further information visit the website.

Keep Reading

Roca Group to reveal latest product innovations at kbb Birmingham

February 8, 2022

Roca Group will be exhibiting at leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design show, kbb Birmingham. Brands Roca, Laufen and Cosmic will showcase their latest design innovations in Suites 32-34, situated by the main bathroom entrance in Hall 20 at the NEC Birmingham.

Alan Dodds, UK Managing Director, Roca Group comments, “we are looking forward to kbb Birmingham immensely, it is always a great event and a good opportunity for us to meet with our customers and colleagues. We have some exciting new products to share including launching our new Mediterranean-inspired Ona collection from Roca. It is a truly stand out product and we feel retailers and designers are going to love the design as well as the fact it is a complete bathroom collection.”

ROCA

Roca will be exhibiting a range of products including its brand-new Ona Collection, which will be on display in the UK for the first time. Inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and developed by the Roca Design Centre team in collaboration with design studios Noa Design and Benedito Design, Ona features some of Roca’s latest innovations, such as Fineceramic® and Stonex® material. The collection also features Everlux coloured finishes and Supraglaze® ceramic coatings. The collection includes basins and furniture, brassware, baths, accessories, WCs and bidets.

Visitors will also be able to see a working demonstration of the In-Wash® In-Tank® smart WC, which combines maximum intimate hygiene and greater freedom of installation. In-Wash® In-Tank® is reportedly the only shower toilet on the market that has an integrated cistern – meaning it offers streamlined installation and easy maintenance.

LAUFEN

Laufen will be showcasing its design capabilities with a range of new products on display. This includes the new LUA collection, designed by Toan Nguyen. Offering an exceptional combination of functionality and timeless forms, the design is orientated to round shapes that continue in linear architectural lines. Setting new standards in design, durability and furniture finishes.

The award-winning ‘The New Classic’ collection designed under the creative leadership of Dutch designer Marcel Wanders will be on display along with the VAL cloakroom basins, a compact range designed to make the best use of the restricted space in demanding bathroom layouts. The sleek basins use Laufen’s SaphirKeramik to maximise space and functionality. Laufen’s Cleanet Riva shower toilet, designed by Peter Wirz, will be showcased for the first time in matt black ceramic.

COSMIC

The group will also present a selection of bestsellers from the Cosmic brand, including basin, furniture and accessories collections. In addition to these, kbb offers the perfect platform to unveil ORIGIN, a brand new and exciting brassware collection. Designed by the Cosmic studio, ORIGIN comprises eight pieces across two colours, Chrome and Matt Black. With a 5.5 litre/minute flow limiter, progressive cartridge controlling flow and temperature and also a hidden aerator, ORIGIN offers high functionality with a timeless aesthetic.

For more information about Roca visit www.roca.com for information about Laufen visit www.laufen.co.uk and for more information on Cosmic visit cosmic.com

During kbb Birmingham, visit the Roca Group Team in Suites 32-34.

Keep Reading

Luxurious PJH baths welcome new grey finish

February 7, 2022

Satisfying the continued popularity of the many shades of grey appearing in bathroom design, PJH has introduced a beautiful new grey finish to its freestanding bath range in its Bathrooms to Love Collection.

Perfect for coordinating with PJH’s bathroom furniture collections that come in a wide selection of grey tones and textures – such as matt graphite, onyx grey gloss, grey ash and pearl grey gloss – the new freestanding grey bath option is now available on selected models.

As pictured, the contemporary Belmont bath stylishly teams a soft grey satin exterior with a pure white interior adding depth and great looks to this double-ended tub. As one of PJH’s best selling floor-standing baths, this design-led model offers luxurious bathing at its best with a generous 245 litres water capacity and dimensions of 1700 (L) x 780 (W) x 670 (H)mm. It’s elegant bateau shape and fine edges make it a popular choice with discerning consumers.

Meanwhile the Harlesden freestanding bath range also welcomes the same grey finish, joining a black and a white exterior finish already available on this equally modern design. A floor-standing double-ended bath, the curvaceous Harlesden in grey measures in at 1655 (L) x 745 (W) x 580 (H)mm with a water capacity of 220 litres. Both grey models include a pre-fitted integrated waste.

With a premium specification, the new additions are made from high grade smooth acrylic which gives rise to durable and long-lasting features such as, a flawless finish, streamlined curves and edges, and a heat-retaining surface.

A 20-year quality guarantee accompanies the new grey freestanding bath range, as featured in the current Bathrooms to Love Collection by PJH – and the new range is now available for ordering via PJH’s e-commerce platform, the Partners Portal™.

For more information, contact PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit www.partners.pjh.uk and www.bathroomstolove.uk

Keep Reading

Ca’ Pietra is now available on Virtual Worlds

February 7, 2022

Ca’ Pietra’s first launch on to Virtual Worlds includes decorative tiles, porcelain and marble and an array of decorative highlights and classic materials, as well as its successful National Trust Tile Collection.

For over three generations Ca’ Pietra has been creating inspirational tile collections for interiors. Reflecting and setting trends with distinctive patterns, colours, textures, finishes and effects that enable consumers to make a statement in their home and stand out from the crowd.

Ca’ Pietra Creative Lead Grazzie Wilson said: “We believe that every home deserves a statement tile. Whether that tile is patterned, textured, an interesting shape or size or even a colour combination or finish. We can’t wait to see the projects designed in Virtual Worlds with our stone and tiles.”

“By designing with Virtual Worlds, retailers can very easily show their customers what a difference their tile choice can make, shifting between different styles, shapes and colours with ease,” explains Virtual Worlds Managing Director Nathan Maclean. “This is particularly beneficial for manufacturers like Ca’ Pietra, whose tile collection is designed to really make a statement in the home, as the software really shows this off.”

Learn more about Ca’ Pietra at www.capietra.com and for more information on Virtual Worlds call 01908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

Keep Reading

PORCELANOSA Group launches new collections

February 7, 2022

The Spanish multinational has revealed its new collections with more natural finishes and technological solutions.

“Our investment in R&D&I and ongoing dialogue with architects and interior designers have led us to explore new material formulas and uses, meaning we’re placing a priority on the quality and practicality of each product, rather than the merely aesthetic”, states a company representative.

Porcelnosa’s seven main showrooms will house new room schemes to demonstrate the use of materials in the months to come.

Solidker, the full-body porcelain of the future

Porcelnosa claim Solidiker porcelain is the first full-body solution that uses the same raw material from the surface through the whole of the tile body, and benefits from an extremely low level of water absorption (≤ 0.2%).

The Dakota and Seattle series are floor tiles made for large-scale projects. The customisable design comes in three neutral tones (Grey, Sand and Black) and various formats (120 cm x 120 cm and 59.6 cm x 120 cm), and is inspired by ultra-sophisticated quartzite. The collection will elevate the look of the room and make it safer too, thanks to the relief and non-slip properties.

The neutral colours of Seattle tiles – Grey, Sand and Topo – combined with the cement textures and balanced colour palette, will lend a sense of style to spaces.

For bathrooms Noken has introduced sensory designs with the Finish Studio aesthetic, compatible with Essence C Compact washbasins in nine colours, signature Lignage taps designed by architect Ramón Esteve, winner of the Best Design Award at the 2019 IF Design Awards, Lounge toilets with a new matte black and white look, and Round pieces in a brushed gold finish.

In the furnishings category, the company presents its Forma collection with vibrant new finishes such as Merlot red, Forest green and Almond beige.

Aiming to promote the efficient use of energy and natural resources, the company has designed touchless flushes and taps (Round). with sensors and I-Smart technology that enable users to tailor the amount of water and soap they use.

For Porcelanosa’s latest kitchen designs visit www.kitchens-review.co.uk

Keep Reading

Get ready to raise the bar

February 7, 2022

Bathroom Manufacturers Association chief executive, Tom Reynolds explains why water efficiency and decarbonisation are intricately linked, and what this means for a sustainable future.

“The relationship between water efficiency and decarbonisation is gaining attention like never before.
When Environment Secretary George Eustice published a statement to parliament setting out plans to reduce domestic water consumption in July last year, there was a collective sharp intake of breath.

“An estimated 6% of the UK’s carbon impact is linked to the management of water resources. Furthermore, after space heating, water heating is the next most carbon-intensive operation in the home, so if the country is to meet its net-zero ambitions, change needs to happen.

“As a sector, bathroom manufacturers are innovating and designing to meet this new focus on water efficiency. What can be done to speed up the process of launching new water technologies, and can we encourage more homeowners to prioritise water savings when they pick a new bathroom?

“These are the issues being addressed at BMA’s upcoming Sustainability Forum, on Monday 7 March, Suite 28, NEC Birmingham. Now in its third year, the Forum has covered an extensive range of topics, with expert speakers giving their insights and pressing for action from both policymakers and the industry itself.

“The next meeting of the open forum, taking place alongside KBB Birmingham, will be about consolidation. Giving the full picture of the environmental policies affecting our sector right now and in the immediate future. Speakers include Eirini Passia, Consultant for ICF, BEIS research partners, Dr Nathan Richardson, Waterwise, and Justine Bullock, Co-Creator, The Tap End.

“We will also host a joint networking lunch with BMF Kitchen and Bathroom Forum.

“Climate change is already putting pressure on the natural environment in the UK and impacting on our water resources.

“Extreme weather events, unpredictable water availability and changes in water cycle patterns globally mean we must become more efficient with this precious natural resource. In 2019, BMA members decided that sustainability is a strategic priority for the association and that led to the creation of this open forum. It provides manufacturers, designers, retailers and architects an opportunity to hear from thought-leaders and exchange ideas to help the whole sector raise the bar.

“This is the fifth meeting of the forum, and as usual, it is attracting a top-notch speaking panel to lead discussions on a broad-ranging agenda. It is open to anyone connected to the bathroom sector with an interest in sustainability.”

The forum is free to BMA members and is £39+VAT for non-members.

Book your place here.

Keep Reading

Roca Group launches global corporate venturing fund to invest 25 million in startups

February 7, 2022

Roca Group has launched a corporate venturing fund endowed with 25 million euros. The company will Invest in start-ups and entrepreneurial projects that develop their activity in priority areas for the company.

Through this fund, called Roca Group Ventures, the company plans to allocate between 0.5 and 2 million euros per project, to finance those initiatives that demonstrate the greatest potential. Roca Group estimates that, within five years, the investment portfolio will comprise of between 10 and 15 companies.

For the launch of Roca Group Ventures, Roca Group will work with Alantra, a financial services and asset management firm specialising in investments and operations of this kind. Alantra will advise the fund in the deal flow process.

Roca Group Ventures will also support Roca Group’s commitment to sustainability, as through this fund the company will prioritise start-ups that focus on environmentally friendly practices, extending its green strategy to all the projects it works with.

Four areas of development and innovation

Roca Group defined four business areas of interest in the search of opportunities: wellness and smart bathrooms; new businesses and materials; energy efficiency and rationalisation of water consumption; and, lastly, operational excellence in its industrial processes.

Regarding wellness and smart bathrooms, the company will seek technological resources that, through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and connectivity, improve the usability of devices; contribute to the development of eco-friendly products; and also to the development of products that generate spaces for relaxation.

In terms of new businesses and new materials, Roca Group Ventures will focus on disruptive solutions based on technology with a wide margin for growth, as well as on new materials for both construction and the manufacturing of new products.

In the field of energy efficiency and rationalisation of water consumption, the group will identify and develop products and services that contribute to the generation of connected and sustainable homes, with a special focus on the reduction of water usage.

Finally, with the aim of increasing operational excellence, technologies such as AI, 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain or embeddable platforms, will also be of interest to the fund.

Albert Magrans, CEO of Roca Group, explained that Roca Group Ventures seeks to “generate a hybrid entrepreneurial model that combines the advantages of a large company (resources, scale, knowledge, experience, marketing) with the innovation, technology, motivation, agility and talent of a startup”. Roca Group Ventures will be a global fund seeking to invest in startups all over the world.

Roca Group will appoint an executive figure from the organisation to act as Ventures Head, coordinating the collaboration with different specialists and managers of the company, accelerators, incubators and other partners to facilitate the identification and development of projects.

Keep Reading