Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

The new GROHTHERM 500 thermostat

November 23, 2021

A recently conducted survey into showering behaviour from GROHE, and German research institution Explorare, found that 37% of respondents found temperature fluctuations one particularly frustrating factor when showering.

The new GROHTHERM 500 thermostat acts as the intelligent heart of the shower, which means, according to GROHE, complaints like these can now be a thing of the past.

GROHE’s latest product offering boasts steady temperatures, personal settings, and optimal convenience – all at an affordable price.

Carsten Geers, Brand Manager GROHTHERM & Rapido, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE, explains what installers and retailers can expect from the latest addition to the GROHE thermostats portfolio and offers information for consultations with customers:

Why should I recommend a thermostat to my customers?

“Thermostats are not a new invention to the shower market – professionals have been working with them for a long time and have witnessed the evolution of the intelligent showering technology and know how it works. However, we know that there is continued demand for this technology in our customers’ bathrooms. In a recent study, we found out that over 35% of consumers3would like to replace their lever mixer with a thermostat.”

The key benefits of a thermostat upgrade:

“Thermostats are safe mixers, especially for children and elderly family members. In contrast to a lever shower mixer, our thermostats are equipped with a 38°C SafeStop Button. As the name indicates, this limits the water temperature to a comfortable 38°C and prevents scalding from burning hot water.

“Additionally, our thermostats come with an optional 43 °C SafeStop Plus temperature limiter. This can easily be activated during the installation and limits the temperature to 43 °C, thereby preventing children or those with additional needs or visual impairments from turning up the temperature accidentally and scalding themselves. This is a huge benefit for multi-generational households and hotels which need to cater to many different user needs and requirements.

“Now that the bathroom is increasingly turning into an oasis of wellbeing, consumers are also looking for solutions that enhance comfort. Thermostatic technology is an ideal solution. Even when multiple water sources are running simultaneously, the thermostat allows users to be in control of the temperature as it balances temperature peaks and prevents cold or hot temperature fluctuations whilst showering. This is one of the major benefits thermostats can offer especially as they continue to be such a pain point for consumers.

“What many consumers do not know is that a shower equipped with a thermostat can save water. The
GROHE GROHTHERM thermostats all come with the EcoButton – an easy-to-use and effective feature that
works to reduce consumption. The EcoButton reduces the water flow, saving up to 50% of water without a
noticeable difference for users. Additionally, the thermostat cartridge makes it easy to find the desired
temperature. Even if a user likes to turn the water off and on while showering there is no need to find the
right lever position again. With the water temperature remaining at a constant level, The GROHTERM 500
offers water and energy saving in everyday life, which can offer cost savings over the product’s lifecycle.”

Why should I recommend a GROHE thermostat for my customer?

“Our product portfolio remains to be as diverse as our customers’ projects are individual. For us, the key in product development is to provide retailers and installers with the right solutions for all customers. Our product portfolio is designed to meet different requirements regarding both functionality but also budget. The recently introduced GROHTHERM 800 Cosmopolitan which comes complete with the TurboStat cartridge offers a stand out product due to the solid metal handles which function not only as a design statement but also offer practicality. The greatest benefit is the GROHE MetalGrip with Ergorim concealed rim on the back which ensures a firm grip even when hands are wet or soapy. This makes the GROHTHERM 800 Cosmopolitan a perfect upgrade for any shower, with a variant available for bathtubs as well. Our portfolio also includes the sophisticated GROHTHERM 1000 Performance which boasts two additional key features. Integrated with our 100% GROHE CoolTouch technology, the thermostat’s body never exceeds the shower temperature, keeping the thermostat exterior cool to touch – a particularly important feature for multi-generational households or family homes with young children. As water conservation is also playing an increasingly important role for customers in bathroom planning, the GROHTHERM 1000 series also features an AquaDimmer with an EcoButton for controlling the hand shower in the bathtub.

“Our latest addition to the thermostat family is GROHTHERM 500 – the perfect entry-level product in the
GROHE thermostat range. The thermostat can be suitable for all properties, with a specially adapted model for low pressure homes. GROHTHERM 500 offers the same cost efficiency as a single-lever mixer but offers
customers far more benefits.”

What are the benefits of GROHTHERM 500?
“GROHTHERM 500 is the optimal entry-level product that enables users to try out the benefits of a GROHE thermostat, such as the EcoButton, the SafeStop and the SafeStop Plus feature. It comes equipped with the well-known GROHE brand quality while sitting at a lower price point to suit all budgets – the perfect alternative to single-lever mixers.”

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TOTO switches to power from renewable energies

November 23, 2021

By 2040, TOTO is planning to get 100% of its power from renewable energy sources. The company has also joined the international RE100 initiative.

The RE100 initiative is overseen by “The Climate Group” – an international environmental NGO – in partnership with the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), which promotes the disclosure of information on climate change. RE100 was founded in 2014 with the aim of accelerating the transition to renewable energies. Over 300 prominent companies around the world have already joined RE100.

By joining RE100, TOTO Group has committed to expand the procurement of renewable energies at all of its locations worldwide in line with regional conditions, and to install solar energy facilities at all of its works. This move ensures that 100% of the power used for business activities will come from renewable energy sources.

TOTO is required to provide regular reports on the progress of these measures and be accountable for them. RE100 publishes this progress annually. TOTO also plans to improve energy-saving measures and upgrade its production facilities in its various markets, which will help reduce CO2 emissions.

TOTO Group has developed a corporate philosophy that aims “to create a great company that helps improve society – and that people around the world can trust.”By committing to solving social problems and helping the environment through its business activities, TOTO will also generate growth, which contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Joining RE100 is just one important step towards implementing this corporate philosophy.

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Internal sales addition for Kudos

November 22, 2021

Jill Carson has completed her induction in a new role for Kudos as their Internal Sales Co-ordinator. She joins the business with a wealth of experience in customer account management across many business sectors, so a perfect choice to pave the way in this new customer support role for Kudos.

Jill will be working alongside the Retail Support Team at Kudos who are a regional team of engineers supporting customer showrooms with display installations, providing product and business updates, brochures and end user visits across the UK.

“Jill has immediately become a great support for our Retail Support Team in the business.” Said Nick Graville. “She’s already spoken to a large proportion of our retailer accounts so we can see improvements in our communications and she’s providing the business with invaluable insight and some new sales opportunities too.”

Kudos was established as a UK manufacturer of shower products in 1999. Their product portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via bathroom showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Check them out at kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk or Jill.Carson@kudosshowers.co.uk

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CRL Stone joins Kbsa as Corporate Member

November 22, 2021

CRL Stone, a supplier of quartz and ceramic surfaces to the KBB sector has joined the Kbsa as a corporate member. CRL has 20 years’ experience in the stone industry.

David Beckett, Brand Director at CRL Stone said, “We are proud to have joined the Kbsa, and hope that we can bring value to the organisation. We are delighted to have provided the award trophies for the 2020/21 Kbsa Designer Awards which will be announced on 09 December.”

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “I am delighted to welcome CRL Stone as a corporate partner. We have over 100 of the most well respected brands in the KBB industry supporting our retail members, sharing the Kbsa’ s commitment to high standards and excellence to customer care.”

“Our members benefit from strong relationships with Kbsa corporate partners, working together to ensure that they are knowledgeable, and able to offer consumers the best advice when considering the products which will best suit their needs.”

Toilet manufacturers called on to rethink dual flush buttons

November 22, 2021

Toilet manufacturers are being urged to rethink the design of some dual flush buttons after new research showed that as many as eight in ten people are inadvertently wasting water and flushing money down the drain by pressing the wrong buttons.

Dual flush toilets were introduced to help people use less water in their own homes and in commercial premises.

By choosing a smaller flush over a longer one, around two litres of water are saved on every flush.

But a new study by WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) has found that many Brits are confused by the way some dual flush buttons are designed.

WRAS created 18 typical dual flush designs and asked 2,000 people to identify the short flush buttons. This study focused on buttons, but there are other ways to operate flushes, such as levers and infra-red.

Over half of respondents incorrectly identified the short flush in five out of the 18 designs. In the worst example, 81 per cent of respondents selected the wrong button.

Even the best designs were not 100% perfect. Every single one of the designs presented in the study confused at least some of the people who took part in the study.

WRAS Approvals Manager Ian Hughes said:

“Toilets use around 24 per cent of all the water used in a home. Dual flush toilets can help reduce the amount of water that gets wasted and they also save money for people who are on a water meter.

“However, our study shows that many of the designs used are confusing and we are calling on toilet manufacturers to make short flush options much more obvious for users.”

The research did highlight which types of button designs were more effective in explaining dual flush options:

Button designs are more effective if they have clear permanent markings to help

people identify the short flush.

Most people naturally expect a smaller button to mean a smaller flush, but the bigger button needs to be 1 ½ times bigger than the smaller one to achieve around 80 per cent recognition.
Some manufacturers use a larger button to select a short flush. This was the most confusing design for the people who took part in the study.

Ian Hughes continued:

“There are some good designs out there too, with manufacturers playing their part in helping people save water.

“While some manufacturers include instructions, unless these are permanently marked on the WC, there is a risk that instructions or labels won’t be installed, meaning people miss out on the potential benefits of dual flush systems.”

The WRAS study coincides with World Toilet Day on Friday 19 November.

World Toilet Day is celebrated annually to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which promises sanitation for all by 2030.

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InsideOut refurbish dilapidated 18th Century Grade II* listed townhouse

November 22, 2021

Despite the state of disrepair, the new owners were attracted to the property by its innate Georgian attributes; high ceilings, tall windows, legible spaces and decorative mouldings. The property had been vacant for years, but uniquely had a separate 1-bedroom lower-ground apartment below a 3-storey townhouse

New electrics, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms and lights were installed throughout to make the building fit for modern use.

The challenge for the architects was to reconfigure and extend the space to create a 2-bedroom lower ground apartment and 3-bedroom family home, whilst maintaining and celebrating the character of the building. At lower ground level, the original coalholes were extended beneath the front garden to allow for an additional bedroom and en-suite, and the rear lightwell position was reversed to allow more daylight in, taking advantage of the south-east aspect. This also created a new lateral connection between the ground floor living spaces of the house and the garden, which was reinforced visually with large thin-framed sliding glass doors.

The rear extension, faced in Danish brick, is designed to reflect the tall proportions and handmade patina of the original building. A slot roof light and exposed brick wall allows the original rear facade to be read from the inside, defining new and old. The garden was landscaped and planted to provide an oasis in this dense urban setting. A meandering path leads back to a secluded patio sheltered by a cherry tree, and a small fountain contributes a soundtrack of running water.

Internally, years of unsympathetic alterations were stripped back. Original mouldings, fireplaces, floorboards and window shutters were revealed and refurbished, bringing back the original character of the rooms. This was combined with a light-touch interior design, allowing the client’s mid-century furniture and art to take centre stage.

“It was a pleasure to work with Bianca and James from the beginning to the end of our project – and beyond. We would happily recommend InsideOut to anyone looking for committed, professional architects.” Clients Neil & Angela Morgan.

About InsideOut

InsideOut was established in 2002 as a full service architectural and interior design practice. They aim to make experience-led architecture that quietly enables and inspires life to take place. They have cross-sector experience in residential, commercial and retail projects. A RIBA Chartered Practice with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. All its Architects are individually registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

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GROHE exhibited new Cradle to Cradle Certified® products at HIX

November 22, 2021

Showcasing its newly accredited Cradle to Cradle Certified® products, supplier of bathroom and kitchen fittings, GROHE, made its first industry exhibition appearance since the beginning of the pandemic at the HIX design show last month.

The globally recognised Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design approach was first developed in the 90s to drastically reduce waste and the drain on new resources. It is achieved by designing intelligent products, processes, and systems that look at the overall lifecycle of the product.

Whilst this concept differentiates between consumer goods (e.g. natural fibres or detergent), which are biodegradable, and service products (e.g. taps), that are broken down into their original materials, this approach means that C2C products can potentially be reused endlessly, enhancing typical recycling practices.

To achieve certification, products must attain a designated level of achievement within the following categories: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.

To date, four GROHE products have been Cradle to Cradle Certified at gold level: three taps – GROHE BauEdge S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart S-Size and GROHE Eurosmart Kitchen, as well as the GROHE Tempesta shower rail set. The certified products are four of GROHE’s best-sellers and are also affordable, cost-efficient fittings that make sustainable solutions accessible to hospitality projects of all scales and budgets.

“We were so pleased to finally be able to attend our first event following the onset of the pandemic,” says Ebru Bircan, Leader, Marketing Activation UK, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK.

“Continuing to pioneer sustainable solutions that combat the over-consumption of natural resources is an imperative part of GROHE’s sustainability strategy. We also intend to keep working with hotel brands to develop more ways in which hospitality and sustainability can come together seamlessly to leave a lasting impression on guests, whilst reducing the impact on our environment.”

Grohe Tempesta HIX event cradle to cradle — GROHE Tempesta 100 shower rail set – C2C Certified

More news and product stories from GROHE.

www.grohe.co.uk

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Bette showcases its latest developments at HIX

November 21, 2021

German glazed titanium-steel bathroom products manufacturer, Bette showcased its latest product developments at HIX last week.

BetteAnti-Slip Sense

Bette showcased its new anti-slip surface, which is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) on Bette’s glazed titanium-steel shower trays and bath.

According to Bette, it is the only glossy, smooth and easy to clean anti-slip surface to provide the highest level of slip protection on shower trays and on baths, whilst maintaining a glossy finish.

It is almost invisible, and the anti-slip effect occurs when the pressure of the bodyweight and water come together. To achieve the slip-resistance, Bette treats the surface with a suspension containing the finest micrometre-sized ceramic particles, which form a permanent bond with the BetteGlaze surface. They are almost invisible to the eye, and the surface does not become rough as a result. The shower trays and baths retain their glossy looks, smoothness and continue to be easy to clean, as dirt and germs find it hard to adhere to the surface, which has a 30-year warranty.

While the primary role of the new Anti-Slip Sense surface is to increase the slip protection on shower trays and baths, it can also help to make a bath more comfortable. Applied to the entire interior of the bath, it can help the bather to maintain a comfortable position and avoid accidentally slipping down in larger baths.

The new BetteAnti-Slip Sense can be used to provide the highest level of slip protection on Bette’s gloss white glazed titanium-steel shower trays and baths. For shower trays in matt colours, Bette offers its almost invisible BetteAnti-Slip Pro.

The BetteAir: the first glazed titanium-steel shower tile

Bette also showcased BetteAir which it says is the world’s first glazed titanium-steel shower tile.

BetteAir integrates so perfectly it is hardly noticeable and, at only 10mm high, it can be glued directly to the screed like a conventional tile. The BetteAir can be installed with a minimum installation height of only 97 millimetres. Durable and easy to clean, it has all the advantages of a tile without any of the disadvantages.

BetteAir is supplied as standard with basic sound insulation for quiet showering and can also be equipped with an anti-slip surface: BetteAnti-Slip Pro, or the new BetteAnti-Slip Sense for gloss white, which offers the highest level of slip protection.

The new BetteAir shower tile is available in eight sizes from 900 x 900 to 1400 x 1000 mm and in a choice of 31 colours.

BetteEve: ellipse-shaped baths

Bette has also launched an ellipse-shaped range of baths and showed the freestanding version at HIX.

With the new BetteEve bath collection, the organic, ellipse shape makes its way into the bathroom. Inspired by nature, Bette has made the transition between the edge and the inner body of the bath silky and smooth. Made from durable glazed titanium-steel, it is as if the gentle force of water has smoothed the material over millions of years. Bette was able to achieve the fine curves and jointless transitions in the extremely hard material because of its expertise in the forming and enamelling of steel. The BetteEve is a natural and comfortable bath, which is also comfortable for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical back rests on both sides and a central waste outlet.

BetteEve is available in three versions: an oval built-in bath, a built-in bath with a rectangular surround and a freestanding version, the BetteEve Oval Silhouette, which is on display at HIX. All are available in over 400 colours.

Bette is also displaying a selection of its washbasins, which are also made from glazed titanium-steel and are available in over 400 colours.

All Bette shower trays, baths and washbasins come with a 30 year warranty. Made from natural products, they are 100% recyclable.

For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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UWLA urges retailers to capture hearts and minds of consumers

November 19, 2021

Yvonne Orgill, MD at The Unified Water Label Association, (UWLA) has called on the industry to invest in motivating consumers to use water wisely, by promoting the Unified Water Label.

Yvonne made her comments as the UWLA submits a detailed background paper for DEFRA and BEIS about water efficiency in the bathroom industry, as part of the information gathering phase, before consultations begin in 2022, on a possible mandatory label.

Yvonne says, “We fully support the government’s aims set out in the 25-Year Environment Plan to achieve clean and plentiful water, and their commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Their plans for a mandatory label were set out in July this year as part of a package of measures to help households across England use water more efficiently.

“We have been meeting with DEFRA and BEIS since then, bringing them up to date with the industry supported voluntary label, the Unified Water Label, which is tried and tested in the marketplace. The label is also recognised internationally as it is included in new, and soon to be issued, ISO 316000 on good practice water efficiency labelling schemes.

“The Unified Water Label is an established and recognised smart tool that can help the industry motivate the consumer to recognise that water matters, and make the changes required to meet the government’s targets.

“We have the support of manufacturers who have responded by driving forward innovation to deliver bathroom products that use less water and energy, but we must keep our focus on how these products are used in the home.

“Retailers have an important role to play as they can help the consumer understand the link between using water, energy and their carbon footprint. Without their commitment to drive home our messages, and help the consumer make informed decisions, then we will fail.

“This is why we have invested in a retailer campaign for all our members across Europe. We have put together a package that is easy to use and access for free, from the website. It includes a range of tools, flyers, posters, social media posts and videos, all reinforcing our message that water matters, and tips and advice on how to save water in the home.

“Alongside this we have issued a questionnaire to members to understand better how they currently communicate with customers. This will enable us to continue to improve on the tools available, supporting our members in this essential task.

“If we are to succeed, we must all work harder, not just to help the consumer understand how much water they use and the consequences of their actions, but to make it matter. “ Changing behaviour is key to our success, and retailers can help us by bringing the dialogue to their customers.

“COP26 has recognised that collective small steps are the sustained way forward and we must now encourage retailers that they can collectively make this change happen.”

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VitrA honoured with Design Award for new London Flagship Showroom

November 19, 2021

VitrA Bathrooms has secured a further industry award, this time for its new flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – VitrA London.

The Designer Awards held this year at The Connaught Rooms, London, celebrates the best in residential and commercial design with numerous categories for design and innovation. VitrA has won Bathroom Show Space of the Year, a recognition for its new 5,500 sq. ft. showroom which was completed during the pandemic.

VitrA London is a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers. In addition to a wide range of product displays, the showroom has dedicated spaces for product specification, events, and workshops.

Margaret Talbot, European and UK marketing manager for VitrA said “We are delighted to receive this award for VitrA London. We are all thrilled with the response to the showroom. I must take this chance to thank everyone who has made it a success, particularly to tpbennett who designed the space, and to thank The Designer for this recognition.”

Visit www.london.vitra.co.uk to find out more about the showroom and the events programme.

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