Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Kaldewei has entered into a long-term partnership with the WWF in connection with an ocean conservation programme.

Kaldewei’s philosophy is centred around the belief our society must become more sustainable and environmentally aware if it wants to leave a habitable world for future generations.

For over 100 years, the family company has been using natural raw materials, transforming them into long-lasting and recyclable bathroom products, made of steel enamel. According to the manufacturer, its commitment does not end with the delivery of the finished products. Kaldewei is also a member of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and was the first bathroom manufacturer who could offer an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) issued by the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU) for its products.

“Our commitment to the environment doesn’t end at the factory gates, but goes far beyond this, which is why, since 2017, as a leading German bathroom manufacturer, we have been working as a long-term partner with the WWF; specifically supporting its ocean conservation programme in Vietnam,” says Managing Director, Franz Kaldewei.

“We’re talking here about the “Long An” model project in the Mekong Delta that is combatting the causes of plastic waste in the world’s oceans. The aim is to significantly reduce the amount of plastic that enters the ocean by separating and recycling plastic waste.”

Thanks to Kaldewei’s help, the preliminary studies and pilot measures has made this made possible and the WWF has been able to convince the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) of the project’s potential. As a result, the BMU has granted the WWF project funding until 2023. As Bernhard Bauske from the WWF emphasises: “It is only Kaldewei’s support that has made it possible to transform a project idea into a highly promising field project to fight the causes of plastic waste in the oceans.”

Certifications and partnerships make sustainable building measurable.

“We need a shared understanding of what sustainable building means. It has to be measurable, applicable and comparable. That is something we advocate as a member of the German Sustainable Building Council,” says Franz Kaldewei. The Council’s certification system is helping to standardise quality in planning, construction and operation, and guarantees the highest possible future security of construction projects. The data contained in the EPDs, for example, form the basis of sustainability reviews for national and international building certification systems such as the DGNB’s Sustainable Building assessment system (BNB) or international standards such as LEED or BREEAM. The qualities that set Kaldewei steel enamel bathroom solutions apart from plastic products, and which contribute to the eco-friendly and climate-neutral building to DGNB standard, include their recyclability and their long useful life, which is backed up by a 30-year guarantee.

To further raise awareness of sustainable building among professionals and private builders, Kaldewei is working with various partners and architect networks, including InteriorPark., one of the leading platforms for sustainable interior architecture and eco-friendly design.

Tina Kammer, architect and co-founder of InteriorPark.says : “It’s not easy for consumers to engage intensively with alternatives every time they buy something so that they can make the right choice. All market players need to provide more information in this area.“

More news from Kaldewei

Cape Cod opens up a world of design options

Duravit has introduced two new additions to its Cape Cod series designed by Philippe Starck. A smaller version of the striking freestanding bath tub is complemented by a new ceramic furniture washbasin.

In white high gloss, the 70cm-wide white ceramic furniture washbasin introduces a brand-new look to the bathroom. The floor-standing chrome frame and integrated shelf are both practical and easy to clean.The shelf areas adjoin the circular basin on the left and right. Minimalistic mirrors with all-round LED lighting add the perfect finishing touch to the washing area.

Another new element is a smaller version of the striking, freestanding bathtub in space-saving dimensions of 165 x 78cm. Like the larger variants, it is also made from the tried-and-tested, high-quality DuraSolid® material, is pleasantly warm to the touch, and has a sophisticated matt appearance. A smoothly shaped headrest set into the backrest guarantees relaxed comfort when reclining and bathing.

The series can be combined with Starck T accessories and selected toilets and bidets from the Starck 1, Starck 2, and ME by Starck ranges for a thoroughly stylish and harmonious look. The SensoWash® Starck f shower toilet offers maximum hygiene and comfort. This symbiosis of toilet and bidet provides gentle, natural cleansing with water.

The elegant bathroom opens up a whole host of design options, especially for smaller bathrooms. With its innovative design for the washing area, Starck creates elegance and a generous sense of space.

The hallmark of the Cape Cod bathroom program is the perfect fusion of material and form to satisfy even
the highest aesthetic standards. The untamed nature of New England’s Cape Cod region inspired Philippe
Starck creates a bathroom range composed of elements that rejuvenate body and soul.

www.duravit.co.uk

Meet The Designer: Dominik Tesseraux

www.tesserauxundpartner.de/

The second interview in our Meet The Designer series is with Dominik Tesseraux, Tesseraux + Partners. As Tesseraux + Partners continues its collaboration with KEUCO, we find out design plans this year and the one thing you will never find in Dominik’s bathroom…

BR: What motivates you in your professional life?

DT: The daily experience of life is for me a good motivation. I see, feel and discover so much potential for good product development.

BR: Where do you get your inspiration from when embarking on a new bathroom design?

DT: We are in a good position because we are working on three different design areas: the bathroom, kitchen and living room. These markets influence each other. But for us, it is important to consider a common sense approach when embarking on new projects and products.

BR: What do you enjoy most about being a designer?

DT: Being a designer has so many different aspects: The brand, the concept, the design, the construction, the production, the marketing. As a designer, you are involved in every little detail of the whole process and it is up to you to moderate all aspects. For me, it is the best and one of the most ambitious professions I can imagine.

BR: What is the one thing we will never find in your bathroom?

DT: In my bathroom you will never find a TV.

BR: Can you tell us about any projects you are working on at the moment?

DT: At the moment we are working on a new bathroom concept: faucets, accessories and furniture. We are also designing a shower plate and a bathtub series. The latest washbasins are being created with a new innovative fabrication. You can expect to see a new living room furniture design concept this year too.

BR: What bathroom design trends can we expect to see next?

DT: In my opinion bathrooms are becoming smarter, but they also will be more emotional. Light, natural materials and haptic perception are important aspects.

www.keu co.com/gb/

More news from KEUCO

Retrofit GROHE Bau Ceramic Manual Bidet Seat

GROHE’s Bau Ceramic Manual Bidet Seat transforms existing toilets into a hygienic shower toilet for DIY installations, budget bathroom revamps and quick turnkey projects.

Turning an existing WC into a shower-toilet is a cost-efficient solution to quickly update and upgrade the bathroom. Two retractable sprays are manually operated via a lever connected to the side of the toilet seat and no electrical supply is required.

The Bau Manual Bidet Seat can be fitted quickly and easily by all bathroom fitters, plumbers, builders and installers – and with its sleek, modern styling, it complements all bathroom suites. This fuss-free upgrade makes bathrooms more hygienic and environmentally friendly thanks to its retractable spray arms that feature an antibacterial coating and a self-cleaning function. The spray function works with water pressure (1-10 bar high water pressure).

The GROHE Bau Manual Bidet Seat uses cold water as standard but offering the option and extra comfort of warm water is an ideal upsell opportunity and can be easily achieved with the additional installation of the Grohtherm Micro Thermostat.

Easy to install and use it is also practical, hygienic and stylish. Its soft-close seat and lid match perfectly with GROHE Bau Ceramic toilets as well as many other U-shaped toilets, and paper templates are available to help you check if your project is compatible.

More News From GROHE

HiB launches new website with enhanced features

March 9, 2021

Leading bathroom supplier HiB has improved its website to offer an expanded online experience for retailers, contract customers and consumers.

The website includes upgraded navigation, search facilities and has been optimised for mobile devices to improve functionality. The site also has a dedicated section for Projects and Specifications, showcasing the company’s capabilities in providing product for large and small scale developments.

For those seeking more information about HiB ranges, particular attention has been paid on improving the product listings, to offer more detailed images and videos, technical information and inspiration. Another notable feature is the new ‘Swatch Service’, which allows those designing a bathroom to request a swatch of their chosen furniture or countertop finish directly from the website.

HiB Marketing Manager, Kevin Currie said: “At HiB we’ve been working hard to develop our digital offering to better support our retailers and consumers during the bathroom design process. Making information and inspiration easily accessible to all has been a priority throughout the development of the new website and to be able to offer this new platform especially during this challenging period for the industry, is fantastic. The new website marks a new chapter for HiB and reinforces our company vision of not only making products that makes bathrooms beautiful, but also improving the lives of retailers, partners and customers.”

Visit the new website at www.hib.co.uk where you can find out more information about the latest product launches, download a brochure and find your nearest retailer.

More news from HiB

Ritmonio DOT316 Round Taps – perfect for hospitality

March 9, 2021

The Ritmonio DOT316 round taps range is manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, delivering both functionality and aesthetics for hospitality venues.

DOT316 Round takes its name from the perfect and harmonious geometries of the archetypal circle shape, which in this new version is reflected in both the body and the spout of the tap, for a simply sophisticated bathroom. A great alternative to the straight lines of DOT316, DOT316 offers a new option for those who love more delicate and sinuous lines.

DOT316 Round features ‘rotative’ controls that enhance this design that is so distinctive of the collection. The collection also maintains water-saving features, to meet the needs of all users.

Available in brushed black and brushed champagne stainless steel, DOT316 Round offers a touch of modernity and greater freedom when planning and designing.

A new balance between shape and functionality, DOT316 responds to new interior design trends.

Technical Features:

This series is among Ritmonio’s products with water-saving features, characterized by the ECO water flow – delivering less than 9 l/m – it is designed to encourage consumers to use environmental resources responsibly.

www.ritmonio.it

About Ritmonio

Ritmonio has manufactured safety valves and brass, copper, aluminium and stainless steel components for 70 yrs. In addition, the Bath and Shower Division produces designer taps and fittings for bathrooms. By combining fine craftsmanship, design and production skills, Ritmonio creates exclusive and authentic Made in Italy products that are functional yet stylish and eco-friendly.

Kaldewei Digital Innovation Summit 2021

The Kaldewei Digital Innovation Summit – #KaldeweiDigital will take place on 22 – 26th March
to 26 March.

Bringing together around 100 international experts to include well-known designers and specialists from the hotel sector, architecture and housing construction, the speaker line-up will also include experts from Kaldewei with whom participants can enter into a digital dialogue. There will be over 60 talks in 14 languages and content from four continents.

Franz Kaldewei, CEO and owner of Kaldewei, heads the Highlight Talk on Wednesday 24 March starting at 12:00; when he will be speaking with Bernhard Osburg, CEO of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, about sustainable steel production and processing; turning it into high-quality shower surfaces, bathtubs and washbasins – made of steel enamel. Kaldewei and Osburg will answer questions from the journalist Andreas Horchler, including: Is there such a thing as green steel? What steps are influential companies already taking on the path to climate neutrality? What generational promises have they made?

Another highlight of the online event is the panel “Future perfect: Building Successful Partnerships “on 24 March from 17:00. Can Faik (Editorial Director of Hospitality Interiors, UK), Federico Toresi (Global VP Design, Premium and Luxury Brands, Accor, France), Tarek Hegazy (CEO & Creative Director, Living Design, Sweden), Beth Campbell (CEO, Campbell House, USA) and Pallavi Dean (Founder and Creative Director at Roar, Middle East) will be speaking about circularity in architecture and product design.

Another event is the Tech talk by systems mechanic and model Sandra Hunke, who, together with Martin Schäpermeier, Technical trainer at Kaldewei Iconic World, will be giving tips and tricks straight from the construction site on Monday, 22 March from 08:30.

Comprehensive service for the participants at the Digital Innovation Summit

As a special service, market partners, regardless of the region or country, can have their personal Kaldewei contact person present the ISH innovations and get in touch with the speaker directly via a chat function.
Registrations for the events are now possible at www.kaldewei.com/IS – the full program and further information can also be found here.

More news from Kaldewei

Get ‘Lavvy Savvy’ campaign launched by the BMA

The BMA is creating a ripple with its #GetLavvySavvy campaign to encourage consumers to be more water-waste aware.

Tim Reynolds explains the reasoning behind the most recent campaign:

When we look to the future of product design everyone can agree on one thing, eco-aware consumers are demanding change. At the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, we know many of our members are delivering comprehensive portfolios of products to satisfy the need for energy and water-efficient bathrooms. But with variable rates of replacement in the market, we must recognise engineering and smart technology alone will not deliver the net-zero world of tomorrow. We have a responsibility to address existing bathrooms and educate the public about other ways to save energy and water.

The scale of the problem nationally is significant, with around 5% of homes estimated to have water running down the pan in their WC, but the slight ripple in the water goes unnoticed and undetected in most homes.

To change the way we think about our loos, the #GetLavvySavvy campaign is showing people what to look out for. We are also encouraging yearly checks of seals and diaphragms. These are basic maintenance behaviours that should be common practice to ensure toilets perform perfectly and avoid leakage.

Of course, most of the toilets classed as problematic are no longer on the market and in time, home upgrades will help to stamp out the issue. But if we are serious about sustainability, we need to accept we have a part to play in solving the legacy matters in the nation’s homes.

The campaign has had the added benefit of providing a platform for the sector to speak with one voice, with key figures in the water, retail and installation sectors sharing the message.

Greening the nation’s homes is demanding a herculean effort and it is important to look for design solutions, but it would be remiss to focus exclusively on this. To find out more about the campaign visit www.GetLavvySavvy.co.uk

Accor & Expedia expand sustainability pledge

3,358 hotels join the drive to champion sustainable practices as environmental consciousness amongst travellers increases.

Expedia Group, the global travel platform and Accor, a leading hospitality group, in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), are joining forces to further extend the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge. This strategic tripartite agreement will see 3,358 global Accor hotels join together to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable tourism worldwide.

The UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge promotes responsible practices, community resilience and heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism. Under The Pledge, parties commit to supporting the reduction and elimination of single-use plastics and promoting local economy and culture.

The Pledge launched in October 2019 with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, UNESCO and Expedia Group.

Accor’s hotels join over 500 hotels in Thailand that have signed The Pledge since the Thai microsite was established in 2020.

Markus Keller, SVP Sales & Distribution from Accor said, “We have a responsibility to offer sustainable and tangible solutions to our guests to reduce the impact the hospitality sector has on the environment. Accor and all of the hotels in its network have long-standing commitments in this area, for our decision to remove all single-use plastic items from guest experience in our hotels by 2022. We want to accelerate our efforts, which is why we are today joining the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge in partnership with Expedia Group.

“Our ambition is to continue to drive the change towards positive hospitality wherever we are. Joining The Pledge with 3,358 of our hotels is a continuation of our group’s sustainable development program “ Planet 21 – Acting Here” which sets concrete and quantitative objectives relating to local sourcing, diversity and water, energy and waste management. Planet 21 was launched in 2011 and is based around four strategic priorities: work with our employees, involve our guests, innovate with our partners and work with local communities; two key issues are tackling food and building sustainability. We look forward to working with our partners on this new Pledge.”

Hotels can be examples of outstanding green practices and forces for positive change in the community. All it takes is to start with a few simple commitments.

“The UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge aims to turn words into action and is a testimony of our growing commitment to collaborating closely with the hospitality sector in order to enhance environmental and sustainable tourism consciousness and practices across the world. Everyone needs to play their part in promoting sustainable tourism and helping preserve travel destinations. This partnership with Accor is about taking needed steps at a global scale to minimize waste in the tourism sector,” said Zuhairah Washington, Senior Vice President, Strategic Accounts, Expedia Group.

UNESCO also announces today that the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has provided 2 million euros in support for UNESCO to help expand the Pledge across seven countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Georgia, Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia and Vietnam). The programme will help UNESCO’s work to make tourism emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis and encourage sustainable development in the sector.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay commented, “The collective effort is all the more crucial as the pandemic has hit the tourism and culture sectors hard. We hope that the efforts of Germany, Accor and Expedia, will encourage other major players in the sector to join us and invest to offer more responsible tourism.”

Saniflo welcomes new Sales Director

In January, Saniflo UK welcomed new Sales Director, Simon Emmons. Based at the company’s head office in Watford, Simon brings a wealth of senior-level experience to the role. Simon will strengthen the distribution network for the domestic range and oversee the growth of commercial pumps and lifting stations and the Kinedo range of showers, trays and baths.

Latterly, Simon was Sales & Marketing Director at Yale, the security hardware company and prior to that spend many years in the white goods sector; working for household names including Whirlpool, LG, CDA and Electrolux.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Emmons says: “It was business as usual for Saniflo last year with the company staying open to provide essential products and services to frontline organisations. In 2021 the company has not only seen a return to pre-epidemic business levels, but an increase in sales possibly due to pent up demand as well as the strength of the construction sector. To manage anticipated growth, which has also been stimulated by the launch of new products including grease traps, submersible pumps and commercial lifting stations, my appointment is key and I’m delighted to be a part of the Saniflo team. I look forward to strengthening the distribution network for the domestic range and overseeing growth of commercial pumps and lifting stations and the Kinedo range of showers, trays and baths.”

More news from Saniflo