Showcased at Salone last month, Acquabella is presenting its extended drying zone.
This area is conveniently attached to the Base Slate shower tray. Like the shower trays, the drying area is made of a durable, slip-resistant, easy-to-clean resin Akron, in Slate texture, which can be customised to any colour.
The area offers a safe, comfortable and roomy spot to leisurely sit or stand to dry before leaving the showering space.
Image details: Slate panel 100×220 cm (£ 682,89), Base Slate shower tray 220×100 cm in white colour (£ 1398,74) and drying areas 100x100cm (£ 741,60).
One of the UK’s leading wetroom manufacturers, Impey, has launched a ground-breaking new Tiled Insert drainage grate for its best-selling Aqua-Dec Easy-Fit™floor former range. The new Tiled Insert drain top will be available in July at retailers and merchants throughout the UK.
According to Impey, the company revolutionised the wetroom market with the introduction of its best-selling Aqua-Dec EasyFit™ floor former in 2004. Now the wetroom brand has released a new drain grate alternative to accompany the Aqua-Dec EasyFit™, in the form of a Tiled Insert option.
The new Tiled Insert option allows the installer to co-ordinate the drain top using the same tiles as the rest of the wetroom floor, creating a truly seamless aesthetic. The launch represents a new addition to the variety of drainage grate designs currently available for the Aqua-Dec EasyFit™,
Impey says the award-winning Aqua-Dec EasyFit™ has become a go-to wetroom floor former for installers and specifiers alike, due to its versatility, durability, and easy-installation benefits. With a unique 360-degree rotating drain plate, installers can easily avoid underfloor obstructions like joists or existing pipework, which speeds up fitting times substantially. The EasyFit™ has revolutionised the wetroom installation process, by offering a fully-trimmable solution which can be fitted successfully onto timber and concrete floors and a lifetime warranty is available for peace of mind.
Personalisation options
This new addition to Impey’s portfolio offers yet more options for personalisation of the wetroom space. The Tiled Insert drain top boasts ease of adjustment, the frame and tile tray are both manufactured from high-quality stainless steel; with a frame measurement of 130mm x 130mm. For tilers and wetroom fitters, market-leading fine-tuning and adjustment options ensure versatility and ease of installation throughout the tiling process, with suitability for both 8mm to 10mm tiles.
WaterGuard clamp
The new product also includes a new WaterGuard clamp, specifically created to work with the sheet membrane and ensure a complete watertight installation. In addition, the Tiled Insert has been thoughtfully designed with a tiling aid, which assists in marking the centre of the drain top, saving time, and aiding in the simple creation of the perfect finish.
Said Clare Cranston, Design and Development Manager: “The new Tiled Insert drain top is a very exciting additional offering for our Aqua-Dec Easy-Fit™. We have focused on honing the functionality of the product to ensure it offers the best possible fitting experience for installers and tilers, as well as creating the streamlined, modern look that consumers are eager to achieve.”
The new Aqua-Dec Easy-Fit™ Tiled Insert will be previewed for the first time at the Women Installers Together conference, in London on 6th July. It will be available thereafter from all Impey partners including bathroom showrooms and merchants.
For more information visit: www.impeyshowers.com or contact your local Impey business development manager via the sales office on 01460 256 080.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Whilst we see the bathroom as a place for rest and relaxation, shower rooms are undoubtedly aimed at reinvigorationand renewal. Minimalist walk-in shower enclosures with generous dimensions deliver a plentiful sense of space that not only transforms the bathroom aesthetic but also bring a sense of luxury and wellbeing to the end-user. Diane Larner takes a look at the latest designs to reach the market.
Made for you
Sealskin Duka
As well as factoring in handsome good looks, shower design needs to offer versatility to allow for a range of projects, and not simply when planning for small or awkward spaces.
Chris Kingaby, product and marketing director, agrees; “The evolution of modern shower enclosures means that we, as manufacturers, can offer so much more for the retailer and consumer. Visually stunning contemporary enclosures which can be personalised to suit even the most unique design schemes are a must.”
Coram UK recently celebrated the British launch of its exclusive shower glass brand, Sealskin, and its premium range of Sealskin duka enclosures. The launch consists of three key styles: acqua 5000, libero 5000 and pura 500, all compatible with both wetroom floors and shower trays, offering maximum flexibility for the bathroom designer and end-user.
Save your energy
Intutiion brushed brass
Intuition brushed brass controller
Intuition brushed brass adjustable
Smart appliances with built-in personalisation are becoming more popular as consumers look for ways to manage busy lifestyles and balance the needs of household members. When it comes to the bathroom, built-in personalisation features make it simple to set the water temperature to user preferences and monitor water and energy use.
One example comes from the new bathroom brand Elisa. Launched to the market this month, Elisa has unveiled its new range of heritage-style mixer showers and smart digital showers. TheIntuition smart digital shower (pictured top and above) features a ShowerMe Smart App that gives users the ability to select the duration of the shower, helping to save water and energy, while an easy-to-use dashboard gives the homeowner a clear picture of individual water consumption.
Reach for the top
Kudos Pinnacle8
A study by RIBA* found that on average a new three-bedroom home is missing 4m² of floor space – the size of a family bathroom – while the smallest homes were missing the space equivalent to a double bedroom. British homes have an average floor space of 71.2 sq. m. This is compared to Germany’s average of 92.7 sq. m. and Italy’s average of 108.2 sq. The shortage of land for new homes and a trend for multiple bathrooms in existing housing stock means the space allocated for shower rooms is under pressure.
A quadrant shower takes up less overall space than a square enclosure of the same size and fits neatly into the corner. Kudos has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 luxury shower enclosuresto satisfy growing demand and is now one of the most popular selling enclosure ranges offered, the collection has been expanded again and new options are available to retailers from March.
Water wise
Neoperl shower hose
Despite increasing awareness when it comes to sustainable design and climate change, UK water consumption demand has never been so high and is set to rise in the next few years. Regulating water flow is a simple way to combat this trend and saves both energy and water.
Neoperl is an expert in the field, manufacturing flow regulators from its Malvern Worcestershire factory. Its Chromalux® Supreme Shower Hose, coupled with a retrofittable Pressure Compensating Washer (PCW), saves water and controls the flow. The range of smooth, soft and flexible hoses incorporates chrome-plated connectivity with the options of a swivel connection, an integrated check valve and a washer regulator.
Take to the floor
Impey – spa-style wetroom
A contemporary wetroom design not only serves to deliver multi-generational benefits and an accessible bathroom layout, but it also delivers a spa-like feel, especially when combined with luxury shower systems.
Impey has 25 years of experience and over half-a-million UK installations under its belt. Combining key design elements and innovative showering scenarios,Impey’s contemporary showering solutions portfolio showcases countless possibilities for wetroom designs within residential, commercial and specialist settings.
Showerwall, a leading designer of wall panelling, has unveiled its new Compact Collection, offering thereal look and feel of tiles without the need for grout.
With five designs available, Showerwall’s Compact Collection is an effortlessly chic range that takes inspiration from some of the most popular trends and contemporary colours in bathroom and home design.
Compact Panels are made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall and the designs include the stylish Dove Grey and Silver Grey, the striking Midnight Blue, the nature inspired Hunter Green and the elegant Lily White.
These 3mm solid laminate panels are easy to fit through a waterproof system, reducing the fitting time compared with traditional tile products, and offer hygienic benefits as they are easy to clean and maintain.
Steph Harris, Product Manager for Showerwall comments: “Wall panelling has risen in popularity over the past 10 years, with more homeowners opting for the many benefits it offers. The Compact Collection offers the best of both worlds with a tiled aesthetic that features the unique, unrivalled benefits of Showerwall’s panels.
“The expansion of our range has been a truly exciting development. The simplicity of the collection it can easily be incorporated into any home, and the panels can be fitted over existing tiles allowing for quick bathroom refreshes.”
The Compact Collection panels measure 1220mm x 2440mm and are a waterproof system when installed correctly with coordinating trims, available in four complementing colours including Chrome, Satin Silver, White and Black.
The full Showerwall collection of Laminate, Compact and Acrylic panels offer a range of comprehensive decors to suit all tastes, backed by a guarantee of 30-years. The Laminate and Acrylic panels collections are currently available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200 x 2440mm.
UK manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom surfaces, Bushboard, has extended its wall panelling system. Nuance now includes 11 easy to install options in a move it says reflects changing interior trends and helps retailers meet the demand for natural-looking bathroom wall solutions.
Nuance, Nuance Designer and Nuance Acrylic are new for 2022, as is Nuance Vanity Worksurfaces which offers a wide choice of laminate surfaces that can be mixed and matched.
Alhambra and Driftwood
Nuance offers five on-trend categories that combine the appearance of stone, marble, wood, travertine and quartz together with textured finishes. Latest introductions include the stone inspired Lumiere and Light Portland panels, plus Cirrus Marble and Doux Lime Quartz, which are also replicated as vanity worksurfaces.
Uniquely manufactured in Britain since 1935, all Nuance panels have high performance surfaces and a synthetic homogenous core that is 100 per cent impervious to water. Showrooms can present the panels in-situ in a variety of settings such as shower areas, wet rooms and finishing walls around baths.
Easy installation
Retailers will be able to appeal to time-pressured installers with Nuance’s ease-of-installation and quick-fitting time. While traditional tiling often requires specialist tooling and can take a significant amount of time to complete, Nuance can be sized, trimmed and fitted by an installer in a matter of hours. Flexible panel sizes include postformed panels and standard tongue and groove panels, which can be linked together to create walk-in wet rooms or shower enclosures. The 160mm finishing panel allows a run of tongue and groove panels to be finished vertically, also with a neat postformed edge detail.
Thanks to the pre-finished profile of certain panel sizes, Nuance’s patented trim-free system means no edging strips are required for finishing either. Creating a dynamic showroom display is possible with the ability to rotate panels 90 degrees in any orientation to achieve matching or contrasting looks, as well as half height features or bath panels.
Bushboard also supply its own specialist ‘Complete’ adhesive and sealant which easily provides a professional and watertight finish. Available in 10 colourways which have been matched to the full range, Complete’s advanced formulation has excellent grab adhesion, gap filling properties and is straightforward to maintain and clean. Retailers can sell Complete alongside the Nuance range, with panels carrying a 15-year guarantee when used with the adhesive.
Nuance Panel Chalky Wood
Paul Findley, Product Sales Manager for Nuance, said: “The latest additions to our Nuance range have been carefully developed by our in-house team to offer a versatile range of wall panelling solutions that will help retailers meet the needs of installers and homeowners alike. Whether the customer is looking to tackle a complete bathroom renovation, refurbishment work or updating a shower cubicle, retailers can rely on the versatility of the Nuance collection when finding a product that will suit most customers’ personal tastes and requirements.
“As well as being visually impactful, featuring decors that have been inspired by natural materials, geometric shapes and tile effect layouts, the panels are really quick to fit too. Using Nuance, large wall areas can be covered in a fraction of the time it takes to apply individual ceramic tiles.
“When retailers are approached by installers, recommending Nuance is undoubtedly a win-win scenario that makes perfect sense, every step of the way.”
For more information about Nuance and the complete spectrum of bathroom surfaces available, or to order a sample, visit: http://www.bushboard.co.uk/nuance
Lakes, a leading manufacturer of innovative showering spaces, has launched the Onyx Collection, a striking new matt black range.
The Onyx Collection is stylish and modern, featuring a matt-black anodised finish, to create a high-impact design for a dramatic showering space. Black as a statement trend has been an increasingly popular modern choice for bathrooms, and Onyx is perfect for those who want to incorporate the latest interior design trends into their bathrooms.
The Collection is extensive and includes walk-ins, hinged panels, quadrants and slider doors, so there is an option to suit nearly every bathroom space. As with all Lakes’ products, Onyx also benefits from Lakes’ unique ‘no-quibble’, guarantee.
Managing Director Bev Brown says: “Demand for matt-black showering spaces is proving to be an enduring trend and we are delighted to offer customers our stunning Onyx collection. We have also added two new ‘Horizon’ showering spaces with distinctive matt black horizontal stripes to really make a statement.
“Inspired by the Crittall-style popularised in the art deco movement of the early 20th Century, Horizon comprises two walk-in showering spaces, incorporating a pair of horizontal stripes, creating a natural horizon in the showering space.
“The high-visual impact of the design of both Onyx and Horizon will help refresh showrooms and drive high-value sales for our nationwide merchants and stockists.”
All Lakes products are backed by a unique guarantee. To add Lakes’ new Onyx Collection in to your display, call 01684 853 870. Download the brochure here: www.lakesshoweringspaces.com.
Lakes has launched a new Ambient walk-in shower with concealed LED lighting in the wall mount that emits a soft glow of light along the edges of the Low-Iron glass. The light is activated when the embedded PIR sensor is triggered.
Headlining the popular Walk-In Collection, this 2-metre high walk-in is the first of its kind and is designed to make night-time bathroom visits safer while leaving light sleepers undisturbed by the need to turn on bright main lighting. The PIR motion sensor triggers soft LED lighting when someone enters the bathroom in the dark.
As well as making nocturnal bathroom visits safer and less disturbing, the soft glow also transforms the showering experience into one that is calming and restful by virtue of the low-level lighting which helps to create a private, gently lit sanctuary. Ambient has Lakes Glass PureVueHD low-iron glass for superior clarity and AllClear® advanced glass coating for long-life looks. The glass thickness is a generous 8mm.
Managing Director Bev Brown says: “The LED lighting built into the spectacular Ambient walk-in serves a dual purpose. First and foremost it makes the showering space a more soothing environment to relax and unwind in, particularly for showering in the evenings. It also makes the bathroom a safer place at night, showing up potential trip hazards left out by younger generations that could otherwise pose a safety concern for visiting or co-habiting grandparents. Although, who hasn’t stepped painfully on a piece of forgotten Lego or a toy?
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen more and more families welcoming sons or daughters, often with young families, or grandparents back into the family home. Multi-generational living and improving the home to make that possible is becoming a feature of life today. Low thresholds to showering enclosures, non-slip shower trays, seats and reassuring grab rails are the showering accessories that enable this type of lifestyle. The good news is they’re no longer purely functional; the best are very stylish additions and enhancements.
“Showrooms offering solutions for homeowners modifying their bathrooms to suit a multigenerational lifestyle will maximise opportunities and sales by displaying the Ambient Walk-In.”
All Lakes products are backed by a unique guarantee. To add Lakes’ new Ambient walk-in to your display, call 01684 853 870. Download the brochure here: www.lakesshoweringspaces.com.
Kudos has expanded its collection of Pinnacle8 luxury shower enclosures. It’s now offering a 1000mm quadrant, four new offset quadrants (900x800mm, 1000x800mm, 1000x900mm & 1200x800mm) and two new door sizes to the hinged range, 1100mm and 1300mm, that are suitable for use in either corner or recess installations.
Pinnacle8 is an elegant range of semi-frameless shower enclosure models initially launched in 2018. The collection has been increased by a number of additions in both 2019 and 2020 in response to increased demand. As one of the most popular selling enclosure ranges the collection has been expanded again and these new options are available to retailers from March.
At 2000m in height, the Pinnacle8 collection offers enclosure sizes ranging from 760mm to 1800mm. All models feature crystal clear seals and 8mm toughened safety glass throughout which is treated with Lifeshield™, a lifetime protective coating for easy cleaning. The collection can be paired with the Kudos KStone or Connect2 shower trays and is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
Pinnacle8 enclosures are easy to install with a slimline wall profile with fully concealed fixings maintaining 20mm wall adjustment. SmartSeal technology is used on the crystal clear seals and glass-to-glass corner join seals, to ensure a clean uninterupted finish and a water tight bond. Kevlar impregnated pins are used in the rise and fall chromed hinges for consistently smooth opening and closing of the glass doors and aircraft grade stainless steel roller bearings are used in all sliding doors for smooth action and longevity.
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
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
The recent HIX show presented KEUCO the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their Plan Care removable shower seat; an aesthetically pleasing shower seat that can be added and removed at will.
The sleek lines of the most elegant designer bathroom can incorporate this high-quality shower seat from KEUCO. The seat is available in a variety of colours including an elegant grey and chrome combination, which provides a comfortable and practical solution for anyone who finds difficulty standing in a shower or those with restricted movement.
The shower seat is used in combination with the KEUCO PLAN CARE rail system, the chair is fixed in place by simply hanging it over the rail without any form or mechanical fixing! It’s sturdy backrest and folding design means it can be kept neatly in place and removed completely when not in use, making it ideal for both multigenerational use in homes and in hotels, as it provides a stylish installation for any contemporary bathroom.
Manufactured in Germany under TUV Nord certification this practical and comfortable tip-up seat can accommodate weight of up to 110kg and comes in shades of dark and light grey or white on chrome of aluminium finish.
