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Schlüter® KERDI-BOARD offers versatile, lightweight & waterproof tile backerboard option 

Schluter_kerdi_board

As one of the most versatile and widely specified products from Schlüter-Systems, Schluter-KERDI-BOARD finds applications for both retrofit and new-build installations, with different thicknesses of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) panel providing a stable and waterproof substrate for natural stone and ceramic tiling.

The panels are available in thicknesses of 5, 9, 12.5, 19, 28, 38 and 50mm and are easily installed across existing masonry, concrete, timber stud frames or lightweight metal framing, with panels featuring parallel grooves also available for creating rounded surfaces, such as for seating or curved walls.  With all thicknesses available in 1.25 m or 2.6 m lengths, both by 62.5 cm wide, KERDI-BOARD is frequently used to create work-surfaces, breakfast bars, islands and vanities. 

A handy guide can be downloaded from the Schlüter-Systems website which can assist both specifiers and tradespeople in picking the right panel for an application. For instance, 12.5 mm is the minimum thickness recommended for use where a stud frame is constructed to 400 mm centres.  The largest three thicknesses should be considered for construction purposes, while there are also special L-shaped and U-shaped panels for use as pipe boxing, and prefabricated niches in different sizes – with or without lighting – to create storage within walls. 

Both sides of the KERDI-BOARD panels have a waterproof, cement-free reinforcement layer, which offers an ideal surface for standard tile adhesive, either fully embedded or using the dot and dab method. Printed lines aid accurate cutting using a utility knife or power tools.

KERDI-BOARD is certified BBA certified.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Revealed: Top five bathroom decor trends of 2023 so far

New research from online bathroom retailer, Victoria Plum, has identified the most popular bathroom decor trends of the year so far, based on the number of mentions on Instagram and uplift in search volume figures during 2023.

The trends have been ranked by search volume uplift, with the initial list selected on the criteria of having more than 1,000 mentions on Instagram and being a predicted trend by experts at the beginning of the year.

Here are the top five bathroom decor trends of 2023 so far… 

  1. Textured tiles

Textured tiles saw a 100 per cent uplift in searches (according to Google Trends) from February to March and 7,272 mentions on Instagram.

Many people renovating their bathrooms are clearly looking to move away from plain tiles, which have dominated bathroom decor over the last few years. Textured tiles have proven to be the perfect solution to liven up any bathroom.

  1. Bespoke vanity units

Much like textured tiles, bespoke vanity units had a 100 per cent increase in searches during the same period and 1,604 mentions on Instagram, which is easy to see why.

The customisation element of bathroom decor has become very appealing as people look to maximise the space they have available to them in what can sometimes be one of the smaller rooms of the house.

  1. Clawfoot tubs

Clawfoot tubs have really taken off as a trend recently, with an 87 per cent increase in searches and a huge 74,130 mentions on Instagram proving its popularity. In general, freestanding baths are becoming ever more present in bathroom décor with search terms experiencing a 47 per cent uplift in volume from February to March.

  1. Heated flooring

While heated floors have been around for a long time, the trend is taking off again with 2,000 mentions on Instagram and a 73 per cent increase in searches from February to March 2023. The feature was once seen as a luxury item, but today they have actually been found to be more energy efficient than using radiators, meaning homeowners are now installing them to save on bills.

  1. Gold accents

This trend has seen a 60 per cent increase in searches from March to April and 139,656 mentions on Instagram. It’s easy to see why this trend has taken off as gold accents can be anything from toilet roll holders to towel rails, adding a luxury feel to any bathroom. 

Ruth Foster, interior design expert at Victoria Plum commented on the trends saying: “The bathroom is no longer a space of little consideration, style-wise. And, in the interest of avoiding a ‘clinical’ look, consumers want warmth, texture, colour, and unique designs when buying bathroom products.

“The trends identified above demonstrate luxury meeting affordability. For example, while freestanding clawfoot baths and gold accents make a space feel opulent, a trend like heated flooring links more to the cost of living.

“Another bathroom trend that also promotes affordability is focusing on products that help consumers make small changes to their home without breaking the bank, such as replacing a mirror, buying new towels, or incorporating plants.”

To find out more visit www.victoriaplum.co.uk

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KEUCO celebrates turning 70!

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KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG was founded in the Westphalian town Hemer in 1953, originally it was formed under the name Paul Keune + Co. KG. A lot has changed in the seven decades since the company was founded, but the goal and vision of the early days has remained: to make bathrooms that are both beautiful and comfortable.

KEUCO’s quality products continue to be developed and produced in Germany and the headquarters are still located in Hemer, Westphalia.   The original focus was on bathroom accessories, but KEUCO has continuously expanded, revised and supplemented its range and today offers an abundant range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, washbasins and bathroom furniture all “made in Germany”.

After all these years KEUCO is still skilfully merging tradition with innovation and has collected numerous design prizes for its innovative bathroom furnishing concepts and products along the way.

Pictured left 1988 – The solitair cabinet Sesam becomes an icon in the bathroom & right – KEUCO plan

KEUCO products are sold across the globe, they have more than 500 employees worldwide working as a well-coordinated team, contributing to the positioning of KEUCO in the premium segment of the sanitary industry.

The company is still family run and owned as 100 % of the company shareholders are all members of the original founders.  Today, KEUCO is managed by Lubert Winnecken and he is assisted by a management committee, this team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.

1975 – German designer Luigi Colani designs a bathroom with accessories, lights and mirrors by KEUCO

This continuity means the employees consider themselves to be part of an extended family business, one that values its employees and understands that it is the combination of the company’s historical knowledge with individual expertise that creates the KEUCO brand.

Keuco tells us that in order to be successful in the long term, you must have happy employees working to develop products that create satisfied customers.

KEUCO History:

  • April 1953 Foundation of Paul Keune & Co. KG. Six employees manufacture the first hardware fittings for bathrooms.
  • 1959 The company achieves sales of DM 1 million for the first time.
  • 1960 Construction of the first own factory building.
  • 1961 Development of the first own DE LUXE series.
  • 1962 Market launch of high-quality metal mirror cabinets.
  • 1967 Development of the ELEGANCE series – with over 40 million items sold, the most successful series in the world.
  • 1975 Luigi Colani, the most famous designer in Germany at the time, develops the first revolutionary bathroom design with accessories, light and mirrors made by KEUCO.
  • 1987 Takeover of the largest competitor Turk + Bolte from Iserlohn.
  • 1988 Market launch of bathroom furniture. The solitaire cabinet Sesam becomes an icon of modern bathroom furniture.
  • 1995 Takeover of the metal goods factory TWICK + LEHRKE, Gütersloh, market leader for mirror cabinets in Germany.
  • 1999 Start of development of the world ‘s biggest equipment concept PLAN.
  • 2002 Market launch of water-conducting fittings.
  • 2005 First complete bathroom EDITION 300 (fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, washbasins and bathroom furniture).
  • 2008 Acquisition of the company LUDEWIG, Bünde, furniture producer.
  • 2009 Market launch of PLAN b_free – the furnishing concept for the bathroom in a universal design with the aim of creating beautiful bathrooms for all life situations.
  • 2011 Launch of the successful EDITION 11, designed by Dominik Tesseraux.
  • 2015 Market launch of the innovative fitting series IXMO.
  • 2016 In cooperation with TEAM 7, EDITION LIGNATUR is created, a luxurious bathroom furnishing concept with furniture made of natural wood.
  • 2021 KEUCO produces and achieves an annual turnover of approximately 140 million euros with around 500 employees.
  • 2023 Market launch of AXESS developed in cooperation with the design agency Studio F. A. Porsche.
  • 2023 KEUCO headquarters in Hemer today.
  • 2023 KEUCO celebrates 70th company anniversary.

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Major investment for PJH as 200,000 sq.ft distribution centre is acquired

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PJH, one of the UK’s largest KBB distributors, has acquired a new purpose-built distribution centre in Wolverhampton, an investment that will see its entire current Cannock operation relocate to the new much larger facility.

The move to the new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre supports PJH’s rapid growth, and also its commitment to being its ‘Customers’ FIRST CHOICE’ through the continuous improvement of its product and service offerings.

Located just 8.3 miles from the existing site, the new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre will be purpose built to PJH’s specification.

With a sq. ft. of 200,000, the new site is almost double the existing footprint and will support planned product range enhancements, an increase in the already excellent stock availability and further improvements to PJH’s next-day delivery service.  In addition, the site will also include a new purpose-built showroom designed to showcase all products to customers.  The site is targeted to be fully operational from Summer 2024.

Speaking about the new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre, Richard George, CEO of PJH said: “Acquiring the new site represents a considerable investment by PJH and supports further our commitment to be our Customers’ FIRST CHOICE as we continue our growth journey. This will be PJH’s flagship distribution centre and the new site will benefit from being ultra-modern and is aimed at taking our already fantastic service to the Next Level.  I was keen that we remained in the local area to ensure we retain all our employees, as they are fundamental to the success of our business, so I am delighted that we have found this site in Wolverhampton.”

Once the move to the new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre is complete its addition will increase PJH’s total UK distribution space to 455,000 sq ft.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk, www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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A Complete New Contrast for Bathrooms to Love

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Bathrooms to Love, the bathroom brand from distributor PJH, has revealed one of the first new furniture families to be featured in its Spring/Summer bathroom collection, the wall-hung “Contrast” range.

Exclusive to Bathrooms to Love, Contrast is a premium modular furniture family that features contrasting materials and finishes.

There are two striking wall-hung furniture options with a handleless design. The first combines a Matt Black-effect fascia with a black glass door and drawer insert, and the second features a Matt Cotton finish with an oak woodgrain-effect door and drawer insert (as pictured).

The designs offer a seamless look with either a coordinated coloured resin basin (Matt Black or Matt Cotton), or a clean white ceramic inset basin.

PJH_BTL_CONTRAST_MATT_COTTON

“The beautiful mix of contrasting materials and finishes seen in our new Contrast range, give rise to some quite unique looks for the mid-market bathroom sector – which can be perfect for ultra-modern bathroom spaces,” said Julie Lockwood, product manager for Bathrooms to Love.

“With bathroom furniture product development evolving at such a fast pace, we need to ensure our customers are ahead of trends and able to offer the end-customer a continuous supply of fresh new designs.

Lockwood continues: ”Incorporating Hettich and Hafele soft-close hinges and drawer runners, and a linen-effect interior, Contrast oozes luxury and high-end appeal, and can be complemented with a great choice of brassware, mirrors, lighting and accessories from Bathrooms to Love, as illustrated here with the use of brushed brass products with the Matt Cotton range.  

 Incorporating Hettich and Hafele soft-close hinges and drawer runners, and a linen-effect interior, Contrast oozes luxury and high-end appeal, and can be complemented with a great choice of brassware, mirrors, lighting and accessories from Bathrooms to Love, as illustrated here with the use of brushed brass products with the Matt Cotton range.   

PJH_BTL_CONTRAST_MATT_COTTON

Unit choices include a 350mm tall unit, and a range of basin units with two drawers in widths of 600mm and 800mm, for both the coloured resin basin and the white ceramic basin options.

Packaged up with the usual comprehensive retailer sales support from PJH, including marketing collateral, POS, display deals, virtual showroom, QR codes (with access to Augmented Reality to visualise products in bathroom spaces), the PJH Partners Portal and a next day delivery service, the new Contrast range is now available for ordering.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99  / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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HIP Learner of the Year

The finalists of the 2023 HIP Learner of the Year competition have been announced. The event took place in the Worcester Bosch headquarters for a 2-day finale of the well-established plumbing competition on 19th & 20th of April.

The quest to find the UK’s most promising plumbers culminated in a challenge to install a boiler, heat pump and radiator, using copper pipework, as well as a basin and shower connected to a Sanitop Up macerator pump from Saniflo. 

The event followed six regional heats, which started in January and the winners of each round, along with the highest runner-up, gained a place at the final.

Saniflo was delighted to be a sponsor throughout the competition which included the donation of 13 x Sanitop Up domestic macerators for use in the practical challenges and which have since been donated to the respective colleges for the benefit of other plumbing apprentices. 

The finalists were: 

  1. Theo Dobinson, Newcastle College
  2. Miles James, Farnborough College of Technology
  3. Nathan Kelly, Cardiff Vale College
  4. George Anderson, City College, Plymouth
  5. Elliot Julian, Cornwall College
  6. Louie Diver, Cambridge Regional College
  7. Connor Sutherland, Tresham College, Corby

Head Judge, Jerry Whiteley of CIPHE, worked with HIP Magazine to develop the challenge and was delighted at the competency shown by all candidates.

He says: “The quality of the work of these 7 finalists demonstrates that the future of plumbing is in very capable hands. The judging criteria is exceptionally strict with all jointing techniques assessed, levels checked and pipe bends measured for accuracy. The winner, Elliot Julian from Cornwall College, carried out an outstanding piece of work and was also the first to complete the task. Louie Diver from Cambridge Regional College was a close second. Each of the learners worked tirelessly over the two days and demonstrated great aptitude. Their lecturers should be extremely proud.”

Graham Davies, technical manager from Saniflo, attended the events and delivered a series of presentations, Meet the Lecturer, to the college staff.

He adds: “The lecturers and apprentices I have met over the last four months have reinforced that the plumbing sector has some serious talent coming through, thanks to the great NVQ courses at the colleges. Not only is it a fantastic career opportunity, it is great for industry knowing that there is a talent pool of potential employees. This competition really does bring out the best in the sector.” 

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Aesth|ethics – Ideal Standard ‘pops-up’ with Venetian design & sustainability event

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Leading bathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard, is hosting a series of exclusive events at a new temporary pop-up showroom in Venice. The Aesth|ethics pop-up showcases the brand’s design prowess and ethical goals and achievements. Visitors are also encouraged to see the latest collections and find out more about Ideal Standard’s first annual sustainability report.

Ideal Standard has completed a full carbon footprint analysis of the Aesth|ethics event and partnered with Up2You to neutralise the generated CO2 emissions. The events will be hosted at the historic Arsenale di Venezia, within the former shipyards of Venice featuring a specially made installation from Ideal Standard’s chief design officer, Roberto Palomba.

Commenting on the new products and Aesth|ethics, Roberto said: “For these new collections, we have retained our core identity and built on the rich design heritage of our past, all while producing new and exciting products that are built for the contemporary bathroom. It’s the combination of our design expertise and manufacturing knowledge, that lets us take these steps in a sustainable, innovative way. The Arsenale di Venezia is the perfect location and provides us with a dramatic setting to showcase our new Italian inspired collections.”

New products

The new products on display include the Alu+ range of eco-sustainable shower systems, the contemporary i.life ceramics range in a new modern glossy grey finish, the minimalist Solos showering collection with intuitive smart controls for an all-in-one spa like experience, and the La Dolce Vita collection – a design-led and comprehensive bathroom range that celebrates Italian lifestyle.

Aesth|ethics will also highlight Ideal Standard’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future and explain the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products that encourage sustainable living practices.

Ethical projects

Ideal Standard has chosen two projects that focus on preserving and restoring forests to support the fight against climate change. The first is helping to protect almost 785,000 hectares of forests and wildlife on the southern shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The Kariba Forest Protection project aims to create a biodiversity corridor by connecting four national parks and eight safari reserves while implementing numerous community-focused initiatives. The company has also committed to helping turn almost 22,000 hectares of cattle grazing land into sustainably managed forests for high-value, long-life timber products as well as sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide. Both projects are verified by the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards.

Speaking on the event, co-CEO Jan-Peter Tewes said: “Aesth|ethics is a great occasion to highlight what we, as a company, have in store for the future. We’ve developed some ambitious goals, both from a sustainability and people perspective, that we have outlined in our new sustainability report, so the opportunity to delve deeper into those goals and talk about how we want to achieve them is fantastic.

“Whether it’s increasing diversity through an active recruitment drive or installing photovoltaic panels at our Wittlich fittings plant in Germany as we transition the business to use 100% renewable electricity, we are now well on the way to a more sustainable future.”

To find out more about Ideal Standard’s sustainability report, visit: www.idealstandard.co.uk/about-us/sustainability  

To see more about Ideal Standard’s new ranges, visit: www.idealstandard.co.uk  

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Roman speak at United Nations Global Compact Event

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The UN Global Compact Network UK has organised a series of online peer-learning workshops open to all 270+ SME participants in the Network to help streamline the process of creating environmental strategies and reaching net zero.

David Osborne, chief executive officer for Roman, was asked to speak at the first of the 12-part UN Global Compact Network programme, covering the topic – ‘Developing a Comprehensive Environmental Strategy’. David Osborne shared Roman’s environmental journey and strategy, covering Roman’s experiences and best practice in sustainability.

Roman is immersed in all aspects of the Circular Economy and is committed to using recycled materials in the production process – and to ensure that all parts of all products can be recycled and reused back at their original value at their end of life. Roman was certified by the Carbon Trust as Carbon Neutral in 2021 and are active in many other initiatives within the business relating to sustainability.

The UNGC Programme aims to help SMEs create comprehensive environmental strategies and implement policies and practices to tackle a broad range of environmental issue areas (such as climate change, waste, water, biodiversity, and energy use) across their operations. Each workshop will highlight how leading SMEs are overcoming key challenges and will provide a peer-learning forum through which attendees can share best practices and be signposted to credible tools/resources that can help them make progress on the environmental sustainability agenda.

David Osborne commented: “As a British Manufacturer, we take sustainability and CSR extremely seriously and we are proud to be a member of the prestigious and far-reaching, United Nations Global Compact Network. It was a great opportunity to speak at the opening session of UNGC’s new series of workshops and to share our environmental sustainability journey, and we hope it helps other members tackle the broad range of environmental issues across their operations.”

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Kaldewei shines at ISH 2023

Kaldewei ISH Miena

At the ISH comeback in March, in Frankfurt, Kaldewei positively demonstrated how modern bathroom settings can be stylishly celebrated.

The trade fair stand of the premium bathroom manufacturer was considered a highlight in Hall 3. In addition to the latest product innovations, Kaldewei’s focus for the trade fair was a complete series of exclusive designs for the washbowls made of enamel, which caused great excitement amongst the trade visitors. Everyone had the option to select their personal favourite via a digital selection process and the winning washbowls now being launched as a limited edition.

Creative craftsmanship for sophisticated one-offs

Exclusive designs created for the Miena, Ming and Nueva washbasins to show how versatile and customisable the steel enamel material is – from bicolour versions to ornate decorations in shades of grey, green and berry, to elegant metallic effects with that certain “golden glow”.

Visitors to the trade fair voted live on site or online by means of social media for their favourites and chose from twenty different designer washbasins with glamorous names such as Emerald Wave, Colour Twist or Paint Poetry.

The winner was declared as grey textured Miena Misty Morning and won by a country mile. This design is now being made as a limited edition of 100 units. The Emerald Wave design took second place, with Colour Twist taking third. Bicolour Black & Copper, Soft Greenery, Paint Poetry and Golden Glow Black finished as runner-ups.

Kaldewei misty morning

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Duravit wins five prizes at Red Dot Design Award & iF Awards

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Duravit was hailed the “winner” five times in the “Product Design 2023” category: Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha designer bathroom collection, the Tulum faucet range designed by Philippe Starck, and Duravit’s own Sustano shower tray all won over the distinguished Red Dot Design Award jury.

The 133-member, independent and international jury of experts of the iF DESIGN AWARD was also won over by Zencha and the Duravit No. 1 campaign, awardingDuravit two “Winners”

Zencha by Sebastian Herkner: An homage to mindfulness and craftsmanship

The accomplished Zencha bathroom collection by Sebastian Herkner is inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship. The collection, already the recipient of a German Design Award, was crowned the “winner” at the Red Dot Award and iF DESIGN AWARD.

Tulum by Philippe Starck: Iconic, eternal design

The monolithic design of the Tulum by Philippe Starck faucet series impresses with a balanced composition of round and square shapes to create an impression of visual clarity. Its iconic shape and sheer elegance were also crowned the “winner” in the Red Dot Award’s “Product Design 2023” category.

Sustano: Recyclable and customizable shower tray

Sustano by Duravit, the first recyclable shower tray, comes in six colours and is very easy to customize and cut to size. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray, made from the sustainable material DuroCast Nature, also sufficiently impressed the distinguished jury of the Red Dot Award to be crowned the “winner”.

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