Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Neoperl increases investment

April 8, 2021

Neoperl UK is taking delivery of 4 new high speed moulding machines in a significant investment to further improve the quality and efficiency in their UK production of flow regulators.

The four new machines are being delivered in two batches, two in March and two by the end of April as part of the company’s continual improvement program. The new moulding machines will offer additional capacity in the moulding process, offering much faster cycle times especially for volume runs. These new machines also offer an improvement in quality and produce less scrap.

Neoperl UK focus specifically on the production of flow regulators in the UK. It is a very specialist area and Neoperl are one of the leading producers in the world manufacturing millions each year in various sizes. Flow regulators are used in appliances to control the flow of water independent on external water pressure variances. They are often found in taps, showers and domestic boilers, making the appliance more efficient and helping to save water.

www.neoperl.com

01684 564869

info@neoperl.co.uk

Neoperl UK Ltd., Enigma Business Park, Sparrowhawk Close, Malvern, WR14 1GH

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D-Neo from Duravit brings quality and style at entry-level

April 8, 2021

D-Neo from Duravit is a completely customisable range of washbasins, furniture, WC’s, baths and basins and comes with a lifetime guarantee on the ceramic elements in the range for selected countries.* The sophisticated entry-level range, by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly, has been created to outlast short-lived trends.

Versatile D-Neo is component-based and includes a wide range of washbasins: from furniture and built-in variants to hand rinse basins and above-counter basins. The washbasins feature an all-round rim and the matching vanity units are eye-catching and practical with added storage space. The above-counter basins are available in oval or round variants.

All the toilets come with the Duravit Rimless® technology and can be ordered with the antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze, achieving perfect flushing results with just 4.5 litres of water. The D-Neo series also offers a matching bidet.

A further highlight in this price segment is the free-standing DuraSolid® bathtub with its velvety look and feel and a style reminiscent of the oval above-counter basins. At just 1600 mm in length, it also perfectly showcases smaller bathrooms.

Built-in bathtubs made from sanitary acrylic with one sloping backrest are available in five sizes ranging from 1500 x 750 to 1800 x 800 mm. The 1800 x 800 mm version can also be ordered with two backrests.

The built-in bathtubs also come in a whirl version for that extra-special feel-good factor. Six flat water-air nozzles arranged in the side walls create a beneficial massage effect.

Available in widths of 410 to 1400 mm and numerous design options, the D-Neo furniture perfectly complements any bathroom. Three new wood-look décors complete the selection of D-Neo furniture finishes bringing the total to 13. A harmonious overall picture is produced when combined with the ergonomic handle in a diamond-black finish; this mirrors the curve of the console panels and washbasins. The indirect light provided by the matching circular mirrors from the Light + Mirror range creates a pleasant ambience. The mirrors and mirror cabinets are available as a rectangular option with LED edging lighting at the top, guaranteeing ideal illumination of the washing area.

Washbasin mixers with the FreshStart feature are also available for the first time: cold water flows in the central position. Hot water is only added when the user deliberately moves the handle to the left, limiting the energy-intensive production of hot water to situations where it is actually needed.

Thanks to the selection of D-Neo ceramic elements, the high-quality furniture, wide range of bathtub options, and matching faucet range, it’s possible to customize any bathroom in top quality and for an attractive price.

*Lifetime garantee us for the ceramics only – not the complete range.

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New shower tray line at Kudos Cumbria

April 8, 2021

British shower products manufacturer, KUDOS, is now enjoying the extra production capability that’s been realised from its recent £650,000 investment.

Last year saw Kudos move its finished goods stock from its manufacturing site in Cumbria to a new 60,000 sq ft warehouse facility in Sandbach, Cheshire. The move, not only placed the company’s finished goods stock in a more central UK location, it also released around 25,000 sq ft of space in the Elmsfield Park, Cumbria facility enabling the expansion of its manufacturing capability. The extra capacity has seen the installation of a new shower tray production facility to supplement the existing tray manufacturing unit in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

New sanding machine in Cumbria facility speeds up production of composite filled acrylic shower trays.

The Cumbrian factory is now largely producing the new SR premium shower tray collection. These trays, available in both the KStone and Connect2 designs, feature a new surface material which is slip, scratch and stain resistant. The slip resistant properties are embedded in the material, rather than a coating of the surface, which means it cannot be removed and, unlike many other anti-slip surfaces, is comfortable underfoot.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Lovell Homes celebrates Derbyshire Development

April 6, 2021

National housebuilder Lovell Homes has launched its newest Eastern development named Stephenson Grange – located near Derbyshire’s Peak District – through an online event that answered the top questions relating to mortgages as well as giving a virtual taste of life in Holmewood.

The brand-new development, that will provide a mixture of affordable and luxury homes perfectly suited to first-time buyers, was revealed in a different format compared to the usual in person launches, giving Chesterfield house hunters a unique perspective and the chance to find out everything there is to know about mortgages.

Prospective purchasers tuned in to the Lovell Homes Instagram channel for exclusive access to a simple buyers guide, which is now available to view on demand here, with expert advice from Mortgage Pathways.

Chesterfield-local Joanne James, who is also the new sales executive at Stephenson Grange, used the launch to give viewers a realistic insight into life in Holmewood – from the distance to the shops for that all important pint of milk to how long the school-run will take.

Joanne said: “It can seem overwhelming when buying a house, especially as a first-time buyer and it is apparent that the different types of mortgage rates available – including the government’s new five per cent mortgage scheme – the stamp duty holiday, and the Help to Buy Scheme are topics that Chesterfield house hunters were desperate to find out more about.

“In normal circumstances we would have opened our doors and invited people in to celebrate our brand-new launch – obviously things must be done differently at the moment and we’ve actually found that people enjoy being able to do some research from their sofa before making an appointment to visit. “

Located in Holmewood village, just five miles from Chesterfield and within proximity to the Peak District, the 156-home development offers a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties. The development has been designed to appeal to a broad audience – from first-time buyers, growing families or those looking towards retirement.

All of the properties at the new build development feature open plan kitchen/dining areas, integrated appliances, spacious rooms, contemporary finishes and two off-street parking spaces, perfectly suited to anyone searching for a dream, life-long home.

Colette Ben Tarcha, sales director at Lovell, added: “Chesterfield is on the edge of the Peak District so you’re a stone’s throw away from beautiful walks and the stunning market towns of Matlock and Bakewell too. It also boasts excellent commuter links, being just ten minutes away from the M1 by car, allowing easy access to Sheffield and Nottingham for shopping, nights out and work.

“The development has been designed to appeal to a wide audience with different house types available, each with a contemporary feel and suitable to cater for all needs. We have three show homes available for viewings, the two-bedroom semi-detached Fairhaven, three-bed semi-detached Lansdown and the three-bedroom detached Puttenham, each offering different layouts. Our show homes also have a family friendly interior design, which gives a great idea of space to show future residents how they can design their home.”

Stephenson Grange is part of a joint venture between Together Housing Group and Lovell Partnerships who have joined forces in a bid to tackle the housing crisis across the region. Of the 156 homes, 38 will be available for affordable rent via Together Housing Group or shared ownership via Together Homes in a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses.

Interest in Stephenson Grange has already been strong due to its desirable location and strong commuter links, as well as its wealth of public amenities including a doctor’s surgery, post office and a library. Current released two-bedroom homes start from £169,000 and three-bedroom homes from £195,000.

The first homes will be ready to welcome new residents in summer 2021 and the development is expected to be completed in 2023. Site visits and show home tours must be booked in advance with visitors adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, including the wearing of face masks, limited numbers, and social distancing.

Marketing suite and show home opening hours are Thursday to Monday 10am – 5pm. For further information on the development or to book an appointment, visit https://www.lovell.co.uk/developments/stephenson-grange-holmewood/ or call us on 01246 641 368

For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.

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Are we about to see another ‘Roaring 20s’?

April 6, 2021

This month we talk to Tom Reynolds – Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association – to understand the latest market research available to BMA members and what this means for bathroom brands.

The current coronavirus crisis has many parallels with the Spanish flu pandemic, suffered by around 500 million people, a hundred years ago. It resulted in tens of millions of deaths, and was followed by a wave of economic and cultural prosperity throughout the Western world. The Roaring 1920s, as it became known, was characterised by new technologies, an advertising boom and a surge in consumerism.

At BMA we work closely with a team of market researchers at Opinium, to get a greater understanding of what consumers want. We recently hosted a webinar for members, discussing how brands should position themselves, post-pandemic.

Research shows respondents were split on whether they want to return to life as it was, or they want a complete change to society. There are two competing narratives – pent-up demand will create a surge in spending, versus restraint prevailing and resulting in more conservative consumer patterns.

But one particularly strong theme running throughout the market segments, is a desire to support local neighbours, the wider community and the environment. This sense of solidarity and collectivism is translating into value-driven purchasing, and we in the KBB industry need to get our heads around this as we serve the post-pandemic market.

There is an opportunity to connect in a meaningful way on sustainability and climate issues, to help people make informed decisions about bathroom products and environmental impact.

We know the majority of people have no idea how much energy and water they use, but the climate crisis and the net zero challenge, will force more people to question their consumption. In the bathroom sector, the Unified Water Label is one answer. It enables people to make a positive impact by choosing products that deliver environmental and cost-saving benefits. It must be visible at the point of sale so consumers see clear and concise information about water, energy and carbon values.

At the BMA, there is a sense of like-mindedness in terms of our collective views on sustainability, and our collective efforts to transitioning to carbon neutral bathrooms. We must convey this to consumers to demonstrate the shared sense of values we hold.

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VitrA Bathrooms launches flagship showroom in Clerkenwell

April 6, 2021

This spring VitrA announces the launch of VitrA London, its 5,600sq ft flagship space in London’s Clerkenwell. A symbol of the brand’s global reach and catalyst for further growth worldwide, VitrA London will be a creative hub and a social space for architects, designers and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events and workshops.

Situated in the heart of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area and designed by the award-winning architectural practice TP Bennett, VitrA London occupies two floors of the emblematic Turnmill Building. The showroom will serve both the local and international architecture and design community, whilst providing a thriving platform, both creatively and commercially, for the dynamic bathroom industry.

At the heart of the showroom is the VitrA talks area, where VitrA will host exhibitions, social events and stimulating talks once guidelines allow, further demonstrating the brand’s ethos of facilitating an open dialogue between the brand and its key audiences. In 2021, VitrA will host a number of digital and live events that encourage engagement within the space whilst social distancing restrictions are in place.

VitrA London’s ground floor also features the brand’s designer bathroom ranges including those created in collaboration with world-renowned designers such as Ross Lovegrove, Terri Pecora, and most recently, Claudio Bellini and Arik Levy. There is also a functioning brassware display, where visitors can experience VitrA’s basin taps in action.

On the lower ground floor, VitrA London offers a dedicated specification space that demonstrates the various typographies of WCs and basins, as well as showcasing other important elements of bathroom design, including flush plates and accessories. There is also an immersive 4D theatre where visitors can use a virtual reality headset to visualise and walk around their bathroom as they design it.

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Ideal Standard kicks off Together World Tour in Milan

April 6, 2021

Ideal Standard has announced a unique series of events, the Together World Tour, blending an innovative digital format with the attraction of a physical event.

What do Milan, Berlin, London, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai have in common? These cities are renowned cultural capitals of the world, and also the locations for Ideal Standard’s new event designed for the international Architecture & Design community. The Together World Tour will address a global audience through an innovative fusion of digital content and physical interactions across these key locations.

Unveiling exclusive world-premiere product launches, the event will dive into the design culture of each of these iconic cities, and offer attendees a series of “unforgettable moments”. The tour aims to combine the best of digital and in-person events. Its ambition is to inspire and entertain.

“The Together World Tour begins in Milan, the capital of design and home of the Global Design Centre of Ideal Standard. This city for so long has been the source of our inspiration. The event will be an energetic story bringing to life the fashion and lifestyle inherent to Milan” says Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer, Roberto Palomba.

The tour will give architects and designers, the retail community and design lovers from across the world a front row seat to the launch of stunning new collections.

Torsten Türling, Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Standard, explains why he believes this approach is the future for the brand and for the industry: “The pandemic has changed the rules for traditional physical events. Rather than simply offer an online showroom, we have invented a new way toconnect with our customer base all around the world, digital and personal, a dynamic experience enabling us to explore the values of our brand and resulting in what we believe will be a journey of unforgettable moments of inspiration and delight.”

The first event of the Together World Tour will be held on April 21st, 2021. It begins in Milan and will then continue throughout 2021 and into 2022 visiting 6 cities in total. It will be packed with a mixture of live and streamed content, simultaneously translated into several languages. The interactive experience encourages participants to engage with the live event, click to discover new collections, or zoom in on a location to unlock exclusive content.

Participants will also be given the opportunity to individually connect with the company’s Chief Design Officer and other key personnel.

To register now visit: www.togetherworldtour.com

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WRAS separates to create two new businesses

April 1, 2021

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has separated its subscriptions and approvals activities into two separate businesses, Water Regs UK and the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS)

The move follows an internal review and a series of in-depth surveys of members, stakeholders and subscribers.

The findings prompted the launch of the Water Regs UK and Water Regulations Approval Scheme businesses, which clarifies the services offered to different stakeholder groups.

Water Regs UK is focusing on promoting compliance with the Water Fitting Regulations and Byelaws across the UK to protect customers.

The new business is primarily funded by water company subscribers and facilitates water company collaboration and the sharing of industry learning, experience, and good practice. It also acts as a hub to communicate information about the water regulations.

Water Regs UK is also responsible for running the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) on behalf of 14 water suppliers in England and Wales.

The new Water Regulations Approval Scheme business is funded by manufacturers and applicants and it has a specific responsibility for approving plumbing products and materials.

Responsibilities include maintaining a directory of more than 9,000 products and 3,000 materials.

Julie Spinks, Managing Director of the Water Regs UK, said: “The launch of the new dedicated Water Regs UK business means we can further improve the support we provide to subscribers.

“It’s an opportunity to increase our profile among stakeholders and consumers, which will further build awareness and understanding of the water regulations and why they should be followed.”

Ian Hughes, Approvals Manager for the Water Regulations Approval Scheme, said: “Our vision is to be the most trusted independent UK certification body for plumbing products and materials, helping business and consumers choose compliant products that keep water safe. The launch of approvals as a dedicated business allows us to focus exclusively on that goal and offer one route to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.” For further information, visit https://www.wrasapprovals.co.uk/ and https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/

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Ideal Standard streamlines brand portfolio

April 1, 2021

Ideal Standard is making a number of changes for 2021 to support continued growth in the market. The Sottini brand will be absorbed into Ideal Standard in the retail market and Armitage Shanks will remain the lead brand in the non-residential and healthcare settings.

As part of a review of its global brand strategy, this cross-territory brand streamlining will enable a focused investment into the Ideal Standard brand. The new strategy is led by the launch of Atelier Collections, as well as a series of new NPI into the full Ideal Standard range that will be released throughout the year.

Ideal Standard is committing to substantial investment in its support for retailers through its manufacturing capabilities and by ensuring ready availability of its stock. This will provide retailers with the strongest possible portfolio, along with service and marketing support as the sector looks towards recovery following a particularly challenging period.

The withdrawal of Sottini from the UK retail market will be complete by the end of 2021; however, the brand will continue to play a key role across the specification market for new build homes.

Ideal Standard’s experienced sales and customer service teams will work with retailers to make this transition as seamless as possible, and this will ensure that both existing and new retailers will not only have a stronger portfolio going forward, but will have access to a robust support network. Ideal Standard is also investing in its retail team, with new appointments to support the ongoing growth.

This new structure within Ideal Standard means that all residential products will now fall under the namesake brand, with the Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A) curated Atelier Collections taking centre stage as the premium product ranges. These new striking collections feature pieces that not only strengthen the brand’s long-standing design philosophy, but look back to its heritage while shaping and inspiring bathrooms of the future.

David Barber, Managing Director of Ideal Standard UK, said: “With the confident backing of our investors who believe in our long-term potential, this consolidation of our brands under the Ideal Standard name will give us a renewed focus and strengthen the impact of our investments to support our continued growth in the retail, residential and specification markets.

“We recognise, and are hugely grateful for, the continued support that our retail and specification partners have shown us. This focused approach will allow us to offer more dedicated support and packages than ever before, and will mean that retailers and specifiers will have access to our whole range of innovative new products in one streamlined portfolio. We will work closely with them to tailor their offering in order for them to continue to thrive and succeed.”

For more information about the new comprehensive Ideal Standard offering in the UK and the new packages and support available for retailers, please contact the retail sales team through the Ideal Standard switchboard on 01482 346461.

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Clarion Hotel – The Hub includes Unidain Highline

March 31, 2021

Clarion Hotel – The Hub, is an environmentally friendly venue located in the heart of Oslo. This new hotel offers exciting food with local roots, excellent business facilities and 810 rooms that go beyond the ordinary.

The hotel was designed by architects Lund + Slaatto; they worked alongside the interior designer Anders Björkén, and it was he who created the hotel suites in an elegant boutique style. For him, Unidrain was the obvious choice for the bathrooms.

“Unidrain drains are elegant and work extremely well in a hotel environment” he says. Anders is behind the interior design of the historic Grand Hotel in Stockholm and Hotel Vesterbro in Copenhagen. “We use almost exclusively Unidrain’s drains in our projects, in addition to their beautiful and minimalist design, they are easy to install.”

The Hub want their guests to experience something akin to a “love affair” through classical décor, balanced design, and ground-breaking, innovative interiors solutions without losing any feeling of warmth, intimacy and elegance, which Björkén achieved in the design of the hotel rooms.

On the 11th floor, you will find a fantastic suite overlooking the Oslo Fjord; as with all the rooms every detail has been thought through and nothing has been left to chance.

Unidrain are very proud to have supplied HighLine Custom drains to The Hub; in the main bathroom and specifically crafted for this space, the classic Unidrain grating has been replaced by marble tiling creating an exact match to the rest of the bathroom floor, here the line drain blends into the flooring and is almost invisible to the eye.

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