Blanco introduces 3 mixer taps

Posted on February 6, 2012 by liam

Blanco has introduced three mixer taps designed for high pressure water systems and with a pull-out head on a flexi hose. Part of the line-up is the BIancospire-flex, which is a contemporary take on a swan-neck style. The single lever nonobloc measures 420mm high and has a reach of 210mm.

London Polyester Finishing, supplier of high quality lacquering to the joinery trade, has added to its range of finishes. The company’s existing offer comprises doors and panels in any size and any thickness, as well as any colour from any colour chart. Colours can also be mixed with veneered doors in high burnished gloss, satin or matt. The latest addition is a toughened back-painted, glass-fronted slab door.

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Necessities that are just out

Posted on February 6, 2012 by liam

Pegler Yorkshire has now introduced a range of Francis Pegler concealed frame systems for use with solid, prefabricated andplasterboard walls. The WC; frame comes with a choice of cistern from 2.4/4 litre to 3/5,5 litre flush and a selection of flush plates. ln addition, the concealed range system includes models for basins and bidets.

Exxon Mobil Avia Supply offer the Infra Red Marble bathroom heater and towel dryer in three sizes and wattages. It is available in 450, 600 or 850 watts and comes in 900 x 350 x 30mm, 1100 x 350 x 30mm and 1400 x 350 x 30mm options. The towel rails are finished in stainless steel as standard, but can also be specified in marble. The units are thermostatically controlled and come complete with a four-year guarantee.

Extending its Hep2O range, a push-fit plumbing system for domestic hot and cold water supply, Wavin has added 32 items for the 28mm product line. The range already includes 10, 15 and 22mm pipes and fittings, and now comprises 28mm pipes, fittings, various adaptors, stopcocks, 10mm blanking peg and 10mm manifolds. Hep2O features In4Sure joint recognition technology as well as HepKey Plus and comes in white.

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Kitchen panel game

Posted on February 5, 2012 by liam

While kitchen and bathroom designers have long embraced a variety of flooring, it seems they are now turning that attention to walls. Traditional tiles have been joined by a seemingly endless array of cladding from natural stone and solid surfacing, through to acrylic and laminate panels. Now accomplished designers are picking up on the sales opportunities for wall cladding for both the kitchen and the bathroom.

Paul McDowell, managing director of McD Marketing for DuPont Surfaces, points out: “The wall cladding market for both materials (Corian and Zodiaq) is growing year on year.” While Claire Lambert, brand manager of waterproof laminate wallpanel Showerwall at IDS, is more explicit, when she says: “We estimate that the bathroom panelling market is growing eight times faster than tiles, which clearly supports a strong consumer buying shift.”

Cladding clean up

Whether used for kitchen splashbacks or to panel a bathroom, all cladding offers the benefit of ease of installation and maintenance, which is key for hard – working consumers. Large wall panels can be fitted quicker than a multitude of smaller format tiles, and not only do they require less grouting but demand less maintenance too.

Chairman of F. Jones Cleveland, Fred jones comments: “Stone such as granite is perfect since it’s not only durable and easy to maintain, but also beautiful to look at. Furthermore, a complete run of granite is more hygienic since there are no grout seams to trap splashed food or harbour germs.” But this hygienic property of fewer grout lines can also be attributed to solid surfacing, as well as laminate wall panels. Paul McDowell of McD Marketing for DuPont Surfaces points out: “Corian and Zodiaq make great alternatives to tiling because they can be made and fitted in larger sections – and can even be made seamless in many situations.

They avoid the need for grout and offer hygienic, easy-care surfaces.” Claire Lambert, brand manager of Showewvall at IDS, also adds that laminates provide the same cleaning benefits: “Waterproof wallpanelling has a long list of benefits to often including easy installation. .. easy maintenance. .. Grout lines and cleaning issues, associated with tiles, are a real niggle for consumers and panelling has none of those drawbacks.”

Counting the cost-savings But arguably one the biggest success stories for wall panelling sales has been the development of waterproof laminate. It can mimic the patterns of real stone and composite solid surfacing but at a cost-effective price. Claire Lambert says: “Where Showerwall really wins out on cost is in mirroring the look of real travertine, stone or granite giving the customer the advantage of luxurious hotel-style bathrooms, very affordably, by comparison to natural products.”

And Stuart White managing director of Bushboard adds laminate can be cheaper than tiles too: “Generally speaking, laminate panelling for splashbacks or bathroom panelling can work out to be more cost-effective particularly because the installation is much shorter and so less expensive.” However he counters: “Cost is often not the driving force behind choosing laminate; it’s far more about the desired look, performance and maintenance.”

He says: “lt has shed its image of being a cheap alternative to tiling because consumers and designers have switched onto the benefits the product has to offer “Decorative laminate has established itself as a key material for kitchen and bathroom applications. It delivers high performance and water resistance, easy maintenance and installation, while being aesthetically appealing with its wide choice of texture and design combinations.”

Colour and personality

While the trend for natural stone, or stone reproductions will remain a key trend, the fashion has been joined by bold colours enabling an injection of personality – particularly in the kitchen. Stuart White continues: “WhiIe complementary granites will always remain very popular; adding a pop of bold colour is very on-trend currently.”

And Katy Black, product manager for tile manufacturer and distributor; the CP Group says, the company has capitalised on this trend with its Enki collection of glass splashbacks: “We have truly pushed the boundaries of design with our collection of splashbacks, with our design team taking its inspiration from the latest trends on the catwalks and high street to ensure retailers can offer consumers something completely unique to personalise their living space.”

At a lower cost than tiles, and easier to refurbish, cladding opens a refreshment market for the retailer and designer too, when the consumer tires of the fashion print. Katy Black says of the Enki glass splashbacks: “Best of all, they now come in so many striking designs that customers can instantly personalise their kitchens without the expense and commitment of a complete kitchen makeover.”
So whether your project requires bold colours, subtle stone veining or even animal prints, wall panelling has a lot to offer kitchen and bathroom designers. This is an exciting market where only time, materials and technology will decide where it will go.

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Good as gold

Posted on February 4, 2012 by liam

What started out in 1911 as the Upton Machinery Company, producing electric – driven wringer washers, is now the global Whirlpool Corporation. lt boasts sales of $18.4bilIion worldwide and manufactures major domestic appliances across cooling, cooking, laundry, dishwashers, as well as small domestic appliances, plus air and water treatments.

The Whirlpool Corporation operates across four continents in 170 countries, and employs 7500 employees worldwide. Closer to home, Whirlpool is the number one appliance brand in Europe and has also been voted a Superbrand in the UK. Even in its 100th year of trading, the company shows no signs of slowing down, as head of marketing for Whirlpool UK Raj Mistry comments: “Our objective is to double our business by 2015 and extend beyond major domestic appliances and start to hone in on small domestic appliances. It is to make sure we grow in the space in and around the home.”

Battle of the brands

Whirlpool UK has four brands which it hopes will allow the company to build on its core major domestic appliance business – lgnis, Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid, although Raj Mistry says: “Ignis is a tactical brand for the contract market, so we don’t tend to promote it.” But the company has worked on developing the consumer proposition for each of its other three brands, encouraging trade up to more premium-priced models. Raj comments: “One of the things we had to do, was create space around the brands. At the end ofthe day, if you have three brands sitting on the shop floor what justifies having one brand higher-priced than the other; and how can consumers trade up in some way? What we’ve done this year is to make sure each of our brands have a different proposition.”

Whirlpool is a mass market brand, while Maytag occupies the premium market and KitchenAid is positioned at the super premium market. Raj says: “So for example, KitchenAid has a 17 – place dishwasher, while Maytag dishwashers will only go up to 15 – place settings using six litres of water. It gives a tangible trade-up.”

Importance of energy-saving

But aside from organising the branding of its appliances and technological features, a lot of work has also gone on behind the scenes on environmental design. In fact, Whirlpool Corporation was recently awarded the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award, in the States, for offering consumers energy and water efficiency through its home appliance brands.

Raj explains: “At each product launch we look at the product lifecycle, the impact of distribution and environmental cost of producing the appliances. What we’ve found is the biggest environmental cost, lies in using the product for the duration of the lifespan of the product.” ·
To further promote the message of environmentally- friendly appliances, Whirlpool grouped its most energy and water-efficient models beneath the banner of Green Generation. Raj says: “The focus is around trying to drive energy-efficient products. One of the things we have noticed is that most consumers don’t always think about the whole lifecycle of the product. They think about the initial purchase, so they don’t necessarily think about how much it is going to cost them to run the product. lf we were talking about energy-efficient cars, consumers would be asking how can you get more miles to the gallon? But for an appliance you don’t normally think about how much detergent you are going to use.

You don’t always think about how many tablets your dishwasher is going to utilise or how much water is being used. Green Generation allows us to start to drive this message as well.” Whirlpool has also recently introduced a nanotechnology iXelium coating for stainless steel hobs, to protect against heat, marking, and reduce the use of cleaning products.

And in on-going work, the company is now looking ahead at the integration of energy- efficient appliances, with its Green Kitchen, which is claimed, will reduce energy use by 70%. “We can get the best energy performance, and get the best water performance on isolated, individual products and we are proud of all these things.

But part of our objective is how do you start integrating them – for example, how do you utilise the water ofthe final rinse stage cycle ofthe dishwasher? How can we use it for something else within the kitchen environment? We’re starting to look at integrated products as well, that’s really where the next evolution is taking place in terms of consumption of resources,” says Raj Mistry.

Giving back to environment

But Whirlpool is also keen in giving back to the environment in other ways too, having been a partner of the charity Habitat for Humanity for the past decade. lt not only provides the appliances for homes in disadvantaged areas but actually helps build dwellings too. ln fact, as part of its year-long 100th anniversary celebration, Whirlpool took the altruistic step of providing 100 employee volunteers to help build houses in Romania.

Whirlpool has certainly influenced home design, throughout the last 100 years, with improvements in appliance technology and creating better habitats for living. With its continuing focus on environmentally-friendly appliances, it looks set to follow along this path, making future living better.

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Bowled over

Posted on February 3, 2012 by liam

With so much choice in sink and tap design, it’s not simply a case of choosing a contemporary or classical style, to suit a customers budget. There is now a raft of models in a variety of materials, sizes and mounting options. Kitchen designers and retailers need to be aware of all these sink and tap designs to maximise sales.

Choosing super bowls

While the décor and space constraints of the kitchen may be the starting point of kitchen sink and tap selection, practical design is playing an ever greater role. Although the 1.5 bowl remains the most popular sink type, the penetration of dishwashers in the UK is changing the favoured bowl and tap choice. Dave Mayer of Reginox says: “Over the past few years, the large single bowl designs have become more and more prevalent and sought-after. We at Reginox are also noticing a move towards a preference for deeper bowls. This is probably spurred on by the fact that most households have dishwashers for dealing with crockery and smaller pots and pans, so homeowners are using the sink for washing larger items only and as a result are looking for large, useable, bowls.”

The perfect fit

But the consumers’ choice of sink has not only been swayed by bowl choice but by the broadening worktop offer too. The increased use of solid surfacing has brought about a growing demand for undermounted sink options, particularly in the upper end of the market as Fiona Scott, brand manager of Barazza, points out: “Undermount bowls are definitely the most popular in the mid-to-premium-end of the market. This end sees a lot of solid surface material, such as granite and composite, used in worktops which means an undermounted sink works better aesthetically.”

And Dave Mayer at Reginox agrees but says the trend is now filtering down the market: “The undermount/flushfitting options grow year-on-year as granite and solid surface worktops become more affordable and more widely available to the mass market.” However; marketing manager of Astracast Paul Mulready is keen to point out that inset sinks are likely to remain the first choice for consumers: “In terms ot mounting options, sinks that are inset continue to be the most popular choice. Unlike those that are of an undermount or sit-in design, inset sinks are compatible with any worktop material and the installation process is usually a lot easier.”

Deal in steel

What all industry experts tend to agree on is that the majority of sinks still tend to be stainless steel. Paul Mulready of Astracast adds: “Stainless steel continues to dominate the sink and tap market with a 70% share.” However; there has been a recent injection of colour through ceramics, granites and even glass.

Polly Beech of Rangemaster says: “….for coloured sinks, both ceramic and granite black is a popular choice.” But where pundits seemingly can’t decide is the impact of coloured neutral composites, promised to have been the trend for 2011 .

Paul Mulready believes the Coffee and Café Latte colourings are gaining ground: “C0mposite sinks are gradually securing a more dominant position. ln terms of composite, those that sell are of a neutral colour and have a natural appearance. Gentle shades of browns and beige are on- trend at the moment too and will continue to have a place in the showroom.” Yet, Dave l\/layer retorts: “Those predicted ‘retro’ colours haven’t materialised as expected (thank goodness in my opinionl), although cream is becoming a popular ceramic option.” Sales director of Caple, Danny Lay is a little more on the fence, when he says: “When the experts predicted at the beginning of the year that there would be an influx of Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino and Chocolate composites, they were right – well to a certain degree at least. Stainless steel will always be a popular choice.”

Tap into trends

Unsurprisingly, with stainless steel having such a stronghold in sink sales, chrome tops the charts of tap sales. And for the majority of consumers, the two-handled monobloc remains the one style to beat. Darren Holliday managing director of Abode, agrees: “The two-handled monobloc is still waiting to be knocked off its premium sales perch.

But could we see it eventually replaced by a demand for boiling and filtered water taps? Or has this sector failed to live up to initial expectations? Managing director of Pernn & Rowe, Steve Cole believes filtered water sales are already making waves: “Filriation taps are making a big impression on the market place. Consumers love having purified drinking water to hand.” He continues, stating it allows kitchen designers an easy way to trade-up: “Though the initial outlay is slightly more expensive than a regular tap, consumers increased awareness of their own well-being has promoted many to opt for a filtration tap. We expect the sale of filtened water taps to pick up as consumers come to recognise the health benents.” And Jeannette Ward, communications manager of Franke adds: “Boiling water taps are relatively new in the marketplace but are taking it by storm. Filtered water is definitely here to stay and now a matter of course in the nonnal choice ofthe volume kitchen refurbishment market.”
Talking tap tech

With digital technology playing a large part in bathroom brassware and showers, it perhaps could be ‘the one to watch’ for kitchen taps too. Already Hansgrohe has introduced an electronic kitchen mixer as part of its Axor range, and Abode introduced a concept remote control for digital kitchen taps early last year: Danny Lay believes technology will lead the way in tap design: “Technology will play a big part in the development of future tap design with filtered water models becoming less of a gimmick and more of an essential requirement” Whatever type of kitchen sink or tap a consumer may choose, it’s certain that design will continue to play its part. Kitchen designers and retailers simply need to be aware of the choice available on the market, and how best to encourage trade-up through premium styling and added- value tap functions.

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A very British affair

Posted on February 2, 2012 by liam

There are few 90 year olds who can claim the same level of health and fitness as in their youth. But that’s exactly what the Mira Showers business has achieved.

For the past decade it has been owned by American bathroom giant Kohler; which has not only provided the business global leveraging but offered the security of a long-term view. Managing director of Mira Showers, Dave Hill comments: “We are still a British firm but one of the biggest advantages of being owned by Kohler is that it does take a very long-term view of markets and developments. Kohler will generally have a 50-year view about where they want to go.

lf you look at the history of Kohler; it’s been a phenomenal success story with double digit annual growth for the past 20 years. There’re not many organisations which can boast that.” However he openly admits: “lt has taken us about 10 years to feel fully integrated. But we are getting to the stage now, where we are starting to see some of the benelits.” It is now using the experience of the American parent company to leverage group strengths, invest in production, and draw on its experience of design for consumers.

Starting in States

This American connection has actually seen the company come full circle. For while many may remember Mira Showers being one of the four brands of Caradon Plumbing Solutions, (which also incorporated Twyford Bathrooms, Stelrad and Ideal Boilers), it actually started life in 1921 as Walker Crosweller & Co. It was an agency for US water and oil flow measuring meters and in 1936 took distributorship of Leonard thermostatic mixing valves from the States. ln fact, it wasn’t until 1978 that Mira manufactured its first branded electric shower: Dave Hill comments: “And then, from that, has been a whole range of firsts in terms of development of thermostatic technology and then, obviously, more recently digital technologies.”

Making tech tantalising

Now, with the backing of Kohlen; Mira Showers is using its technical innovations, together with its parent company’s focus on design, to become a consumer brand. Dave Hill says: “|f you look at the history of the business, we have generally led the market from a technology perspective; in terms of the first thermostatic electric shower; getting superb performance out of lower pressure showers and greater temperature stability. I think one of the slight differences going forward is that we recognise, from a Mira perspective, we have been an installer brand and increasingly the consumer is becoming influential in the purchasing decision. So one of the things we are actually putting in place is a long-term, consumer brand building campaign.” With an investment of around 4.5% of its sales in R&D, Mira is ensuring technology is backed up by design research into what influences a consumer to purchase. Dave continues: “You’ll see, certainly over the next 18-24 months, our new product launches won’t be the traditional ‘white box on the walll “It’s no secret that we’ve got products being launched in Q4 of this year and they will be subtlely different from anything that Mira’s done in the past. There’s a lot more thought gone into the quality of the design and I think – over time (as it won’t be a big bang but an evolution) – that we will develop the Mira Showers’ offering.”

True plumbing roots

But how is Mira Showers planning to balance the demands of the fashion-led consumer without alienating its plumbers. “That’s the challenge” admits Dave. “I think Mira loses its association with installers at its peril”. But he believes the same concentration on design will beneht installers too. “lt’s about making sure the products are easy to fit for the installers and, once they are, you have an excellent after-sales service so it really is ‘fit and forget’. For me, it will be about leading edge design but supporting that will be levels of innovation from a showering perspective.”

Growing tray sales

While the company’s name suggests shower models, this focus on design will be across its products including enclosures and trays. And it is an area that the company plans further investment. Dave comments: “We’re seeing a lot of growth around trays and enclosures. The business is just growing like a train. We’re up 20% this year on shower trays and we’re now supplying to Kohler globally. It really is a fantastic good news story.” In fact, with the Hnancial support of Kohlen Mira Showers is even investing in a new factory. “A £6million site is being built ll miles from the existing site because we wanted to retain the skills and capabilities ofindividuals there,” adds Dave.

Secret of success

In fact he cites much ofthe company’s 90-year success to the people in the business. “At a long- service lunch presentation l said “If you think about it, in terms of suppliers, there is no supplier that somebody can’t share. There are no materials we use that somebody else can’t use. There aren’t any processes we use that are unique to us. The only thing that is unique are the individuals we have within it.”

When he starts talking about a mix of young blood and enthusiasm coming into the business, combined with experience, knowledge and skill it presents an easy comparison — like a football team, then? “That’s a great analogy’, says Dave. But out of its 90-year history, what have been the stand-out points? “For me, the acquisition by Kohler was a significant event in the history of the business and the one that sets it up for the longer-term.”

Changes to landscape

Certainly the bathroom industry is fast-moving, so what is Dave’s longer-term view? He cites a move towards a growth in global competitors and customers, alongside an increased role of the internet and social media. “The one thing that strikes me is that inevitably our competitors today will not be our competitors in 10 or 15 years’ time. lf you look at some of the smaller, independent shower or showering manufacturers, over time they will be acquired or extinguished. I’m sure our competitors will be big global organisations. I think our customers are going to become bigger and more global too, with a consequence they will become more demanding from a price perspective, from a logistics perspective, from a delivery perspective and from an after – sales perspective.”

He adds: “I think you need that global scale and infrastructure to survive in the long-term. We are comfortable and happy to be part of Kohler because we’ve got the backing behind us. One of the things we do recognise is that the market is increasingly more cost competitive, so we continually review our strategy and we try and get the right balance between sourcing globally and retaining our UK manufacturing flexibility.”

And of course the route to market has changed too, with consumers now purchasing on the internet. Although Kohler has a restricted policy on the internet for its Daryl and Kohler brands, due to a small market share, Mira with its large market share is unable to follow suit. Howeven Dave says: “Where will the internet go? l don’t know the answer but it isn’t purely internet shopping, it’s about research too. We are looking at it with both eyes and we are spending alot more time on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Around 20% of our marketing department is focused on managing that communication” While the scale, pace and way of doing business may change, Dave Hill is adamant the remit of Mira Showers will remain the same: “It really is about continually pushing the development and being first to market with product which is well-executed”.

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Rainbow revival

Posted on February 1, 2012 by liam

Remember Avocado and bathrooms? It was only 40 years ago they were at the height of fashion, along with platforms and flares. But these days, you don’t see too many people walking around in flower power outfits, unless of course you’re in the presence of an ABBA tribute band. Given that the average lifespan ofa bathroom is considered to be around 15 years, you wouldn’t expect to see too many bathrooms in the country that weren’t white either But talking to june Fender; owner of The Bathing Machine in Leeds, Avocado and ‘o|d school’ colours are making a comeback.

Discontinued colours business

Started by June Fender and her husband David in 1979, The Bathing Machine has been supplying coloured sanitaryware to its customers almost ever since it opened. According to June: “At the time we opened, although a lot of the colours were current, they had already been discontinued and we were getting regular queries about them. So we started locating and building up stock. We have a warehouse, separate to our high street showroom, with approximately 10,000 pieces of stock in it and we sell more than 100 different colours and finishes, including two tones. We sell original pieces as well as reproduction items made-to-order” The company delivers anywhere in the UK and Ireland and the cost is dependant on whether the item the customer needs is an original or whether it has to be especially renred.
The business, now run by June and her son Adam, has succeeded on the basis that there is a market for customers with existing coloured suites who need a replacement for damaged products. June says: “The customer rarely knows what colour they have, so we do the colour matching. We take them from the enquiry stage to supplying the item that gets their bathrooms back to rights. 99.99 times out of a 100, we can usually come up with either the exact model in the matching colour or an alternative model in the matching colour if it has been made in this country, over the past 60 years, I will probably be able to identify it just by looking at it.

However we do have a library of information as well. So for the more obscure items we have got all the manufacturers spec books so we can work out exactly what it is. We send colour samples out to the client, so there is no guess work or nasty surprises.” Needless to say, they are operating in a particularly specialised industry, with only around halfa dozen competitors within the UK. And so, they are in constant contact with their competitors and they have developed relationships with them to get the customer what they need: “Everybody has their own stock. If we can’t find the exact piece, and ifone of our competitors has got it, we can find it. And vice versa.”

Online advantages

The internet plays a key role in the business. After investing in websites, a couple of years ago, they are starting to see the benehts.

Receiving over 200 enquiries a week, they are finding more and more people are visiting their websites. While the retail side might be tough, the coloured bathroom side of their business is booming. As June says: “The normal side of selling bathrooms is pretty difficult at the moment. I think most retailers would agree with that. But our core business, our niche business, is the discontinued lines, the colours, and that basically has gone from strength to strength” And she adds: “You often find, people who aren’t internet savvy, will try local suppliers. They will have tried the likes of B&Q and Wickes and been turned away. Their next point of call might be high street retailers, who often turn people away because they have no idea how to sort it out. We can look after the enquiry from the retailers’ point of view. lf they want to refer their customer to us, we can quote them for supply.”

One step further

But June believes what goes around, comes around. She is adamant people want a choice other than white. Therefore, The Bathing Machine has recently put a suite together called Universal, which is available in 20 colours including lvory, Champagne, Avocado and Whisper Grey. june explains: “We started it (the suite offering) in the beginning of September and we are getting more enquiries about it. There are lots of people out there who do not want a white suite and manufacturers have removed the choice. People want a choice. We buy from an importer which allows us to offer the suites in colours.”

She continues: “The interesting thing is that now, young couples who are just setting up home, will look around and they don’t always want what everyone else has got. People are fed up with having no choice. Everything is changing again now. Colours are going to have to come back, because the consumer will demand it.”

Moving forward

Taking their business forward, June and Adam have plans to upgrade the showroom. They are looking to eventually gut the building and make it a state-of- the-art showroom. But the coloured offering, which has seen them through the tough economic climate, won’t be going anywhere. ln fact they plan on making it a focal point!

June comments: “Now we have a major internet presence, capturing a lot more of the market share, the only trouble is trying to keep up with it all. Because we like to turn everything around quickly and provide an efficient service (they can provide product in three days, if necessary), we need to be on the ball. We would like to make the showroom more state-of-the-art. But at the moment, we are so inundated with enquires, and have stock coming and going all the time, it is quite difficult to get to grips with, as the whole building needs doing.”

However, she concludes: “When we do refurbish this place, we are going to stick to the middle to upmarket sector and will put a coloured suite on display of course. We will put it in a window.”

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Vitra launches at ISH

Posted on January 31, 2012 by liam

First launched at ISH, Vitra offers the T4 collection with an array of basins, including central offset, asymmetrical or thin bowl designs. The widths start at 450mm and go up to 1300mm, which is a double basin. The styles can be wall-hung with an optional towel rail, mounted with half or full pedestals, or counter-top mounted. There are also an additional four short projection styles.

The Azeta Crystal range of brassware from Webert has been launched by Galassia. It features Swarovski crystals embedded into the operating lever ofthe brassware, which comes in a chrome or gold linish. Azeta Crystal comprises of deck-mounted, high-rise and wall-mounted basin mixers and wall and deck – mounted bidet mixers. Deck and wall-mounted bath mixers, bath/shower mixers and shower systems also make up the collection.

Designed for retrofits and upgmdes, Mira has combined its existing Totem valve and 360 Showerhead to offer the Myline shower. The valve has separate flow and temperature control and features Cool Shield technology so it doesn’t get hot to touch. The 360 showerhead allows users to flip it by 90°, for a choice of four sprays; Rain, Burst, Storm and Cloud.

Merlyn Showers launched its Series 6 range of enclosures boasting enhanced features including increased height and Mershield protection. The range spans Quads, Sliders, Pivots and Showerwalls. The Showerwall has a height of 1950mm and features concealed fittings and 6mm toughened glass.

Adding to its portfolio of finishes, Cifial has introduced the Techno 35 Mono Basin in polished gold. The collection comprises matching basin, bidet, bath and shower options and is available in four finishes. Manufactured from solid brass, the Techno 35 Mono Basin range is also available in polished chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel.

Launched at 100% Design, Stalson has introduced the Paris range oftaps, manufactured from 100% 304 grade stainless steel and designed by Simon Goude. Paris is available in large or small versions and in a mirror polished finish it it or matt brushed finish. Featuring ceramic disc cartridges, the range also comes with water-saving rectangular aerator nozzles.

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Laufen show off Palace suite

Posted on January 30, 2012 by liam

Designed for public spaces, Alape has launched the A4 system to its portfolio. lt is constructed using an allround aluminium frame which acts as support for counter tops, bracket panels and storage. Designers can choose from a range of countertop finishes including natural stone and wood-effect laminate, as well as functional extras including storage and lotion and soap dispensers.

The classicaIly-styled Palace suite from Laufen has been designed to resemble a boutique hotel bathroom. It centres around the countertop washbasin and features furniture or optional ceramic shelf It is made from a new stronger ceramic, which allows for more slimline designs and for larger pieces.

Pelipal, distributed in the UK through InHouse, has introduced the Primadonna collection of bathroom furniture. It is available in white or anthracite high gloss finishes and a choice of four horizontal wood grain finishes, including Chocolate Structured and Graphite. Primadonna features curved fronts and is completed by a range of washbasins, with sizes up to 1752mm for a double wash basin.

Mark Two has added an easy-living range to its Balterley collection. The Vision collection includes European-inspired wetrooms and wall-hung basins, which can be positioned at any height. Steel baths with grips and anti-sIip bases, as well as showers with low profile trays and a close – coupled WC also make up the range.

Launched at Cersaie, Teuco has introduced the Milestone pedestal washbasin, designed by Italian architect Carlo Colombo. According to Teuco, Milestone has been designed as a symbolic celebration of Colombos involvement with the company. Made from marble, Milestone’s aim is to turn the bathroom into an architectural and communicative space.

This year’s London Design Week saw the launch of the Modular Home (MH) series from TOTO. The MH series comprises furniture and storage elements, washbasins, bathtub, shower; taps, accessories, WC and bidet. Tap and washbasin plumbing is concealed behind drawers.

HiB has introduced two Solo floorstanding furniture units to its offering, a 400 x 885 x 220mm option and a 500 x 885 x 250mm option. The Solo units feature a fixed internal wooden shelf and a high gloss door with bow handle, which is hung on fully adjustable soft close hinges. Manufactured from moisture resistant MDE it comes in a choice of matt anthracite carcase to offset the white door or the , whole cabinet in gloss white.

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The Richmond range cooker

Posted on January 29, 2012 by liam

The Richmond 110DFT range cooker from features an electric oven with nine functions and a seven burner gas hob, including a wok burnen In addition, the range cooker boasts telescopic shelves and internal oven lights. lt is available in a choice of 12 finishes, as part of the companys Colour Boutique Concept.

Reflecting the popularity of ladder- style towel rails, Myson offers the Tahoe radiator. It is available in a choice of two sizes, measuring 1200mm or 1800mm in height. Tahoe is suitable for indirect, closed heating systems and it comes complete with a 10 year guarantee.

Cosentino has launched the Silestonl Bathroom Collection, featuring basins and shower trays made from quartz. There are eight basins in the collection and a choice of seven shower trays. The Silestone Bathroom Collection offers the same benefits as the kitchen worktop, such as resistance to scratches, stains, and it is available in a range of colours.

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