Leading global kitchen and bathroom supplier GROHE has reported unprecedented demand for hygienic touchless taps in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. At a time when the pandemic has pushed the everyday necessity of hand washing into the spotlight, it would seem finding solutions to optimise hygiene in both the workplace and at home is spurring the demand.
Leading figures within the design community are also considering how hygiene will come to the fore in the interior spaces of the future. Coen van Oostrom, Founder and CEO of EDGE, a company that specialises in developing a new generation of buildings that focus on the health of people and the planet, predicts that new health measures will play a key role in a new generation of workplaces. “Together with sustainability, health will define the way we build and design homes, offices and places where people meet. Touchless products and speech-driven technology will play a key role in making healthy and safe offices. Consumers will want to minimise contact to surfaces as much as possible”.
Having specified the healthcare, hospitality and commercial sector for many years, where hygiene-optimised products are already far more commonplace, GROHE is braced for the vast changes ready to hit the mass marketplace. “With our wide range of touchless and hands-free products, we at GROHE have the right response to the increased need of hygiene in sensitive areas such as kitchens and bathrooms”, says Jonas Brennwald, CEO LIXIL Water Technology EMENA, Deputy CEO Grohe AG. “Currently, we can say that we are already experiencing a higher demand for our hygiene enhancing products – from both our private and business customers.”
In the UK market, the transition to a more hygiene-focused workplace and business environment has already been in motion since the beginning of the year. Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Category Manager at GROHE UK says: “Feedback from the commercial market in the last three months tells us that hygiene is top of the agenda for specification, with a large proportion of projects specifying more hygiene-focused products such as infra-red taps , infra-red flush plates, and shower toilets. In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in customers purchasing infra-red taps as a result. Likewise, in the kitchen, several of our tap designs which use advanced technologies to minimise physical interaction with the handle of the tap itself such as our SmartControl kitchen mixer and Zedra Touch range have also seen an increased interest. When the industry returns to a sense of normality, we expect the increasing scrutiny of hygiene in the workplace and public buildings to continue. This pandemic has encouraged all of us in some way to rethink our hygiene practises and consider new lengths to protecting ourselves and those around us.”
Why an infra-red touchless tap is more hygienic
In recent years, the property market has seen a shift to include more alternative housing settings such as grandparents living with their children and families, or groups of young professionals co-habiting together. This is when infra-red technology first began to be demanded in the residential sector and its benefits have continued to strengthen demand ever since. Infra-red taps require minimal, if any, human contact with the tap itself unlike standard taps where germs from unclean hands could linger on tap handles, unless continual thorough cleaning was carried out after each use. The GROHE Bau Cosmo E, a strong robust design made using composite polymer, uses motion sensors to detect movement, which then activates the water flow. A mixing valve on the side of the spout can be used to adjust the temperature if required and a temperature limiter can also be installed if desired. Once the user removes their hands from the basin, the sensors will detect this and stop the water flow.
About the Author
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, GROHE is a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, with every product based on the brand values of quality, technology, design and sustainability.
If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Drinking water no longer has to sacrifice design to fill a purpose. That’s what a variety of top interior designers are discovering after installing the perfect drinking water solutions into their own homes.
The kitchen tap industry has seen a boom in growth over the past five years, fuelling competition between brands as they innovate and redesign their best-selling products. Interior designers can now find taps to match seamlessly with all the latest kitchen trends in a range of styles, finishes and functionalities - including the ultimate all-in-one tap.
A clear favourite for a variety of top interior designers, the Zip HydroTap is capable of delivering up to five water options - filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling plus unfiltered hot and cold water - from a single tap and under-counter command centre. With seven tap designs and seven on-trend finishes to choose from, Zip’s premium drinking water systems lead the way in both style and functionality to offer the perfect solution for all environments.
Known for bringing modern interior creativity to hotels and commercial spaces all over the world, Jason and Jenny Rose MacLean of Studio MacLean were thrilled when they found the Zip HydroTap after struggling to find an all-in-one tap that would be striking enough for their own kitchen refurbishment.
“We’ve come across all-in-one taps through work before, but the design has never really been eye-catching enough,” Jason said. “That’s until we came across Zip’s All-in-One Arc. We couldn’t believe we’d found a tap that could give us filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water as well as unfiltered hot and cold. It meant we could keep our kitchen uncluttered with no need for a kettle or any bottled water - which we are very keen to avoid anyway from an environmental perspective.”
Owner of interior design company Studio Fortnum, Rebecca Wakefield has been gradually renovating her own home to create a light, airy and calming living space after purchasing it in a dilapidated state in 2016. After spotting that the number one luxury, top of the wish list item in her clients homes is a boiling water tap, Rebecca started to consider how much she’d benefit from one, as long as it could fit in well with her green and brass colour scheme.
“Zip had been on my radar for a while, so I was thrilled to discover they offer taps in brushed gold,” Rebecca said. “But I know from experience that style can often outweigh performance and there’s nothing worse than something that looks great but just doesn’t work. Luckily Zip is a trusted brand so we chose the Zip HydroTap Celsius Arc in brushed gold.”
Much more than just a boiling water tap, Rebecca loves the additional benefit of having unfiltered hot and cold water alongside filtered boiling: “Because it is my regular kitchen tap as well as my boiling water tap, the kitchen has retained a clean, minimal feel. My counter tops aren’t cluttered and we have no use for a slow-to-boil kettle. It really has transformed daily life for us.”
Discover more about how a Zip HydroTap could change the way you design on their website: specify.zipwater.co.uk
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, Zip Water is a provider of award-winning technology that transforms water instantly with filtered, chilled, boiling and sparkling drinking water solutions for home and business.
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, RAK Ceramics will be exhibiting its exclusive designer collections, RAK-Cloud and RAK-Variant at the upcoming KBB Exhibition in Birmingham from 1 to 4 March. With the prestigious product designers set to attend, we wanted to find out more about the collections and what inspired them. Read our interview with Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri to discover what makes their designs so unique.
Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà was born in Alcamo, Sicily. His collaboration with RAK Ceramics begins with RAK-Cloud, a project that continues the creative thinking of the Italian designer and that integrates perfectly with his other projects such as the collection of lamps “Pirce” by Artemide (Good_Design 2008, Red Dot Award 2009, IF Design Award 2010) and the “Metropolis” collection of crystal and ceramic tables by Tonelli Design.
What inspired the collections? RAK-Cloud, born from my love for sculpture, soft and organic and sensual lines, and marries with a speech that I have been carrying on for some time, in fact I designed a tap for Gessi, which is called Equilibrio and is inspired by the stones and nature. Identical process for my perhaps most famous project, in the world of light, with the Pirce suspension lamp, made for Artemide. While RAK-Petit is a specific request addressed to the architectural world, the need to combine washbasins in confined spaces, which do not renounce glamour, and the elegance of solutions that can be developed in larger spaces.
What was the design process? All my projects are born on paper. I like to explore different solutions quickly and instinctively. On paper I already imagine the finished volumes, identify the solutions that convince me most, 3D model the whole collection in order to have a coherent overall picture. I submit it for technical verification, from which I receive the feedback that I transfer to the collection. Then we proceed to 1:1 scale prototypes and if everything works, it goes to final production.
What is unique with these designs? There is a word in English, which does not have an exact equivalent in Italian, and it is understatement, which for me means creating a proposal, made of elegant but not screamed details, to give rise to unobtrusive, timeless proposals. A careful search for volumes and proportions, combined with cuts in the surfaces to create dynamism and at the same time sensuality, in an environment such as the bathroom increasingly inserted in a modern and contemporary living context, completes the number of projects.
Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri founded their own design studio in 2010 and work within various fields of design, ranging from objects to spaces. Multiple experiments and the relationship between manufacture and craftsmanship form the basis for a much broader thinking. They have created work for Antoniolupi, Lema, Ligne Roset, Normann Copenha-gen, Offecct, Rosenthal, Stelton, Villeroy & Boch among others. Together with Rak Ceramics, Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri present the project RAK-Variant (2019).
What inspired the collections?
RAK-Variant, like many of our projects, was born on the basis of a specific material. In this case, ceramics, a material, whose production must combine two supposedly distant worlds: the serial production, precise and standardized; but also a need for manual sensitivity, which cannot be ignored.
What was the design process?
Designing is never a linear path and very often, in one single project we have to process, bring order and translate all the different thoughts that flow together into actual products. In the specific case of RAK-Variant, we set ourselves the goal of achieving a formal synthesis that would allow the collection’s various elements to be easily integrated into different types of interior. In order to achieve this, we played around with the balance between the expressiveness of a product and its attribute of being consciously silent.
At the same time, we focused on some details that convey the quality while enhancing the intrinsic beauty of the ceramic material itself. The result is a collection of 25 basins in different shapes and dimensional variations that offer multiple installation possibilities.
What’s unique with these designs?
The top views of the washbasins, with a geometric and controlled matrix, interact with the very thin edges evoking, in this way, the delicacy of the material while creating a new timeless three-dimensionality, well suited to any interior context.
It's time to talk toilets. Are you wondering what to do with your next guest loo? As the old saying goes, big things come in small packages - and in this case, the toilet! Usually the smallest room of a residential project, SBID Accredited Designer, Richard Dewhurst of Richard Dewhurst Interior Architecture has much bigger ideas. Who said the guest lavatory can't be just as lavish as the rest of the house? Richard explains why guest washrooms deserve their time to shine and how he has designed these small, often overlooked spaces with maximum impact - making a statement that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor!
Having worked on many residential refurbishment projects over the years, I’ve come to realise that the smallest room in the house can offer one of the best opportunities to get creative and interestingly, it seems that even the most conservative of clients can be convinced that the guest loo is a wonderful way of showing friends and family that they not only have a fun side, but are willing to push the design boundaries, giving them a bit of added kudos to boot.
On many occasions I’ve been able to spend a disproportionally larger budget on this room than anywhere else in the house, allowing myself to try out new ideas, use interesting materials or simply to specify an item I haven’t had the chance to use before. With the seemingly unending supply of new and exciting products coming to market, this room provides a perfect platform to let one’s creativity shine.
Here are three guest loos I’ve recently designed, which incidentally, are in different but identical houses on the same side of the same street, creating a touch of loo envy between the neighbours!
In this room I decided to go for a strong monochrome look, creating a bold and powerful statement by using different versions of the same hex tile from a range by Mandarin Stone. I further accentuated the geometric feel by using Duravit Vero Sanitaryware and a facetted, brushed & pierced brass ceiling light from Tom Dixon. The moody and sultry atmosphere was further enhanced by painting the walls and ceiling matt black and by using a matt black tap by Dornbracht.
My clients wanted a more traditional look in their loo so I lined the room with new tongue and groove panelling painted in Farrow & Ball Off Black, complimented by a fun but sophisticated Fornasetti feature wallpaper from Cole & Son. The floor was covered in wonderfully patinated Victorian floor tiles salvaged from a recently demolished conservatory and laid in a pattern of my design. I sourced the Victorian sink & stand from English Salvage and after a light restoration, it looked amazing! A pair of lovely art deco taps supplied by Architectural Antiques, a vintage mirror and articulated wall lights by Dowsing and Reynolds completed the look.
Sometimes it’s fun to design a completely unexpected space and I certainly had the opportunity to on this project. The stunning backlit stretch ceiling by Barisol created a perfectly uniform light spread, and the seamless curved polished plaster walls gave a feeling of spatial infinity. This was offset by the handmade turquoise Czech tiles; adding a burst of deep colour and lushness to the room. The concrete sink was by Kast and space-age looking wall-mounted toilet from CP Hart.
Award-winning designer, Richard Dewhurst of Richard Dewhurst Interior Architecture specialises in quality interiors for the residential and commercial sector. After recently relocating his practice to Portsmouth, Richard is now taking project enquiries in the South Coast.
This article was written by Richard Dewhurst of Richard Dewhurst Interior Architecture.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a truly magnificent residential design for a home befitting of its prime location in Wentworth; one of the UK’s premier private estates. This 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom detached house offers inspiration and excitement at every turn. Having worked extensively with the client over the last twelve years on multiple overseas properties and a limited edition Oyster yacht, Hill House Interiors were the natural choice to transform the home, using inspiring fabrics, innovative textures and complementary tones to seamlessly integrate the 3,000 sqft extension into the rest of the home.
SBID Awards: Residential Design Over £1M finalist sponsored by THG Paris
Company: Hill House Interiors
Project: Private Estate, Wentworth
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
What was the client's brief?
Hill House Interiors were commissioned to design the interior scheme for this prestigious property in 2006, since which, they have further worked with the owners on their stunning villa in Zagleta and limited edition Oyster yacht. It was, therefore, sheer delight to be contacted again to revisit the client’s Wentworth home to devise the scheme for a vast refurbishment and 3000 sqft extension of the already sizeable 9000 sqft home.
Initially born from the desire for a much larger, walk in closet and dressing area for the master suite, the clients swiftly realised their dream of considerably larger entertainment spaces to include on the wishlist; a stunning new dual aspect fireplace, feature bar, and sumptuous cinema room.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
Hill House drew inspiration for this remarkable space from the Art Déco era – that fascinating period in history when bold geometry, artistic mirrors and exquisitely rich materials started to be incorporated into private homes.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
The hallway is the first thing guests see when they enter a home, so it is always a key feature and starting point of any scheme. This transitory spot was the perfect place to sweep guests off their feet and was utilised to add elegant décor details that helped to elevate the overall ambience of the home.
Upon entering, guests are met with a stunning Jerusalem crema grey marble staircase with glass balustrade and leather handrail. This installation is a beautiful contrast to the bespoke, hand sculpted artwork – a single bonsai tree – spanning the 20ft wall. Specially finished in a shimmering hand-applied pearlescent coat, subtle, soft recessed lighting enhances the incredibly intricate detail of this favoured far eastern tree. The sublimely elegant hand-blown floating crystal leaf chandelier that presides over the space - apart from making a stunning sculptural visual centrepiece - creates a beautiful light and shadow play across its surrounding surfaces, enhancing the space further.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
The SBID Awards are highly respected within the design industry, and every year it’s incredibly inspiring to see such a wide variety of skills and styles represented across the various categories, showing the amount of diversity within the interior design industry.
The projects that take home an SBID accolade are truly the best in the business, and the awards evening is an event we look forward to every year. We continue to be delighted to take part in the SBID International Design Awards, and are keeping our fingers crossed for 2020!
Questions answered by Jenny Weiss, Co-founder of Hill House Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring luxurious, golden age glamour for the Hilton Imperial Hotel Dubrovnik, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Residential Design Over £1M finalist sponsored by THG Paris
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the SBID Award winning project for Residential Apartment Under £1M. Located in the centre of Kiev in a property whose architectural heritage dates from the 19th century, the apartment boasts high ceilings, a clear rhythm of windows and good proportions in every room. The project is created in the American classic style with an Art Déco theme, balanced with a welcoming and comfortable aesthetic; there isn’t any overblown show of luxury to distract the eye.
SBID Awards: Residential Apartment Under £1M winner sponsored by Lalique
Company: Kolomoiets-Project
Project: Apartment with History
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
The customer has expressed a wish to completely re-plan the apartment, considering the habitation of a couple. In terms of the interior design, he has suggested finding a balance of historic style, respectability, sophistication and functionality.
In one of the Kyiv salons, we acquired a chair in the style of Louis XV; classic in shape, modern in decoration with ebony and wool upholstery of a local fuchsia colour. Later, it took the place of the dominant subject in the living room. The balance of classic architectural forms and aesthetics using colour and materials of the 21st century became our main idea and motto. The fact that the apartment is located in a late 19th century building with a rich facade in the historic city centre inspired some of the design decisions and solutions throughout.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
While reconstructing the old wooden floor, the floor level has rose by 250mm. This led to the arrangement of two steps in front of the front door. The home office also inherited a passage to the laundry room, namely a disproportionately low opening in the load-bearing wall. We made the decision to decorate this passage with a double-leafed, stained glass door which became a particular highlight in this room.
We achieved a good design solution in the living room area by using a boiserie of old Venetian mirrors. They extended the space somewhat and enhanced the decorative effect of the room.
Design is a creative method, process and result. No less important for the development of creativity is the professionals’ evaluation, especially on a global scale - and that is why it was so important for us to participate in the SBID Awards!
Questions answered by Alla Kolomoiets of Kolomoiets-Project
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the SBID Award winners for Development Sales Centre which combine traditional culture with modernity and contemporary spaces, click here to see more.
SBID Awards 2019 | Residential Apartment Under £1M Winner sponsored by Lalique
We interviewed the SBID International Design Awards sponsor for the Residential Design Over £1M category. Alexandra Lewis-Singer, UK Managing Director at THG Paris shares insight into the history of THG as a growing family venture lead by three successive generations. Since 1956, THG has evolved its designs and product lines, but their ethos remains the same. Representing timeless luxury and celebrating the art of living with a high-end collection of bathroom fittings and accessories.
What are the origins of your brand?
Since 1956, THG Paris has established itself as the brand for high end bathroom fittings and accessories. THG Paris resulted from the meeting of three men, André Tétard, Julien Haudiquez and Alexandre Grisoni, who in 1950 created “Robinetterie de la Poste” in Béthencourt-sur-Mer. A few years later the company moved to new premises and changed its name to THG. The brand was active at that period in standard tapware. In the 1970s, THG turned to design valves and has since developed a large range of collections and a extensive catalogue which today, three successive generations continue to work on.
How do you work with interior designers?
We endeavour to assist with providing expert knowledge, quality products and outstanding service. We also provide advice on specification for private properties & larger projects.
What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?
The bathroom has become one of the most important areas of a home. It is now the only room that remains private as open plans appear everywhere. As a result, clients turn that room into a Jewellery box and our luxurious brassware allows for bespoke designs.
How does your offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?
Our sales consultants’ knowledge is both technical and aesthetic, and designers can rely on the service provided. It brings them peace of mind that nothing will be missed. Also, the vast range of products we offer (150 ranges of taps available in over 20 finishes!) goes from the most classical style with crystal and semi-precious stones to cutting-edge and contemporary.
What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?
Gold is back, but with a twist. A lot of bronzes, brushed finishes - and our pale gold is this year’s best seller!
Why did you want to become a sponsor for the SBID Awards?
We wanted to support the design industry and champion magnificent interiors. Craftsmanship is why we are in this industry and without these properties, we wouldn’t be able to manufacture these goods.
The SBID International Design Awards winners for 2019 will be announced on Friday 25th October!
Tables to attend this year's SBID Awards are now sold out, but a limited number of individual tickets are still available. Book a seat now!
To find out more about sponsoring the SBID International Design Awards next year, email [email protected]
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a four-bedroomed, new-build residential property in Berkshire. Allison Pidgeon Interiors worked together with the developer on the specification design throughout. Using their many years of expertise to uniquely tailor the interior design to flow seamlessly with the specification, reflect the aspirations of the purchaser profile, and also the Client’s vision for the development. This resulted in the delivery of a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior through a stress-free and enjoyable process enhanced by the collective commitment of trusted tradespeople, meticulous project management, and outstanding service. These carefully managed interiors were delivered on time and within budget without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or superior design.
Sector: Residential Design
Company: Allison Pidgeon Interiors
Project: Oak Apples Drive
Location: Berkshire, United Kingdom
We offered a uniquely personal service to our Client, drafting suggested furniture layouts for all plots on the development. These enabled him to plan functional heating, lighting and electrical layouts for all plots. We also assisted in specification selections throughout, ensuring a nice flow of palette and a high quality of finishes. We joined our Client in numerous meetings at various show rooms to select kitchen and bathroom products and finishes, floor and wall tiling, carpets and hard flooring, paint colours and internal doors and door furniture. We even selected paint colours for the front doors.
Once all these selections were made we used our extensive expertise in residential design, and our research in understanding the target market, to curate timeless interiors which reflect the high quality specification on the development.
The choice and quality of the specification, the purchaser profile, local competition and the Client’s own vision inspired the remainder of the project. We avoided whimsical trends, garish patterns and colours, and instead focused on providing tactile, comfortable interiors in a muted soothing palette, which are aspirational and sophisticated. We believe this direction was correct for the target market.
Many of the items we supplied were made bespoke for the project including upholstery, soft furnishings, window treatments, furniture, artwork and florals, and we sourced beautiful objects with which to complete dressing of the property.
To be honest the project was a dream with a delightful Client and we didn’t have any major hurdles.
We were delighted to see the property installed and complete, but this was surpassed by our Client’s sheer delight when we handed the property over to him (a day ahead of schedule). The positive feedback we’ve received from the selling agents and interested buyers and the fantastic testimonial our Client has written have all been highlights of the project.
Questions answered by Allison Pidgeon, Director of Allison Pidgeon Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a lavish interior for an new residential development, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Image Credits: Photography by Chris Snook
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavishly designed interior for an exciting, new residential development in India, providing luxury living in the heart of Mumbai. Elicyon designed this beautiful three-bedroom apartment, due for completion in late 2019, to blend a premium London aesthetic with the eclectic, Art Deco heritage of the city. Contrasting chevron marble flooring, brass details, bold colours and vibrant prints reflect the property’s tropical positioning and complement its surroundings.
Company: Elicyon
Project: Mumbai Development
Location: Mumbai, India
The client’s vision here was to create a ground-breaking project in Mumbai – a luxury apartment building which is on the same level as the world’s leading residential developments. We therefore brought our vast experience in working on such developments - One Hyde Park, Chiltern Place - and combined it with my personal knowledge of the local surroundings in Mumbai. We were brought on board to design the show apartment, so it was our role to create insight into how spaces within the development could be used and to tell its story to future residents.
We were inspired by both our previous work on some of the world’s leading developments - selecting the best suppliers and designing for a global, discerning client in mind – as well as the architecture, colours and textures of Mumbai. A fusion of bold, vibrant colours and tropical prints contrast a striking chevron marble floor with brass details, blending a sophisticated London aesthetic with the Art Deco heritage of the city. The luxurious and eclectic scheme is designed in perfect harmony with its setting.
As sometimes happens with longer-term projects, changes within government and building regulations presented a significant challenge on this project. The local authority in Mumbai amended the fire regulations and so fundamental changes to the layout of the building needed to be made. We are accustomed to such speedbumps and know how to work around them – either the current design can be transposed to the updated layout, or we simply have to start the story again. We work closely with our clients in these situations to ensure that the process is handled as smoothly as possible.
Having grown up in India and retaining strong roots, working in my home country had been a long-cherished ambition. It was wonderful to combine my knowledge of the city, culture and way of living to the project with a strong influence from my design studies, which are European in origin. The project’s vision represents a moment in my personal design journey, a confluence of east and west, celebrating both without detracting from either.
Questions answered by Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a warm and welcoming co-working space with a unique approach to office design, click here to see more.
This September, we're sharing the latest innovations from sustainable bathroom products and modern tap technology, to luxury cellaring options and commercial surface solutions. Polyflor prove that materials matter as their latest vinyl tile collection champions the balance of aesthetics with durability to offer design-led and easy to maintain flooring for commercial environments, while Bette puts sustainability at the forefront as they invest in energy-efficient manufacturing and 100% recyclable materials.
Polyflor relaunch their premium heavy commercial Luxury Vinyl Tile collection, Expona Design
Polyflor, the UK‘s commercial vinyl flooring specialist has announced the relaunch of Expona Design, their premium heavy commercial Luxury Vinyl Tile collection. The new collection now features 30 stand out shades, including 24 brand new designs that incorporate the latest trends in industrial materials, salvaged timbers and rustic metals. Blurring the boundaries between wood and stone with harmonious colour tones across designs, shades can be mixed and matched to zone, transition and make statement in a variety of heavy commercial interiors, across multiple sectors, including retail, leisure and office spaces.
The introduction of four outstanding reclaimed timber designs balance the range by beautifully capturing the natural extremes in colour variation of authentic salvaged wood. It is clear to see this playful, stand out collection delivers individuality alongside practicality and longevity. All Expona products are enhanced with Polyflor PUR, Polyflor’s exclusive and robust polyurethane reinforcement which is cross linked, and UV cured to provide superior cleaning benefits and a cost-effective maintenance regime.
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Housebuilder CALA ensures its latest luxury development has boiling water on-tap with Zip Water UK
Housebuilder CALA Homes turned to Zip Water for a recent development in South Lanarkshire, knowing that having a HydroTap would be a key selling point. Eileen Kesson, interior designer at Envision for CALA Homes comments: “Because of its exclusive nature, it was imperative that all the homes on this development included the most up-to-date product on the market. After Zip was recommended to us by our kitchen supplier Creative Designs, we had no hesitation in including it as standard.”
The product chosen was the Zip HydroTap Celsius Cube in matt black, providing filtered boiling water alongside unfiltered hot and cold. This WRAS-approved 3-in-1 tap ensures the homeowner can not only keep their stunning kitchen worktops free from drink-making clutter, but can enjoy the time-saving benefits of having filtered boiling water in an instant.
Spiral Cellars are passionate about creating elegant, creative and distinctive luxury cellars for wine collections of all sizes
With 35 years of knowledge and expertise under their belts, Spiral Cellars have created more than 4,000 luxury wine cellars in the UK alone and numerous others across the globe. Their portfolio of cellaring options is unrivalled, including bespoke walk-in wine rooms, state of the art wine walls, elegant wine cabinets and of course, their eponymous underground Spiral Cellars. Each and every Spiral Cellar wine room, cabinet or cellar offers the perfect cellaring conditions for both bottle aging and ready-to-drink wines.
Bette’s head of marketing, Sven Rensinghoff (centre) being presented with the EPD by Hans Peters (left) and Dr. Alexander Röder of independent assessors, IBU.
Bette bathroom products' sustainability standards confirmed
Glazed titanium-steel bath, shower tray and washbasin manufacturer, Bette, has had the sustainability of its products confirmed by a new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD, which is based on the ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards, covers the entire life-cycle of Bette’s products, and their functional and technical qualities. It provides quantitative information on the environmental performance of Bette products, and independent verification of their sustainability.
Bette ensures that sustainability and product durability are central to its manufacturing. Its baths, shower trays and washbasins are made from glazed titanium-steel, which uses only natural materials in its production, and they are so durable that they come with a 30 year warranty. When Bette products do, eventually, reach the end of their life, they are 100% recyclable. Bette has invested in energy-efficient manufacturing and creates 2/3 of its own energy requirements with electricity that it produces itself from renewable sources.
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