The flowing yet puristic design of MEM from Dornbracht is reminiscent of the most natural and original form of water presentation: spring. The fitting takes a deliberate step back, and by doing so, is fully taken up by the individual ambience of the architecture. The series stands for clarity, reduction, and balance, and thanks to the extensive enhancement, it now offers an even greater variety of design options.
Dornbracht provides several new variants for the washing area: The washbasin fitting is now also available as a single-lever basin mixer and a three-hole mixer with a flat spout. Joining the wall-mounted fittings line-up, are a single-lever mixer, a three-hole mixer, and a monobloc single-lever mixer. The latter is a totally new product type. All five of the new products have one thing in common – they are perfect for small bathrooms and have an aesthetic impact there. Another impressive new highlight is the slender, freestanding single-lever bath mixer which can be positioned anywhere in the room, as the main attraction.
MEM is impressive, not just for this great product variety, but also for its wide choice of surface finishes. From now on, the series, which was created by Sieger Design, will also be available in Dark Chrome, Champagne (22kt Gold) and Brushed Champagne (22kt Gold). While the Dark Chrome represents subtle elegance, the warm golden hue of the two Champagne finishes sets a refined tone.
New textured handles complete the series enhancements. These are produced by the so-called hammering technique, a traditional and skilled manual working method that creates decorative surface finishes. The indentations and projections formed by hammering reflect instant light, creating glossy and matt areas. This gives the handle a unique texture that is pleasant to touch. Its complex nature stands in fascinating contrast to the strict form of the MEM handle geometry. This elaborate manufacturing process makes every handle unique.
Both the new products and the MEM variants that have been available in the market for 20 years, prove to be unobtrusive and visible at the same time. A spout with a 180-degree bend, an invisibly integrated jet regulator and minimalist handles, the series embodies a basic aesthetic appeal that intentionally avoids any extrovert elements. Conceived according to the Dornbracht design principles – proportion, precision, progressiveness, performance, and personality – MEM conforms directly to the Dornbracht claim of creating “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
More information can be found at www.dornbracht.com/mem
About Dornbracht UK & Ireland
Based in Iserlohn, Dornbracht is the leading specialist supplier of superior designer fittings and accessories for bathroom, spa and kitchen. The company was founded in 1950 and is represented by a portfolio of products on more than 125 markets worldwide. With clearly-defined design principles for a lasting product design and a consistent focus on user needs, Dornbracht has transformed the bathroom and kitchen into living spaces – and in so doing, continues to set new standards. The premium manufacturer is famous worldwide for its design and architectural expertise and quality of manufacture at the highest level and underlines its leadership aspirations with the brand claim “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
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RAK Ceramics PJSC (Ticker: RAKCEC: Abu Dhabi), one of the leading ceramics brands in the world, announced today a USD 14 million investment in its sanitaryware production line in the UAE, upgrading the facility with the latest cutting-edge technology kilns and elevating sustainably the company’s sanitaryware operating model.
RAK Ceramics aims to begin installation of the new machinery in 2023, with the aim of going online in the first half of 2024. The investment will allow the sanitaryware line to incorporate latest technology into the heat exchanger system of kilns, with the capability for future conversion to hydrogen fuel and waste heat recycling given advanced features. Once operational, the Company will be able to maximize and optimize efficiency during production, enabling the realization of significant savings in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the process allows for an enhanced yield during production, reducing as such waste and increasing capacity utilization.
Commenting on the investment, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said:
“As a responsible manufacturer and as the fourth largest ceramics player in the world, we have an important role to play on the global stage to make the industry more sustainable. This investment and the launch of this project in our sanitaryware business truly anchors our commitment to sustainability and our drive to long-term value for our stakeholders.”
“For this year, we aim to stimulate sustainability further through our functions and businesses, as we established a clear commitment to prioritize and support sustainable investments, and we are currently working alongside experts in the field to help us in our sustainability journey.”
Over the years, RAK Ceramics' emphasis on sustainable production has expanded as the demand for distinctive and sustainable ceramic items develops and as the Company continues to reap the benefits of sustainable long-term investments on the environmental front, especially in terms of energy conservation and waste management.
The Company has outlined in its 2023 Priorities that it is working on defining and implementing a sustainability strategy for the short-to-medium term, incorporating further ESG practices and initiatives and adopting it across all its operations.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh.
Patrick Norguet is an essential figure on the international design scene. Drawing inspiration from everything that surrounds him, Norguet does not follow trends but seeks to give shape to products whose relevance and modernity would withstand the test of time.
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Sylan Mirror Box Units are an expression of innovation, design and function. They are the complete package combining space saving concealed storage and minimalistic, stylish design to create the perfect final touch to any washroom. The inside boasts a fully customisable behind the mirror accessory system along with a full range of configurable accessories which can be adapted to clients’ requirements or to complement the project environment.
Designed with elegance, safety and sustainability in mind, the minimalist mirror panel design with polished mirror glass and back lit lighting reflect the aesthetics of contemporary styling of today’s washroom interiors.
To find out more visit our website or contact our Sylan team on 01763 276200 who will be happy to help.
About Sylan
A Sylan washroom is the ultimate expression of precision. This is because we are obsessive about detail. Every Sylan washroom we create is a luxuriously crafted, beautifully engineered product. But more than that, every one is bespoke built and individually customised around your needs. Your Sylan journey will start with our Project Managers and stay with you for years to come. It will be so well built, so precision crafted and so detailed in its design that we are fully confident to offer a 10 year guarantee across the whole range.
If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more.
No bathroom is complete without a mirror, and RAK Ceramics ensures that including this essential accessory as part of a purchase is no hard sale, with several new additions to its collection.
In a choice of stylish finishes to combine seamlessly with any décor, the new RAK-Art and RAK-Picture mirrors come with Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Gold. This enables them to be chosen to match the bathroom’s brassware, extending the sale and ensuring retailers can value up.
Both ranges feature four shapes – Round, Square, Soft and Oval – and have LED lighting, a demister pad and touch sensor activation, bringing the latest bathroom technology into the home in a seamless way.
Also new to the RAK Ceramics mirrors collection is RAK-Ornate, available in the same choice of finishes and with the same technological features. The RAK-Ornate mirror has an integrated shelf for handy storage of bathroom essentials, making it the perfect addition to a master ensuite for a hotel-inspired look.
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, RAK Ceramics serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of operational hubs in Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, North and South America and Australia.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a kitchen renovation design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Celia Visser Design.
SBID Awards Category: KBB Design
Practice: Celia Visser Design
Project: Oriental Industrial
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
The expat owners of this 1990s architecturally designed home returned to New Zealand for their retirement and called upon the designer to renovate their kitchen living area. They wanted to ensure it would fit with the home’s existing architecture and, as avid cooks, needed a much larger space to comfortably use. The wanted to enhance the harbour views the room enjoyed which was constrained by walls on entering the space.
The Clients brief & the house architecture. The home had quite industrial and native NZ timber features, especially the open stairwell which can be seen from the front and larder.
The clients had lived in a lot of Asian & Arab countries & had brought back a lot of treasures and special objects they had collected on their travels and wanted them to be displayed in the kitchen. The open shelves were designed to match the stairs, like a commercial kitchen having all products on display.
The colour Palette was chosen to blend all these elements together.
One of the main challenges for this project was that the kitchen’s size in proportion to the house size and function was very small. There was also an unused room behind the existing kitchen that could be incorporated, but the three dividing wall and posts were a major structural support for the three-storied home.
The removal of the structural and supporting walls was a big undertaking, this meant employing an engineer to redesign the house foundations and constructing new supporting steel beams.
The highlight was viewing the opened kitchen to the adjacent room for the first time. This increased the space to double in size while exposing the beautiful harbour views which had been hidden from many areas of the entrance & living room. It was a very special moment when the client saw what a difference the larger space would have on their lives & especially being able to see the harbour from all angles while she cooked – a moment to remember.
I entered and won the SBID award KBB category in 2018 & love that these Awards have grown to be such a force globally & I feel they are so prestigious and recognised now. It helps my credibility as a designer both in New Zealand & Internationally. I can market my award as being at the top of my career globally so it’s a very special award for me.
If I have a great project I want to enter for the recognition it gives, even to be a finalist is a great accolade.
Questions answered by Celia Visser, FNKBA, CKD/CBDNZ PDINZ, Celia Visser Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a modern residential development design by Yuan-Art, click here to read it.
Multi-disciplinary architectural practice, Studio Power has specified Cosentino’s Silestone® in Arcilla Red from the carbon neutral Sunlit Days collection for a freestanding island and matching flooring at its Salford studio. Dekton® Eter has also been selected for the kitchen area worksurfaces and splashback.
“We explored various materials during the design process and felt that the warmth, earthiness and calmness of the Arcilla Red Silestone® was perfect for the studio island unit. We have always aspired to have a sculptural installation and Arcilla Red Silestone® has done just that! Meanwhile, Dekton® Eter has been perfectly combined with the matt charcoal grey kitchen units to achieve a coherent monochromatic backdrop, which acts as a shadow to showcase the Arcilla Red Silestone® installation to its fullest potential,” says Jyh Lee, Architect at Studio Power.
Studio Power specified Silestone® in Arcilla Red for both the kitchen island and flooring. The island is designed in a 12mm thickness and the flooring, 20mm. This carbon neutral material is made from 20% recycled materials and is a fully sustainable choice. Part of the Sunlit Days collection, it’s a deep and earthy red that adds warmth and a statement look to the open-plan space. A hybrid surface of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials, Silestone® ’s innovative HybriQ+ technology ensures it is also low maintenance with a high resistance to scratches and stains, making it the perfect choice for this busy working studio.
Dekton® Eter in a 12mm thickness was then selected for the kitchen area worksurfaces with an 8mm thickness for the splashbacks. Fabricated by Bolton-based Signature Splashbacks, this innovative ultracompact surface is made from a mix of porcelain, glass and quartz. It’s extremely scratch resistant, stain resistant, fire and heat resistant with high strength and versatility in its application. Along with residential projects of any size, whether kitchen or bathroom worktops and wall cladding, it can also be used for residential building facades, flooring, furniture and shower trays.
Just like Silestone® ’s Sunlit Days collection, Dekton® is also carbon neutral and combines sustainability with safety and energy efficiency. Dekton® has LEED and BREEAM certifications in environmental and sustainable design along with the highest classification in fire resistance. Part of Dekton®’s Natural collection, Eter is a dramatic black and grey-toned surface material with a contemporary look ideal for Studio Power’s kitchen area.
About Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people. Dekton is Cosentino's innovative, ultra-compact and high-performance surface that offers endless design possibilities for outdoor and indoor spaces.
PARKLEX PRODEMA has extensive experience supplying panels for applications in many countries all over the world. The use of wood in the construction of hospitals facilitates the recovery of patients: it reduces stress and improves people’s mood.
Architects are provided the possibility of matching interior walls and ceilings with the soffit, creating a feeling of continuity both inside and out. They can also match the interior floor with interior walls and ceilings -as well as with the furniture-, creating a feeling of continuity within the same space.
PARKLEX PRODEMA’s own technology that contributes to improving the performance of the wood. Natural wood where the use of wood is not considered suitable.
With PARKLEX PRODEMA’s products, raw forest materials are an important part of the product. Aware of the importance that forest masses have for development of life on the planet, and to limit the greenhouse effect, we believe in purchasing sustainable forest products. Maintaining forests with controlled, appropriate felling helps to maintain biodiversity and the recovery capacity of the forests themselves.
In addition to environmental benefits, purchasing certified products has economic and social benefits, since it guarantees dignified social and labour conditions for the employees of the forestry management companies and other companies farther down the chain. In many cases, it is also a huge boon to revitalise rural areas.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. During all this time, and thanks to the surface composition of the board, that protects the wood, the finish of our product is stable and does not need any maintenance, sanding, varnishing, painting or any type of arrangement. Our materials do not require any type of chemical product to fix or clean them, so environmental impact in this regard is zero.
NATURFLOOR-W is a maintenance-free floor for indoor spaces. Designed specifically for areas with heavy traffic, like hotels, offices, museums, airports, and shops, it is also suitable for residential applications and can be installed over radiant flooring.
The anti-moisture treatment on the surface, along with the birch plywood (9-layer marine birch plywood) and counterbalance with HPL barrier, applicable to all woods and finishes, means that NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water. There is an option to specify even better anti-slip resistance.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant, and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Health
To certify our NATURFLOOR-W product, we use the Indoor Advantage Air Gold Certificate, since this certificate is well-known for floors around the world. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits.
This document certifies that NATURFLOOR-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Cleaning and desinfection
Durability
The finish of our interior floor product is stable with minimal evolution over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, marks from heels and pets, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes our engineered hardwood floor a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
This is a durable and sustainable product (FSC), 100% water-resistant (NATURFLOOR-W can be installed in areas frequently in contact with water), and with an AC6 score on wear resistance and Grade-4 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.
Natural wood that is extremely moisture- and fire-resistant, for interior walls and ceilings.
Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W brings a feeling of special warmth to indoor areas in frequent contact with water. It is also a high resistance covering for commercial spaces.
It has been designed for high-traffic areas such as hospitals, hotels, offices, museums, or institutional buildings.
Anti-bacterial surface protection
NATURHARDPANEL-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
PARKLEX PRODEMA use a technology that impregnates the natural timber veneer with a specific anti-bacteria overlay. This overlay lasts for the whole life of the panel; therefore, the anti-bacterial features are permanent and require no additional treatment (Tests according to ISO 22196:2007 / JIS Z 2801:2010).
The antibacterial properties of our panels have been verified by independent regulators, with tests carried out to certify their effectiveness in eliminating 99.9% of surface bacteria.
Besides, a special resin incorporated into our production process protects our panels against damage from household, commercial and alcohol-based cleaning products, as long as PARKLEX PRODEMA standard cleaning and maintenance recommendations are followed.
NATURHARDPANEL-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes and laboratories-.
Resistant to chemical agents
Greater lifespan
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespan of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior wall and ceiling products is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURHARDPANEL-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURHARDPANEL-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
To certify our NATURHARDPANEL-W product, we use Clean Air Gold Certificate. It is based on controlling the quality of the air within and around buildings and structures, especially in terms of the health and comfort of the building’s occupants. When we speak of air quality, we must speak of VOC emissions (Volatile Organic Compound), meaning the volatile organic components that the product emits. This certificate analyses the results obtained, based on the CDHP (California Department of Public Health Standard Method). Based on the numbers, it indicates in which of the three foreseen scenarios the product can be installed: offices, schools, or private residences.
This document certifies that NATURHARDPANEL-W has low VOC emissions with the indoor air quality standard (IAQ). From a sustainable construction perspective, these products are candidates for obtaining LEED credits in the Indoor Air Quality section.
Food contact
The NATURHARDPANEL-W S HPL board is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
Fire: the best classification
NATURHARDPANEL-W timber faced panels are classified as Class A (ASTM E84) or B-s1,d0 (as per EN 13501-1). This proves that it achieves the absolute best reactionto- fire classification for an organic product. The test also includes a measurement of smoke production and the presence of burning droplets, with NATURHARDPANEL-W achieving the highest rating in both categories.
NATURSKININT-W - Natural wood veneer for application on surfaces
NATURSKININT-W is a high density natural wood veneer. Its thickness (1.5mm - 3mm / 0.06” - 0.11”) makes it flexible for application on different surfaces, such as doors, columns, furniture and other interior elements. It adheres to any material -chipboard, fiber cement, MDF, metal, etc.- and its radius of curvature of up to 25cm / 9.85” allows it to cover rounded corners, columns... Suitable for covering doors, making furniture, etc.
NATURSKININT-W contains silver ions, a naturally antibacterial element that helps to eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria (Staphilococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli) within 24 hours.
NATURSKININT-W anti-bacteria: the best solution for high-sensitive areas -hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes, laboratories-.
PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are protected against potential damage caused by alcohol-based cleaners, including those used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Preventing bacterial surface contamination extends the lifespam of our products. As antibacterial protection is a natural part of our products, rather than an additional coating, PARKLEX PRODEMA panels are ingrained with longer lasting protection.
The finish of our interior covering product is stable and does not change over time. It does not need any varnish or paint to remain just like the very first day. The surface composition of the boards protects the product from moisture, wear, scratching, blows, fading from sunlight, and stains, eliminating the need for any later treatment. Thanks to its durability, no type of maintenance is required.
The life cycle of an HPL is more than thirty (30) years. This makes NATURSKININT-W a product with structural durability of more than thirty years. The structural durability of natural wood is less.
These are durable and sustainable products, moisture-resistant, and with Grade-3 scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal material for commercial spaces with heavy traffic. Thanks to the technical leak-tightness and moisture-resistance properties of the natural wood veneer, NATURSKININT-W is a high-resistance covering for commercial spaces.
The NATURSKININT-W HPL veneer is suitable for contact with food in accordance with CE Regulation 1935/2004 and EU Regulation No. 10/2011.
NATURCLAD coverings provide for installation of wood covering (NATURCLAD-W) or super-texturized panels (NATURCLAD-B) for ventilated façades, with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density Bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURCLAD-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURCLAD-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
NATURSOFFIT-W is an HPL product with natural wood designed for exclusive use in sheltered and horizontal applications, such as false ceilings and roofs. The panels cannot be directly exposed to ultraviolet radiation or water, but they can be applied to outdoor areas protected from these two elements. They do not require maintenance and provide outdoor spaces with the warmth and versatility of a natural wood design.
NATURSOFFIT-W increases the range of wood species for outdoors without maintenance.
Provides for installing pre-machined wood or super-texturized panels on façades with no need for maintenance.
They consist of a high-density bakelite body, a wood veneer treated with synthetic resins on the surface (NATURSIDING-W) or a unique texture on the surface that does not create repeated patterns (NATURSIDING-B), and a triple-layer exterior film that provides greater durability to the panels and protects them from solar radiation, atmospheric agents, and dirtiness, and has anti-graffiti properties.
About PARKLEX PRODEMA
PARKLEX PRODEMA is the merger of two international brands, specialized in coverings for architecture. For decades, they were competitors in the architecture, interior design, and construction industry. The union between these two brands is our new future, because we believe that union, today (on this new international stage), is the best formula to keep growing and innovating.
Premium bathroom retailer C.P. Hart presents a series of all-new bathroom room set displays designed by Yousef Mansuri, C.P. Hart’s Director of Design. Created to inspire and refine product selection, the room sets are immediately available to view in their flagship Waterloo showroom, with bookings recommended to ensure the availability of a sales consultant.
Part of C.P. Hart’s annual launch, the room set displays showcase a breadth of classical and contemporary bathroom collections, featuring new-to-market products from world-leading makers, including Artelinea, Duravit, Samuel Heath, and more. Also featured is a selection of C.P. Hart’s new exclusivities, spanning ceramics, WCs, and brassware, only available from C.P. Hart.
Below, Yousef Mansuri walks us through three of the new C.P. Hart Waterloo room sets.
“This room set display demonstrates how small bathrooms can still feel airy and inviting. Here, I featured Artelinea’s compact Monolite vanity unit that provides invaluable storage with its two soft-close drawers, wall-mounted for additional floor space. The sit-on washbowl from our exclusive Kali ceramics range complements the curves of the mirror and WC – also part of the Kali collection – finished in Matt White and chosen for its premium surface-coating technology. To keep the vanity uncluttered, I opted for the Brushed Nickel wall-mounted basin mixer from our new and exclusive Flo brassware range.
The Matki Eauzone silver mesh wetroom panel adds depth to the scheme, created by encasing metallic mesh within two layers of safety glass for a characterful, hand-woven appearance. Opposite, I chose the Zehnder heated towel rail in the Volcanic finish, drawing on the wetroom panel’s darker tones.
Herringbone floor tiles are an excellent way to introduce pattern and texture into a scheme. For this bathroom, I chose to install Minoli’s Dreamwell tiles on both the floor and wall to create a greater sense of openness. The herringbone tiles are softened by the large format tiles on the side walls, also installed to ceiling height to maximise the neutral stone effect.”
“Bold and pattern rich, this impactful suite combines classical and contemporary styling. I chose Artelinea’s Kimono vanity for its intricate fluted detailing and curved front, which wonderfully offsets the harsh lines created from the edge of the tiled splashback.
Dramatic tiling was a significant focal point for this suite. As such, I selected the striking bookmatched crystal-effect tiles as a backdrop to the Bette One inset bath, clad in bespoke Black Stone with a step for easy access. The backsplash’s marble-effect tiling is continued into the shower, screened by the black-framed Border wetroom panel with fluted glass to complement the vanity unit.
Perhaps one of my favourite design elements, Samuel Heath’s new One Hundred brassware range is installed at the basin, bath, and shower. Finished in Stainless Steel, the brassware collection features translucent crystal glass and painstakingly knurled escutcheon detailing.”
“This suite presents a modernised British period suite showcasing the White Tulip collection, designed for Duravit by Philippe Starck – his first-ever complete bathroom range. Inspired by Starck’s love of natural forms, this Duravit collection features sophisticated sanitaryware, brassware, and soft-close furniture, all of which mimic the opening of a blooming tulip’s petals in an almost sculptural manner.
To utilise the vast floorplan, this bathroom features two basins – both from the White Tulip range – positioned at either end of the room. The first is the two-drawer vanity unit, finished with American Walnut drawer fronts to add warmth and tonal depth. The second is the rectangular basin on the metal console stand, complete with a display shelf and twin towel rings.
I chose to install the White Tulip mirrors above both vanity areas. Their LED lights emit a soft glow on all four edges, controlled via an app with a dimming function to create that perfect ambience.”
Please visit C.P. Hart Waterloo to view all room sets - only first-hand inspection proves true product quality. Though appointments are not required, C.P. Hart recommends booking an appointment ahead of your visit to ensure the availability of a sales consultant.
About C.P. Hart
Leading bathroom retailer C.P. Hart has an outstanding reputation for the best in design and innovation, with products sourced from designers and manufacturers worldwide, many exclusive to C.P. Hart and unable to be purchased elsewhere. C.P. Hart has 15 showrooms across the UK, including its impressive flagship at London’s Waterloo.
Luxury bath and kitchen brand GRAFF and prestigious American industrial designer Stephen Burks present Faucet Fantasy, an artistic installation drawing attention to the importance of water conservation. Burks, known for using artisan and handcrafted influences in his designs, will showcase nine GRAFF faucets in luxurious finishes, reimagined in his signature mix of bright colours with natural and manmade materials.
“Inspired by the graphic flow of water, Faucet Fantasy showcases nine luxurious faucets in a colorful array of handcrafted finishes, textures, and materials,” Burks said. The eye-catching installation generated considerable buzz among the attendees at the unveiling event.
Faucet Fantasy represents GRAFF's Art of Bath sustainability program. GRAFF is an actively green brand, from using lead-free materials in its products to adhering to zero waste in its lean manufacturing system. The brand is inherently dedicated to water conservation, understanding our most valuable resource's role in a healthy ecosystem. In 2012, GRAFF raised the bar on eco-standards by automatically including water-saving systems with all bathroom-sink and kitchen faucets, and showerheads. Partnering with sustainable projects worldwide, GRAFF strives to make luxury green.
Founder and President of GRAFF, Mr. Ziggy Kulig, commented: "For GRAFF, quality, design and sustainability, go hand in hand. We look to align with creatives whose own work embodies this same philosophy. We are pleased to partner with Stephen Burks for creating an exclusive sculpture installation. We hope his creation will inspire viewers to do their part in supporting water conservation initiatives."
Burks’ installation also dovetails seamlessly with GRAFF’s rich heritage of artisanship and craftsmanship in production. “For Faucet Fantasy, we were looking at the idea of bringing the hand to industry and presenting a range of products that give the customer a sense of what’s possible,” said Burks. Together with his studio Stephen Burks Man Made, Burks has been commissioned by many of the world’s leading design-driven brands to develop collections that engage hand production as a strategy for innovation.
As a product development consultant, Burks has worked in close collaboration with artisans and craftspeople around the globe. His work has been exhibited internationally and he has been the recipient of several awards, including being the only African American to win the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in Product Design. In 2019, he became the first Harvard Loeb Fellow in the discipline of product design and was recently an adjunct assistant professor of architecture at Columbia University’s GSAPP.
Following its unveiling at RNDD, the Faucet Fantasy installation will be on display at Chicago’s Studio 41 home design showroom from September 10th to September 30th and then at the GRAFF Design center at the Mart for Design Chicago.
About GRAFF
GRAFF’s luxury taps and shower collections elevate the bath space with designs that are both timeless and cutting-edge, complementing endless architectural and interior styles. Available in 21 luxury finishes such as Brushed Brass, Polished Nickel, and 24K Gold, and with a choice of three Tuscan marble inserts, GRAFF basin mixer or shower controls offer bespoke and unique customisation possibilities. Backed by a rich heritage of European artisanship, GRAFF products transform the bath space into a masterpiece of tranquillity, wellness, and spa like experience. With a focus on design, sustainability, and high technology, GRAFF caters to the senses with features such as chromotherapy, bringing bath and shower experiences to luxurious heights.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary family home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Designck.
Designck was commissioned to design the interior for this large contemporary new build. Part of this project was the kitchen, wine room and powder room. Robin Caudwell wanted to keep a feeling of warmth throughout the home. His clients have a large extended family and friends and entertain regularly; it was essential to make the home stylish, inviting, and relaxing, that everyone could enjoy. Using a mixture of different textures and tones, with carefully placed statement pieces such as the Titanium Gold Granite Island top, he feels that he has achieved a remarkable outcome for the clients.
SBID Awards Category: KBB Design Finalist
Practice: Designck
Project: Horotiu Hill
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
I was engaged to design several areas of this luxury new build, which included the kitchen, outdoor kitchen, evening room, wine cellar, and powder room. The client is of Asian descent and have regular, large family gatherings, it was important to them that the kitchen was equipped with expansive storage for food, good prep areas and gas in the principal cooking area. Their wine collection needed to be showcased within their evening room. They wanted a warm and inviting powder room for their guests.
The anchor for my design was the stunning Titanium Gold granite I chose for the island, and it has become a statement piece within the room. I used Lux board, which I reversed, and utilised the matte side that complements the Laminam in Moro that I picked for the expansive front door and a large fireplace.
On this particular project, there was a requirement for several air-conditioning return vents of which we didn't want to put on show. I came up with a solution to conceal the vents above the cabinetry, extending the height of just the doors to give the kitchen area a cleaner look without showing the numerous vents required.
For me, it was seeing how the different rooms come together with a common theme whilst keeping their individual identities. And as a bonus, when I told the clients that we have been shortlisted for the SBID Awards, they were over the moon.
The SBID Awards are renowned as the pinnacle of the design industry's awards. It’s one of the few awards that becoming even a finalist is a mammoth effort, and if I was fortunate enough to win, it reinforces why I love this creative industry being recognised for my passion, and time that I have poured into this project.
Questions answered by Robin Caudwell, Principal Designer, DesignCK.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a dark and stylish apartment design by ID4U studio, click here to read it.
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