The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, is expanding its collection of contemporary herringbone designs, offering even more versatility to create intriguing interiors that ooze understated sophistication.
From January 2024, six oak designs from its popular Van Gogh range will be available in an additional herringbone format. The new 18” x 4.5” plank size expands design possibilities when used alongside matching full-size planks or in bespoke colour combinations.
Fleur Carson, managing director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “With design creativity high on the agenda, we are responding to the wellbeing trend for quiet luxury, soothing warm neutrals and nature inspired interiors with authentic oak designs in new styling options. Our designers have selected six beautiful designs from our Van Gogh range, all currently offered in a full-size plank, and expanded their design potential with a herringbone format.
“The smaller plank accentuates the realistic grain features and organic colours of these timeless designs. Curated to complement each other in any colour combination, this new collection brings outstanding potential for bespoke interiors that invoke the healing power of biophilic design.”
Whether used in isolation in a traditional herringbone pattern or in conjunction with the matching full-size plank for an elegant continuous flow, for example highlighting activity zones or creating directional wayfinding, Karndean’s new designs are guaranteed to introduce effortless elegance to any interior, from residential and hospitality to retail and workplaces.
Alternatively, the new herringbones offer a contemporary twist on classic style with eight different laying pattern variations to explore, from a double herringbone in a single colourway to a two-tone double herringbone and diagonal double herringbone in three contrasting colours with a coordinating border.
The new herringbone collection includes four highly desirable designs from Karndean’s Highland Oak collection; Croftmore Oak, Glenmore Oak, Hayfield Oak and Aviemore Oak. Inspired by samples of reclaimed timber found at an old railway station tucked away in the Highlands of Scotland, these designs feature well-balanced grain markings, characterful signs of wear and a registered emboss for a highly authentic effect and subtle maturity that will bring any interior to life.
Two further existing designs extend the colour range and options for interesting combinations. Canadian Nude Oak, with its neutral blond tones and gentle straight grain patterning, and the authentically replicated historic markings and tarnishing of Antique French Oak enhance the collection’s natural warmth and versatility to create a bespoke look.
Designed for reliable performance in high traffic environments, Karndean’s extensive Van Gogh collection offers specifiers unsurpassed versatility with a total of 70 wood and stone designs in a convenient choice of sizes and formats.
The Van Gogh range features a 0.55mm wear layer and 3.0mm thickness and comes with all the practical benefits of Karndean flooring, an Environmental Product Declaration and the reassurance of a 15 year guarantee for commercial settings and a lifetime guarantee in residential settings.
Designed With a commitment to developing a greener built environment, Karndean recognises the need for urgent action and is taking bold steps and a pioneering spirit to create a better tomorrow. This includes a commitment to set short and long-term company-wide emission reductions in line with science-based net-zero through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
To explore the Karndean’s new Van Gogh designs, click here.
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean is a global supplier of commercial and residential luxury vinyl tile flooring. We’re an industry leader in flooring design, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, helping you create unique looks that are both stylish and practical; guaranteed to last. We see flooring differently. We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining original features with cutting edge design, we create beautiful floors that bring your vision to life and take our clients on an endless journey of design discovery.
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Looking back at sofa.com's favourite projects of 2023, it’s clear that boutique hotels are no longer simple nor quaint. We’ve worked with designers who are looking to bring the boutique hotel into modernity, and this starts with a reconsideration of what it is that makes a hotel welcoming, and how hotels can keep comfort and function as a top priority yet experiment more with colour and personality, creating a home away from home for guests.
One of the largest projects our dedicated trade team have worked on has been to furnish 9 bedrooms in a new luxury hotel in Ibiza. Perfectly pitched between boutique and mid-sized, Pikes is a project which showcases personality, textural interest and great use of materials. An infusion of colour with beautifully bright upholstered beds and complementary artwork creates an ambient and welcoming environment. Lucinda Swayne, interior designer on the project, comments, “During the renovation, it was vital that the quirky elements were retained to preserve the identity of the hotel. Within the redesign we have created eclectic comfortable rooms with a unique feel, coupled with micro-attention to functionality, so that guests will never want to leave”.
This focus on functionality comes down to vital design choices: bed size and placement, extra surfaces and storage, and lighting decisions.
A perfectly placed bed should leave ample space on each side, ideally enough for the essential bedside table. While beds are ideally placed centrally within the room, this can be a struggle within smaller spaces, when it comes to allow for storage on both sides. Working with designers at Rendall & Wright on a project in Norfolk, our nifty solution was to incorporate a storage ottoman at the foot of the bed, providing both a place to perch and somewhere to stow away personal effects.
Comfort is paramount, with almost all the designers we work with opting for king size beds, as the ultimate requirement for a great overnight stay, is comfort. The main goal is to ensure each guest has the best night’s sleep. Returning customers is the greatest compliment a hotel can receive, and the comfort levels will heavily influence the reputation of a great hotel.
Lucinda comments that a bedroom should be “a comforting space that provides guests with somewhere they never want to leave. Top of the list is by far a comfortable and statement bed.” For the ultimate in indulgence, beds with velvet headboards are a winner – not only do they look luxurious, but they are also beautifully soft and tactile.
Once comfort levels have been established, lighting is the next crucial element, and should be one of the first things considered. Where is the bed going to be placed? You’ll need bedside lamps or wall lights on a separate circuit to allow for adjustable light levels, and true comfort means not leaving your bed to turn off a light switch. Although inherently practical, lighting is another aspect of the room design that can be a vehicle for introducing colour or pattern.
Very much dispelling the reputation of being twee, it’s clear that smaller hotels are going through somewhat of a design shift. A well thought through and exquisitely executed delivery on all the non-negotiables of a dream hotel stay promises a luxurious escape form day-to-day life.
About sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects. sofa.com have been delivering expert project solutions for over 10 years and have experience in a variety of sectors in hospitality, residential and commercial disciplines. With a sofa.com trade account, you can enjoy benefits such as industry leading delivery times, bespoke products, furniture packages, a sampling service and a competitive tiered discount structure.
Presenting Incanto Arté, the latest innovation from leading kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer GRAFF, the collection enhances the bath space marrying artistic details with minimalism. The Incanto Arté is a twist on the popular Incanto range with handles that boast intricately tactile patterns representative of jewel-like texture.
Including smooth and knurled surfaces that are instantly drawn to the eye, the Incanto Arté collection features 40 luxurious products, comprising single-lever basin mixers, wall-mounted basin mixers and an accompanying accessories range.
Crafted from the highest-quality materials with precision engineering, Incanto Arté is available in 26 luxurious handcrafted finished in rich colours and textures capturing the crosshatch patterns including 24K Brushed Gold, Rose Gold PVD and Polished Chrome.
GRAFF CEO and President Ziggy Kulig states, “We’re thrilled to offer the new Incanto Arté alongside the ever-popular Incanto. We’re passionate about giving our customers the options they desire to beautifully elevate and personalise their interiors.”
Incanto Arté is available to buy in the UK with prices starting from £493 + VAT for a wash basin single lever tap in Chrome.
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.
As one of the first to feature fluted tiles, Cosentino continues to bring cutting-edge and sustainable solutions to the world of design.
Cosentino, the global leading company in the production of sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, announces Dekton® Ukiyo, a new textured collection that features linear fluting and offers livable luxury with the durability of Dekton®. Created in collaboration with the internationally recognised high-end interior and product designer, Claudia Afshar, the collection is available in ready-to-install fluted tiles, one of the first offerings of its kind in the industry. Its textures bring distinctive depth and dimension to any space, be it residential or commercial.
Dekton® Ukiyo is inspired by Japanese and contemporary design and celebrates the art of minimalism and embracing the present. Ukiyo means to "live in the moment” and the Dekton® collection is designed to awaken the senses and evoke a feeling of wellness by achieving a beautiful, calm state in the space. It embodies a rich palette of sensations, showcasing geometric yet smooth structure that creates harmonious designs both inside and outside.
“Playing with texture is timeless, and it is so important in all materials, not just fabric” said Claudia Afshar. “I have always been inspired by the materials found in nature and making the spaces I design as comfortable, warm and authentic as possible. Ukiyo is calming yet simplistic, and the colourways and fluting are romantic, but also contemporary and masculine to achieve balance.”
Especially designed for vertical cladding application, Dekton® Ukiyo will be available in matte finish and two fluting options: GV2 with groves set 25 mm apart and measure 5mm wide and 3 mm deep; and GV3 with groves set 11 mm apart and are 4mm wide and deep. Both will come in tile size 17.7 inches by 118 inches (450 mm x 3000 mm). To launch the Ukiyo offering, Afshar hand-selected five existing Dekton® colourways: Bromo, Kreta, Nacre, Umber, and Rem to provide a comprehensive colour palette to work independently and together.
Dekton® products are full life cycle carbon neutral and were selected for the collection due to their sustainable properties and high-performance capabilities. Dekton® Ukiyo is ideal for a virtually limitless range of vertical applications ranging from facades and fireplaces to custom furniture and so much more.
“Every day I strive to think outside the box in order to create something unique, yet special for each project. This collaboration offers just that and I am so thankful to the entire Cosentino team for bringing this collection to the market” said Afshar.
- Bromo offers a dark grey shade, inspired by homogeneous metamorphic rocks such as slate. Subtle, faded graphics, a carefully-created texture and a natural aesthetic define this evocative colour, perfect for any type of environment. - Kreta is inspired by classic cement floors, with calm movement. The design is even and controlled, although it provides darker or lighter areas depending on the density of the pattern. Its matte texture and grey tone combine with any type of material and make it suitable for diverse applications. - Nacre boasts movement that engages all senses - the trowel marks that bring the colour to life, the subtle interplay of light and shadow that accompanies every inch of the design. The touch delights with a silky finish as the fingers run over the different reliefs and scattered gradients. A pleasure for its high decorative and emotional value. - Umber features a timeless, rebellious colour with its own personality and a special charisma. The terracotta is warm and very attached to the Earth and closely connected to nature. - Rem provides intricate design, with brown and grey veining and hints of gold. Its fine veining under a subtle grain offers the ultimate in natural sensitivity.
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. This objective is possible thanks to pioneering and leading brands in their respective segments such as Silestone®, Dekton® or Sensa by Cosentino®. Technologically advanced surfaces that allow the creation of unique environments and designs for the home and public spaces.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited British luxury electrical accessories manufacturer Focus SB on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 where she formally presented the managing director Gary Stevens with The King’s Award for Enterprise crystal trophy for the company’s achievement in the international trade category.
The Princess Royal arrived at Focus SB’s main factory in St Leonards on Sea on 22nd November and was welcomed by Mr Graham Peters, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex who presented her to distinguished guests Mr Richard Bickersteth, High Sheriff of East Sussex; Councillor Peter Pragnell, Chairman of East Sussex County Council and Councillor Margi O’Callaghan, Mayor of Hastings before Mr Gary Stevens MD welcomed Her Royal Highness and invited her into the building where he presented The Princess Royal to some of Focus SB’s senior management team: Mr Roger Kemp, recently retired company chairman and owner; guest Mrs Suzi Baker, PR and social media consultant; Mr Mark Curtis, technical manager; Mr Duncan Ray, head of strategic partnerships; guest Mrs Andrea Randall-Smith, CEO of Little Gate Supported Employment and Mr Chris Turner, general manager Focus SB.
The Princess Royal was then invited on a tour of the factory by Mr Chris Turner, flanked by Mr Gary Stevens, during which she was given electrical accessories product manufacturing process demonstrations by each departmental group, introduced by Mrs Jo Cloute, HR and customer aftercare manager; Mrs Val Chandler, assembly manager; Mr Andrew Lanworn, finance manager and company secretary; Mr Steve Moss, sales and marketing Manager; Mr Rob Little, operations support manager and Mrs Terri Hoey, sales office manager. Demonstrations included both traditional and robot technology, hand finishing including spray painting and component hand assembly. Her Royal Highness greeted employees from each department, including apprentices and trainees from Little Gate Supported Employment, after which she proceeded to one end of the factory where all staff were assembled for a formal presentation of the King’s Award for Enterprise trophy to Mr Gary Stevens introduced by Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.
The Lord-Lieutenant welcomed the attending guests and invited The Princess Royal to give a short speech of congratulations and present The King’s Award for Enterprise engraved crystal winner trophy to Mr Gary Stevens, who accepted the award on behalf of Focus SB, giving a short speech of thanks. He then invited Mrs Terri Hoey, sales office manager, to present Her Royal Highness with gifts comprising a Sussex Trug containing a beautiful floral arrangement of locally grown flowers from Sussex Cutting Garden, part of the Flowers from the Farm organisation which champions British flowers (growers in the group supplied cut flowers to the florist chosen for The King’s coronation) presented with honey from a beehive sponsored by Focus SB at SW Honey Farms and a wreath of flowers grown and handmade by the trainees at Little Gate Farm. Sussex Cutting Garden also provided an attractive floral arrangement to decorate the company’s reception area for the occasion.
Gary Stevens then invited The Princess Royal back to Focus SB’s reception to unveil a commemorative plaque manufactured in-house by the company to mark her visit. Design industry guests joining Focus SB to share in this prestigious moment for the company included Mr Grant Pierrus, Interior Style Hunter and Mrs Sophie Harper, Editor Hospitality Interiors magazine who delighted in joining Mr Stevens and Focus SB employees in celebrating this very special occasion.
Mr Stevens commented: “It was an absolute honour to host HRH The Princess Royal at our factory in Hastings yesterday and to receive our King’s Award from her. I think she spoke to virtually every member of staff and was very knowledgeable. What a year for Focus SB and me personally, getting to meet The King, a Princess and a Duchess!”
Gary Stevens continues: “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Focus SB to present us with our King’s Awards for Enterprise for International Trade trophy in person. This visit rounds off one of the most exciting years in the company’s history.”
“It’s a huge honour for an SME based in Hastings to have the recognition of The King’s Awards, one of the most prestigious awards a company can be bestowed, but in addition to that, meeting The King at Buckingham Palace and then to have a visit from The Princess Royal is a huge boost and reward for every single employee at Focus SB, without whom, none of this would have been possible. I have been in manufacturing of electrical products all of my career and I started off as a 16-year-old technical apprentice and have worked my way through various businesses from technical to marketing, sales and general management and I have been an MD of two manufacturing companies, including currently with Focus SB.”
Mr Stevens concludes: “I am passionate about manufacturing and introducing more young people into manufacturing and encouraging them to take up apprenticeships, I would like to think that we are doing our bit here at Focus SB by working with local educational establishments, employment agencies and local charities to fulfil that goal, and that my own journey can act as a beacon for those young people who may be thinking about a career in manufacturing and what can be achieved. After all, manufacturing accounts for 2.6 million jobs in the UK and we are the 8th largest manufacturing country in the world!”
About Focus SB
Established for over 40 years in East Sussex, Focus SB’s award winning in-house manufacturing and metal finishing expertise presents designers with a comprehensive collection of switches, sockets and components complemented by bespoke project services. Quality faceplate styles made from the finest solid brass and durable stainless steel offer striking solutions for high-end hospitality, prime residential, heritage and commercial interiors. Working closely with design consultants, control system companies and fire and security specialists, Focus SB’s unrivalled ability to match metal finishes across its collection, coupled with custom finish options, sees the company’s products specified for world class projects internationally.
Global surface manufacturer Cosentino opens the doors of its new London City Centre showroom at 1 Hatton Gardens.
A dynamic space for designers and architects to meet, be inspired and create, the new City Centre boasts three floors and over 420 sqm of design inspiration. London’s newest creative hub for co-working, exchanging ideas and inspiring events that connect likeminded industry professionals, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the area’s luxury design legacy.
An iconic address seeped in history, Cosentino City London is the perfect setting to showcase the impressive portfolio of materials from its brands Silestone, Dekton and Sensa.
A showroom designed to inspire, it is equipped with a fully working Atelier Lab that exists to serve architects and designers, helping specifiers with interior and exterior projects. A place of learning, the Cosentino team will be on hand to help educate on the different materials available for a vast array of applications for every project, including countertops, flooring, cladding, furniture and facades.
With a fully stocked sample library, interactive digital display boards and desk or meeting spaces for hire, teams can touch, experiment and experience the beauty of Cosentino firsthand, seeing projects come to life before their eyes.
Cosentino City London will also be the brand’s UK event hub. An impressive schedule of events is in place including exhibitions, roundtables, supper clubs, CPDs, industry parties and more.
Click here for more information or to book an appointment.
Alongside functionality and performance, attention to made-in-Italy design is one of Technogym’s constitutive values as a brand, which succeeded in incorporating it into the wellness & fitness sector.
Technogym stands out as the only brand of the international sport & fitness world that is also an integral part in the design industry. A story that goes back a long way: in 1986 – in a sector dominated by the body-building stereotype – Nerio Alessandri designed Unica, the first design home fitness product. No other brand in the fitness sector pays this much attention to the aesthetics of its solutions, making it a defining feature alongside performance, technology, innovation and functionality.
Over the years, Technogym has been a recurring participant in international design events, and been deemed worthy of a long list of international design awards, including 3 Compasso d’Oro Awards, 19 ADI Awards, 14 Red Dot Design Awards, 3 International Design Excellence Awards, 6 iF Awards, 11 Good Design Awards, 2 German Design Awards, 1 German Innovation Award.
The firm actively collaborates with world-renowned architects and designers, with a notable partnership with international starchitect Antonio Citterio, who designed the Technogym Village over 20 years ago, as well as the Personal Line.
The Technogym Village evolved from the entrepreneurial vision of Nerio and Pierluigi Alessandri and the design of ACPV ARCHITECTS – the architecture and interior design studio that works internationally across industries – founded by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel in 2000.
The complex covers an area of over 150,000 m2, of which 60,000 indoors, in a place where innovation, sustainability, quality, design and productivity are brought together. The mark of ACPV ARCHITECTS on the Technogym Village is clear in the modernity of the working and communal spaces and in their management, in the external contours of the production facility and offices, in the choice of furnishings, in the use of glass and light, as well as in the attention to detail given to the 90,000 m2 of park.
Personal Line solutions are produced using premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship, and are designed not just as home fitness equipment, but also as true works of art. The line includes 6 pieces of equipment – Run Personal, Bike Personal, Recline Personal, Cross Personal, Power Personal and Kinesis Personal - all products designed by Antonio Citterio and characterised by distinctive lines and aesthetics that enhance any space they are installed in.
Alessandri and Citterio’s intention was to give the products a visual language that reflects the energy of a modern home. As well as the aesthetics, the architect’s contribution was key to adapting the products to purely domestic spaces, in terms of both the footprint and the choice of materials never used before in fitness (such as high-pressure cast aluminium, oak).
With all this in mind, the care put in by the company when it comes to planning the products of all its lines is self-evident. Technogym’s design has two faces: its offer is extremely functional and efficient from the point of view of the technical performance, but it also aims to be the landmark for those looking for sports equipment solutions that are not aesthetically anonymous and impersonal, but beautiful to look at. It’s fundamental for the company’s vision that Technogym proposals and lines serve as a true piece of furniture, both for private individuals and for operators.
The symbiosis between Technogym and design is also expressed and deepened through a series of premium quality services, outlined in the Technogym Interior Design Book; they’re consultancy and personalised assistance services for the design of interiors and wellness spaces. This special focus is available for any kind of project, whether it be home, club, hotel, medical & health, corporate, sports centre & campus solutions. It’s this kind of optional services – thanks to which nothing is left to chance and every detail is taken care of in the best possible way – that has contributed to making Technogym a leading firm and reference point in the global fitness context.
Once the space has been defined and the layout key points have been established, Technogym offers its full support and shares its specialist expertise: the brand proceeds to the spatial distribution of the selected products, with the aim to integrate even the smallest design details. We’re talking about the optimal lighting not to interfere with the workout and with the product display, the ideal distance between the various pieces so that they can be used comfortably and safely according to their size, the study of traffic flows among the various areas, the interaction between products and air conditioning, the best equipment layout to facilitate training, socialisation and cooling down, the arrangement and concealment of electric cables: everything is aimed at achieving the greatest added value possible.
Technogym also recommends certain placements based on the product type (cardio lines in front of windows or mirrors and not far from the entrance), and their technical specifications (strength lines aligned along the perimeter of the room according to their weight stack). The goal is also to propose a solution in which Technogym products fit into the environment in a harmonious, innovative and non-stereotypical way, just as Technogym’s offer is not unoriginal when it comes to the design of individual products.
Technogym, a pioneer in fitness innovation, seamlessly blends performance and Italian design. From groundbreaking products to international recognition, the brand’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality is evident. Collaborations with top architects and the iconic Technogym Village underscore its leadership in global fitness, offering a unique blend of style and performance.
About Technogym
Technogym's globally renowned products are perfect for both home and commercial gyms. They strive to create gym equipment and accessories that are not only professional and sleek but also adapt easily to every surrounding space. For more than 40 years Technogym have been helping people live healthier and happier lives with a range of products that are exceptional in both function and aesthetics. With modular collections, they offer the ultimate wellness experience anytime, anywhere, at home, in the gym, in the office, or in a hotel.
The Leeds-based supplier becomes the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor of MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins.
Supplier CDUK announces a partnership with German manufacturer Pfeiffer, becoming the exclusive distributor of MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins in Corian® Solid Surface in the UK & Ireland markets.
With the addition of MIXA® and VIVARI®, CDUK strengthens its portfolio of coordinating surfaces and products for kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms, which includes Corian® Solid Surface, M|R Walls, PaperStone® and Polygood®, as well as products by The 1810 Company.
As one of the pioneers of Corian® Solid Surface products in Germany, Pfeiffer applies its extensive knowledge of the material to deliver long-lasting solutions for both the kitchen and bathroom. MIXA® sinks are a seamless match for Corian® Solid Surface and VIVARI® basins and washbasins are made to order using the same solid surface.
MIXA®, an established solution for seamlessly integrated kitchen sinks, includes eleven single sinks and eight double sinks, available in three base colours – stainless steel, or with black and white enamel, as well as two XL options available in stainless steel. The sides of the sinks are seamlessly cladded in Corian® Solid Surface, which will be made to order and delivered prefabricated, ready for installation. The seamless integration of MIXA® sinks and Corian® Solid Surface prevents everyday liquids and typical household dirt from penetrating joints and edges.
The collection is available in all Corian® Solid Surface colours recommended for kitchen worksurfaces, which are paired with MIXA® stainless-steel bases to make these premium sinks extremely durable and heat resistant, as well as hygienic and practical. To complete the design, MIXA® sinks can be paired with waste disposal kits, and a series of accessories is also available to order, including grids and baskets.
The VIVARI® basins range comes in a variety of shapes with a total of 93 models, including vanity top basins, countertop basins, built-in under-mounted basins and one freestanding basin. All the range is made to design requirements and available in a wide range of Corian® Solid Surface colours. Beautiful shapes, multiple configurations and a full spectrum of colour choices offer designers unique customisation options and creative freedom.
VIVARI® basins are robust, non-porous and easy to maintain, designed to suit both bespoke bathrooms and commercial applications.
Andy Noble, Managing Director at CDUK, comments: “The partnership with Pfeiffer, with whom we share a vision to expand the presence of the MIXA® and VIVARI® brands in the UK, marks an exciting milestone in our journey to broaden the CDUK portfolio of surfaces and complementary products. We are thrilled to incorporate MIXA®, a proven and established product, into our portfolio and to introduce VIVARI® to new commercial markets. Personally, I look forward to the future and the continued expansion of this partnership and our portfolio.”
Both MIXA® sinks and VIVARI® basins in Corian® Solid Surface are made to order, exclusively from CDUK for UK and Ireland, and have a lead time of 3-4 weeks. Both solutions can be designed in multiple configurations to suit both one-off bespoke projects and extensive commercial applications where larger quantities are required.
About CDUK
CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interior designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands. We are a business with over 40 years’ experience. We support our customers through a journey, as their design partner, from sourcing the best products and materials to helping them unlock their full potential through expert advice and technical knowledge. Our team of industry experts also provides technical advice, sampling and bespoke training courses for designers, manufacturers and fabricators.
Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects at Gaggenau has given her insights into the industry.
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with over 60 flagships and showrooms in major cities around the world.
Our story begins back in 1683 in a small village called Gaggenau on the edge of the Black Forrest. The aristocratic ruler of the area wanted to improve the lives of his farming communities and built a smelting plant. From forging nails to enamel signage to bicycles, Gaggenau build many products before concentrating on domestic appliances in the 1950s. From there, a series of industry firsts began to shape the luxury appliance market. In the mid 1990’s BSH bought the company and the investment meant that they had a premium brand in the portfolio and Gaggenau had the investment to further define luxury within today’s kitchens.
When looking for the “best in class,” whether it be quality, style, functionality or luxury, designers have been recommending Gaggenau for decades. The available sizes of appliances like ovens, hobs, refrigeration and extractors means that designers will find perfect fit for their kitchen designs. We offer our trade partners aides like a full ventilation planning service and a home visit for end client to understand the functionalities of their steam ovens, for instance. Interior designers can rest assured that working with a Gaggenau partner they will receive the best service.
Because we do not supply end clients directly, we ensure our trade partners are trained and have a selection of working products on display and can offer the best in design service, M & E specification as well as supply. Knowing the products have been correctly specified and installed, allows us to offer a 5 year warranty on all Gaggenau products.
We promote our products through an authorised network of professional kitchen design studios and project partners, who work with lots of the UK’s top interior designers. Whilst we do not supply directly, we welcome interior designers and their clients to Gaggenau London in 40 Wigmore Street to view and see our products demonstrated.
One of the best examples of working with a partner to achieve a luxury installation has to be the 85 apartments at the Old War Office, in the very heart of Whitehall, central London. Gaggenau supplied its suite of sleek built-in appliances from cooking to cooling and dishwashing which enhance the beautiful cabinetry.
Down draft or integrated extraction with our cooktops has to be one of the most popular ways of designing the quietest ventilation. We have excellent solutions for all projects backed up with an individual design service to ensure the correct ducting, motors or recirculating methods are offered. We have also been pleased to see an increase in steam cooking. Our combination steam ovens offer plumbed in or tank solutions and features include sous-vide cooking, steam reduction and self-cleaning programmes.
We recognise the importance of good interior design to enhance modern day living for clients. Taking account of sustainability, longevity and creativity for home design is becoming more important and we certainly hope to engage more with Designers.
Gaggenau is always at the forefront of design and innovation so whilst we can’t divulge too much, one of our newest products for 2024 will be Essential Induction; hobs which are invisible and operate underneath the worktop, using the latest tech to ensure safety and design.
A collaboration with SBID means that we can grow closer to this important area of design and expertise in our industry. Gaggenau looks forward to promoting our CPD to SBID members and engaging through networking events and offering as much help and assistance with product advice and integration with our trade partners.
About Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
Level up bathroom design with RAK-Ischia from RAK Ceramics, a brassware collection that is understatedly elegant. Available in four on-trend finishes, RAK-Ischia can be chosen to create a cohesive look throughout the bathroom, from the basin to the bath, with a comprehensive collection where function meets style.
The basin mixer can be chosen in tall, medium and standard sizes, making it simple to combine it with any style of washbasin, while a wall-mounted version is also available. Complete the look with bath shower mixer and thermostatic concealed and exposed shower valves.
The simplistic styling of RAK-Ischia is ideal for minimal bathroom designs where less is more, with a straightforward single lever to make operation simple and cleaning a breeze. Aptly designed for a high standard of functionality and longevity, the brassware is made from top quality materials and graced with a luxurious finish.
The single lever, deck mounted installation needs at least 0.5 Bar water pressure for flawless flow. The RAK-Ischia brassware can be chosen in Chrome, Nickel, Black or Gold.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
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