Taps & Showers September 2005

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Essence: Minimalist Bathroom Brassware and Accessories from Grohe

Clear geometric shapes, reduced to the essential - this is what Grohe says its new ‘Essence’ range of bathroom taps is all about. In line with the latest trends towards a new kind of clarity, the new series of fittings from Grohe focuses on the cylinder as the key element of design. The rectangular arrangement of the body, spout and lever underlines a functionality which leads the fitting back to its origin - the straight lines of the minimalist water dispenser deliberately lack traditional decorative elements that would only distract from the function.

Inside the spout of the tap is an aerator that enables the water to flow in a soft and effortless manner. The spout opening is also concealed, giving a unusual angled trajectory to the water.

Each Grohe tap is tested 22,500 times – the equivalent of a family of four operating it four times daily for twenty + years – before it is deemed good enough to bear the pedigree Grohe name.

Essence: the new Grohe range of single lever mixers for washbasins, bidets, showers and baths.

For further information about all Grohe products, to download a brochure, request a hard copy or look for your nearest retailer, visit http://www.grohe.co.uk or call 08708 488877.


Roman Adds to Orbital Range

Roman Limited, the UK shower manufacturer, has unveiled a new addition to its Orbital range.

To meet the trend of bathrooms getting smaller, coupled with increased consumer demand for more generous showering space, Roman’s designers came up with the Orbital Range. This range uses minimal wall space, but a much larger showering space is created.

The existing Orbital One 900mm x 900mm fits into the corner of practically any size of bathroom, and takes up only 900mm of wall space, but by making the glass protrude beyond the enclosure’s diameter, it offers a huge showering space of over 1000mm.

The new Orbital One 800mm x 800mm offers an even bigger space-saving option by taking up only 800mm of wall space, but again by using a bulbed effect, it makes the glass protrude beyond the enclosure’s diameter, giving 900mm of showering space. This shower enclosure offers a solution for even the smallest of bathrooms.

A very minimalist look is attributed to the Orbital 800mm x 800mm, with a one-piece top and bottom rail and frames available in a white or a bright silver finish. The enclosure has discrete profiles, along with a frameless door and can be handed either to the left or right, to allow the customer to work around other bathroom furniture. Handles have a stylish, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing design.

Roman’s marketing director, David Osborne, said: 'The new Orbital One 800 version is a perfect example of using as little wall space as possible while offering a generous showering area. These days people require a wide range of options when deciding on how to design their bathroom space. They want products that are stylish, of the highest quality and affordable and Roman’s Orbital Range certainly fits in with these requirements.'

Tel: 01325 311318
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com


The Perfect Bathroom Taps with Legs On

'With modern life so hectic and increasingly demanding a personal haven in which to relax has never been so important. It seems many of us are also looking for a romantic feel in the bathroom and the return to yesteryear when things were less frenetic.' says Samuel Heath.

'This is the perfect statement, team this free standing bath/shower mixer from Samuel Heath with a roll top bath, for that 'where traditional meets contemporary chic'.'

The tap and shower VG34 has elegant lines and stands aloft the bath on VA55 legs.

'Designed and crafted in solid brass this design classic will last the test of time and endure the heavy use of any family for many years to come.' says the company.

'This is not a faddy fashion look, but, one like the Chanel little black dress that will still mix with any accessories and still look fabulous. You can dress it up or down whether you want full on luxury with marble floors or to team it with a more rustic appeal.'

Web: http://www.samuel-heath.com


The Essteam Shower Collection from Jacuzzi UK

Jacuzzi UK is expanding the Jacuzzi Bathroom Collection to include the new Essteam shower collection, a range of Frameless Shower Enclosures, three luxurious Shower Cabins and the Republic bathroom suite. In addition, five existing bathroom suites are introducing new pieces to the collections.

The Essteam Shower Collection
These three new shower enclosures are available with or without steam.

All the Jacuzzi Essteam shower enclosures feature tempered safety glass panels and door, all treated with coated glass protection. The state of the art anodized aluminium column features a thermostatic mixer and diverter, ‘Raindrop’ fixed shower head and 2 adjustable ‘Enerjet’ shower heads to give Raindrop, massage and vaporising showers, 8 vertical directional back massage jets, and descaling system as well as integral shelving. The steam models also have a seat with essence dispenser and a tempered safety glass roof.

All three models come with a shallow styled resin tray, available in white only. Frosted glass paneling is available as an optional extra.

The Essteam 80 Sphere with or without steam (80cm x 80cm) is beautiful in its simplicity. The curved, unadorned glass enhances the sleek lines of the showering column.
The Essteam 90 with or without steam (90cm x 90cm) is available left or right handed. This shower fits into any corner of the room.

The Essteam 120 with or without steam (120cm x 75/85cm) is again available left or right handed. The largest of the Essteam collection, the Essteam 120 offers additional showering space without compromising on the appearance of the shower.

Frameless Shower Enclosures
Seven new Frameless Shower Enclosures are being introduced.

All the Jacuzzi Frameless Shower Enclosures feature 6mm, curved tempered safety glass treated with coated glass protection. Profiles are a polished silver finish. Chrome detailing, combined with handles that carry the distinctive Jacuzzi logo create a design feature in their own right.

The ultra shallow shower tray is designed to be as sleek as the enclosure itself. For those installations requiring more height the shower tray can be fitted using a leg set, neatly concealed behind a flush fitting panel. The special Jacuzzi waste system is designed to disperse water at a high rate, allowing the use of a shallower shower tray. The snap on cover is another example of the attention to detail. The tray is available in white only.

The 140 Walk In (140cm x 90cm) has a curved glass wall that eliminates the need for a door. There are versions available to fit either a corner or recess space and a universal tray and profiles are suitable for a left or right hand installation. The integral robe hook adds a handy practical touch.

The 120 Offset Quadrant (120cm x 90cm), available left or right handed, is cleverly designed to keep the entire enclosure unobtrusive, yet has more than enough room to shower in comfort. Two doors glide smoothly and quietly. A button operated screen release enables easy cleaning of the glass.

The 90 Quadrant (90cm x 90cm) is designed to turn a modest corner of your home into a showpiece of sparkling, gently curved glass. Again this shower enclosure has two doors that part smoothly and a push button screen release for easy cleaning.

The Freestanding Pivot and Corner Pivot are both available left or right handed in two sizes (90cm x 90cm or 100cm x 100cm) and the designers have added a subtle curve to the glass along the front of the enclosures, wrapping it around the corners to remove any hint of harsh angles.

The Pivot Door is designed for a recess installation. The slim frames give a maximum area of glass to allow light into the showering space. The door is available left or right handed and comes in a choice of sizes (90cm x 90cm or 100cm a 100cm). The gentle curve of the glass is followed through into the shower tray.

The gently contoured front of the 120 Bow Fronted Slider adds not only an extra dimension of style, but also extra showering space and the slim frames allow light to flood into the showering area. A button operated screen release allows easy cleaning of the glass.

Steam Cabins
The complete multifunctional showering and massage centre. All three new Flexa Thema Steam cabins offer eight back massage jets, 16 vertical hydromassage jets, lumbar jets, multifunctional shower head, hose and slider rail, thermostatic mixer and diverter, cascade waterfall, rotating shower, Scottish shower, steam outlet with essence dispenser, integral seat, electronic control panel with stereo radio, clock and alarm, stereo speakers and tempered safety glass panels. Available in white only, with chrome fittings. An optional CD player is available with all three models.

The Flexa Thema 120 (120cm x 75cm x 227cm) is the largest of the Flexa Thema range of shower cabins. Not only does the Flexa Thema 120 offer more showering space it has the additional feature of calf jets to soothe those tired limbs.

Flexa Thema Round & Square (90cm x 90cm x 120cm) - The advanced design of these cabins means they take up less than a metre of floor space, yet both are packed with technology. Both cabins have an opaline roof and the square cabin has two sliding doors fitted with tempered safety glass panels. The round cabin has one sliding door, again fitted with tempered safety glass panels.

Bathroom Suites
The new Republic bathroom suite offers complete flexibility when planning the smaller, more compact bathroom. The deep rim on the basins and pan of the suite gives a substantial feel to the Republic suite.

Both full and semi-pedestals are available to suit 61cm and 56cm basins (1 or 3 tap hole) and the cloakroom basin (1 tap hole) can be wall hung with the contemporary bottle trap or mounted on a full cloakroom pedestal. A close coupled pan and cistern with top flush action completes the look and the antibacterial finish on the toilet seat offers a practical hygiene solution.

The Republic suite is available in white or pergamon. Featured brassware in our photograph is from the Jacuzzi Ohio range.

Additions to Existing Bathroom Suites
To offer even more flexibility to the Jacuzzi bathroom suite ranges, the company has extended some of its most popular suites to include items such as inset vanity basins and BTW (back to wall) WC's.

Introducing:
*Novello close coupled pan and cistern with top action flush (36.8cm x 69.5cm x 81cm), BTW WC pan (37.5cm x 55.5cm x 40cm) and freestanding/BTW bidet (32.5cm x 55cm x 42cm).

Aruba inset vanity basin (60cm x 48.5cm x 20cm) and BTW pan (37cm x 59cm x 39.5cm).

Allora inset vanity basin (61.5cm x 48cm x 20cm).

Sanctuary BTW pan (37cm x 56.5cm x 41cm) and inset vanity basin (54.5cm x 43cm x 20cm).

Damea BTW pan (36.5cm x 57.5cm x 41cm).

*Please note the Novello items are a replacement for existing pieces in the Novello collection.

The Jacuzzi Bathroom Collection encompasses whirlpool baths, shower enclosures, bathroom suites, brassware, furniture, and accessories and is sold exclusively through specialist bathroom retailers throughout the UK. For further details telephone 01782-717175 or visit http://www.jacuzzi.co.uk


Triflow Tradition – Classic Style with Modern Functionality

The Triflow Tradition tap from Franke has been designed to appeal to those who appreciate classic styles but do not want to sacrifice the little extras that make hectic lives more manageable.

The tap is traditional in form, with ceramic indices on the handles which provide not only the hot and cold water supplies but also the purified water supply.

‘As with all Triflow taps, the Triflow Tradition has an advanced Swiss Katadyn filter incorporated, providing the best filtered water available.’

Says the company. ‘This superior system removes particles down to 0.2 microns, which ensures all harmful bacteria are removed from the water while still leaving essential minerals intact.’

The filtered water is also delivered via its own dedicated channel to ensure it does not mix with the standard hot and cold water supplies.

The Triflow Tradition is also available in five different finishes of Chrome, SilkSteel, Gold, Nickel and a combination of both Nickel and Gold.

For further information about the Triflow Tradition or other Franke products, visit http://www.franke.co.uk or call 0161 436 6280.


Summer Rain for your Bathroom – the Rainshower System from Grohe

Grohe, a specialist in showering products, has further developed its Rainshower System.

'For the design-conscious consumer, the system’s purist shape enjoys a minimal aesthetic underpinned by a tangible solidity in craftsmanship.' says the company. 'Its elegant proportions would enhance the look and feel of any contemporary bathroom, and has been awarded both the internationally acclaimed Red Dot Award and iF Hannover Awards for Product Design 2005.'

An over-sized shower head (210mm) contains 120 emerald green silicone spray nozzles, which are laid out in a specifically designed spray pattern to produce an opulently genuine rainshower capable of enveloping the entire body.

The Rainshower System is simple to install. The new Rainshower system can easily be retrofitted without the need of a recessed feed, thus eliminating disruptive and expensive structural preparation before fitting. For new builds too, the installation time is reduced because the feed pipe is simply attached to the wall. The Rainshower is also compatible with existing Grohe showering products due to its standard dimensions and hose feed design.

Thanks to the patented 'GrohClick' element, converting between the fixed Rainshower and the practical hand held ‘Sena’ handset shower couldn’t be easier. Simply click the hose out of the rigid pipe and into the convenient portable head. This eliminates the need for unsightly multiple hoses, and reinforces the system’s prize-winning minimalist design principles.

The 'Rainshower System THM' package includes a high quality thermostat, which comes equipped with an aquadimmer to control flow between the outlets and a thermal element designed to maintain a constant preset temperature, enhancing the Grohe Rainshower experience.

For further information about Grohe products, to request or download a brochure see http://www.grohe.co.uk or call 08708 488877


It's all about Style and Choice with the New Minima Designs from Daryl Showering

Modern and minimal, light and open are still the strongest trends for bathrooms and Daryl Showering has introduced some new additions to its Minima collection.

‘Large or compact, wet room or dry zones, open or enclosed.Whatever your customer's bathroom shape, size or style, the Minima collection from Daryl Showering has something to suit.’ says the company.

For the larger bath or shower room the new Minima Walk-In Pentagon or Glass Divider Panels are ideal. When combined with a Hydra Modern multi-spray showering system and a low-level tray, these designs allow you to easily create a wet room style bathroom for your customers, without any of the usual complications.

The range of sizes available in the new Minima quadrant enclosure make it a suitable choice for any modern bathroom. Whether your customers want to tuck a shower neatly in a corner or make it the focal point of the room, this design with its smooth sliding door will fit.

These new designs join the Minima collection alongside the pentagon and rectangular styles - all of which are complemented with the new Minima Shower Column or the Hydra Modern multi-spray showering system.

Even with all this choice on offer, some rooms still need something made-to-measure. With the bespoke service from Daryl Showering, Minima designs can be tailored to fit even the most unusual spaces and create a unique, individual showering environment.

‘The Minima collection was created to deliver unbeatable performance and ultimate quality while maximising the appearance of space and light in the bathroom. Behind the scenes, clever technology minimises the need for excessive framing and invisibly bonds glass to glass to keep lines clean and doors snug.’ says the company.

The Minima collection is priced from £641 RRP for a Minima Divider Panel to £3920 RRP for a Minima Quadrant Enclosure with Minima Shower Column and Tray. Each product in the collection is covered by a lifetime guarantee.

For further information about Daryl Showering call 0151 606 5000 or visit the website at http://www.daryl-showers.co.uk


Imperial Bathrooms ‘Showers’ New Opportunities

Keen to expand its product portfolio in high growth areas, Imperial Bathrooms now offers a comprehensive range of showers alongside its array of bathroom suites, furniture, fixtures, fittings and ancillaries. Designed with the discerning consumer in mind, the new shower range incorporates thermostatic shower valves, showerheads, slider rail kits and thermostatic shower sets, and has a range of design styles to appeal to both traditional and contemporary tastes.

'Although nearly 70% of homes in the UK have a shower, there are still great opportunities both in the replacement sector and for those homes looking to add a second shower', explains Antonio Garrido, Imperial Bathrooms’ Managing Director. 'By incorporating showers into our existing product portfolio, customers will now be able to enjoy the same exacting levels of quality and craftsmanship in their shower areas.'

He added: 'Naturally, our new shower line-up boasts innovative design and quality engineering and, in a me-too market place, we feel confident that these unique characteristics will create a niche of their own – as do all of our other products.'

Thermostatic Shower Valves
Imperial Bathroom’s new range of thermostatic shower valves offers protection against temperature fluctuations and pressure changes from elsewhere in the home. It embraces two Modern Concealed models along with Traditional Regent Exposed and Traditional Regent Concealed models, and all are available in chrome or antique gold. The shower valves may also be combined with the company’s range of slider rail kits.

Shower Heads
Imperial Bathrooms has also introduced a five-model range of luxury shower heads to assist customers in creating a shower room of opulence and distinction. While the chrome Starburst and Slimline fixed heads offer a more contemporary design, the traditional Energiser, Aqueous and Flowmaster fixed heads are available in either chrome or antique gold and in a variety of sizes. A ceiling shower adaptor is also available in the same finishes.

Slider Rail Kits
For those customers who prefer the option of a removable hand-held showering head, a three-model range of slider rail kits is now available. The range includes Traditional (chrome) and Minimalist and Traditional Regent rigid riser both available in chrome and antique gold. This latter model is also available with a removable hand set.

Thermostatic Shower Sets
Imperial Bathrooms’ new portfolio of showers also includes an extensive range of Shower Sets. Incorporating a selection of models from the company’s range of thermostatic shower valves, slider rails and shower heads, this range enables both retailers and customers alike to purchase a ‘packaged look’ at a more competitive price.

For further information, contact Imperial Bathroom’s customer services team on 0870 06 61 62 3 and ask for a copy of the company’s new Summer 2005 Design Guide, or visit http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com


Oasis: Designed by Mark Wilkinson, Created by Perrin & Rowe

Designed by Mark Wilkinson and created by Perrin & Rowe, Oasis ‘brings together two of England's most exclusive and aspirational brands’.

‘So called for its refreshing, distinctive design that stands out within an all too familiar, dull and dreary desert of kitchen brassware, Oasis blends the very best of British artistry and craftsmanship to create a kitchen tap as beautiful as it is functional.’ says the company.

 
(L) Bob Perrin and (R) Mark Wilkinson

Over the last two years, Oasis has been a meeting of minds; a real-life, hands-on project that has absorbed and occupied two of the most influential figures within the British kitchen industry.

Mark Wilkinson - the creator of exquisitely designed, traditionally crafted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and studies of the finest quality. Perrin & Rowe - the inspirational partnership of Bob Perrin and Greg Rowe that for over a decade, has been responsible for beautiful kitchen and bathroom brassware.

Their shared subjects? Intensity and passion for design. An enduring fascination with the mastery of raw materials. A deep sense of pride in being British manufacturers. And an irrepressible desire to continue to create and challenge. Mutual admiration was never going to be far away.

In 2003, Greg Rowe invited Mark Wilkinson, who has often spoken of his furniture as being his 'own, very special way of communicating', to apply his genius for design and detail to brassware. A collection of imaginative pencil sketches were soon produced.

Oasis was born.

Bob Perrin, who today declares Oasis as the very best kind of modern classic, transformed Mark's drawings into technical schematics. And, over a couple of years and clutch of engineering challenges later, Oasis evolved into the sleek and deceptively pure form that was recently unveiled at the Daily Telegraph House & Garden Fair.


Oasis, designed by Mark Wilkinson and created by Perrin & Rowe


Oasis - a summary
* Oasis was designed by Mark Wilkinson and created by Perrin & Rowe
* Oasis is exclusively manufactured by Perrin & Rowe in England within an ISO 9001 accredited process
* all Oasis kitchen taps are individually quality tested
* Oasis taps are made from solid brass
* Oasis taps feature aerators in their spouts to promote a soft, 'bubbly' flow of water and use high quality, hard wearing ceramic disc valves, which give an even, precise feel when turning the tap on and off
* Oasis taps are plated to thicknesses recognised as being well in excess of industry requirements and are available in chrome, nickel (a soft, golden glow) and pewter (a subtle matt) finishes
* Oasis taps have a throw of 205mm, are compatible with standard UK tap sizing and are suitable for the majority of sinks and basins
* Oasis has a recommended starting retail price of £398.33 including VAT
* for stockist enquiries, telephone Perrin & Rowe 01708 526361 or visit http://www.perrinandrowe.com


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