Taps & Showers February 2007

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Xtreme Measures from Hudson Reed

Hudson Reed has announced Xtreme, a new range of brushed stainless steel Brassware.

Smart square cut edges coupled with acute angles provide the ultra clean lines for Xtreme; made possible by manufacturing this range of mixer taps in high grade stainless steel with a stylish brushed finish that will not fade or tarnish, even in the toughest bathroom conditions.

Xtreme monobloc mixers employ the tried and tested Hudson Reed ceramic disc water control system, with a single slim operating lever. The range comprises a monobloc bath filler, basin mixer and a high rise basin mixer. Offered in addition are stainless steel spring plug basin and bath wastes and to complete the picture, a matching kitchen mixer.

'With an eye catching design and a starting price of just £195 including vat for the basin mixer, this stainless steel brassware range is Xtremely desireable!'

Tel: 01282 418000


Safety Underfoot with XXL Showering Pleasure

Kaldewei, the European specialist for steel enamel bathtubs and shower trays, has introduced antislip enamelling for its XXL shower tray ranges.

Comprising a quartz-sand mixture which is permanently baked into the enamel during the production process, Kaldewei antislip is a surface structure that will not wear away even when subjected to continuous use and guarantees even better safety underfoot while enjoying the pleasure of a shower. The antislip enamelling has been specially designed to suit the Superplan XXL and Duschplan XXL models and thus harmonises perfectly with the contours of the shower trays in extra-large formats.

There are a total of twelve XXL shower tray models to choose from with timeless-elegant designs to create visual highlights in generously sized bathrooms. Their dimensions range from 70 x 140 through 150 x 150 to 75 x 170cm, allowing freedom of movement for two to shower together or plenty of splash space for the children. The extra-shallow XXL models can be fitted flush to the floor making them suitable for wetroom installations, allowing easy and safe access to the shower and offering a more hygienic alternative to tiled floors.

Kaldewei 3.5mm steel enamel comes into its own for the XXL range, offering stability for large standing spaces and with its impressive 30 year guarantee. Optional easy-clean finish provides for quick and uncomplicated cleaning: thanks to this special surface finish, the shower tray regains its diamond-like shine simply by rinsing it with the hand shower.

http://www.kaldewei.com


Design and Quality Investment with Hansgrohe Kitchen Mixers

Hansgrohe says that quality and value are the most persuasive characteristics of the new Focus E, Focus S and Talis S kitchen mixers from the Hansgrohe brand. With an RRP from just £57.75 (plus VAT), timeless and ergonomic designs are combined with reliable technology including durable ceramic cartridges and patented no-wobble handles. Talis S is also available with a practical pull-out sprayer.

 
Focus E and Talis S kitchen mixers from the Hansgrohe brand

Just as important as technical reliability is design: the kitchen mixer creates an important accent in the kitchen and depending on the selection it emphasises personal design style or fades subtly into the general ambience. The new portfolio of kitchen mixers from Axor facilitates these design choices with new models in the Axor Citterio, Axor Montreux, Axor Starck and Axor Uno2 collections.

These have been created by Axor's inspirational design collaborators: Antonio Citterio, Philippe Starck and Phoenix Design who have proven just as accomplished at turning their talents to the kitchen arena as they have for Axor's more recognised bathroom collections.

Choose from subtle team players like Axor Uno2 which blends quietly into any modern kitchen scheme or the Axor Citterio or Axor Starck Semi-Professional mixers with their high arched spout and coiled spring that make an impactful design statement.

To find out more about the full range of Hansgrohe and Axor kitchen mixers contact Hansgrohe Tel: 0870 770 1972 http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk


No Cold Feet with Moods

To complement its shower enclosure range, in particular the new wet room models, the PJH Group has added the Onfloor Shower Tray to its contemporary Moods Bathroom Designer Collection - a slim profile tray designed by renowned European designer, Piet Billekens.

Often overlooked, the shower floor is the first surface to come into contact with our bodies so it plays an important role in providing initial comfort sensations. By addressing this essential component of the showering experience, the Onfloor tray focuses on the design and function requirements of the horizontal surfaces of the shower area. A technologically advanced material, 'Cristalplant®', is used - a thermo-formed material making the surface warmer to the feet.

The combination of cutting edge design and state of the art technology results in a sleek, stylish tray that is both silky smooth and warm to the touch.

Marketing manager for Moods Bathrooms, Sally Hough, comments: ‘Like the rest of the bathroom, the growing range of contemporary shower trays are becoming more sleek and design-led, with the ability to coordinate with individual showering systems. Lower and recessed models are much more popular and score highly on an aesthetic level as well as provide practical solutions for today's frameless enclosures and wet rooms.’

For further information and details on how to become a Moods stockist, contact Moods Bathrooms (PJH Group) on 01204 707070 or http://www.pjhgroup.com


Walk In to an Aqata Sanctuary, with New Wetroom Minimalist Range

A bathroom should be a haven from the stresses and strains of modern life. Aqata says that with its new range of wetroom walk-in enclosures, a bathroom can be transformed into a stylish, spacious and easily maintained showering sanctuary. Aqata's new Minimalist products are suitable for traditional modern wetrooms, and with their added versatility and practical style, can also be combined with Aqata's low profile trays to achieve the wetroom look without the investment of tanking the floor.

The Minimalist shower enclosure range by Aqata is designed for use in wetrooms and has also been adapted for modern living. The Minimalist range can be combined with matching new low profile shower trays, to achieve the contemporary wetroom look, in the convenience of a traditional bathroom. A standard shower room featuring Aqata's Minimalist enclosure has a contemporary look yet overcomes the shortcomings of the wetroom by removing the need for specialist sealed wetroom areas.

Curved screen walk-in showers with generous curved glass provide a spacious showering area. The door-less walk-in 1325 enclosure with left or right-hand entry options has minimal framing and clean contemporary lines. The curved screen has clear toughened glass and concealed fixings to provide strength and rigidity. The 1325 enclosure (pictured) is supplied in standard 2000mm height, while a range of alternative walk-in styles and shapes are available to suit different needs.

Aqata has developed the Minimalist Collection with a choice of designs, sizes and entry options, to provide the ultimate selection for wetroom and standard shower rooms. With an eye on function, the Minimalist shower enclosure keeps overspray at bay, which is a common complaint in wetrooms. All Minimalist enclosures can be ordered with 40mm low-level shower trays or standard 185mm trays, or can be ordered without trays for wetroom applications. A choice of ceiling or wall fixing is available for the shower screens and walk-ins which provides a streamlined look.

Aqata's special low profile tray options alleviate the costly exercise of tanking the room and thus offer a stylish alternative to the traditional wetroom. The slim 40mm trays have a smooth gloss finish that looks good, eliminates concerns over possible leakage and also efficiently drains the water with fast flow waste. Low level shower trays are a good option in the quest for minimalism in the bathroom.

Aqata products benefit from looks and practicality, easy installation, excellent customer service and a lifetime guarantee. Aqata's walk-in enclosures allow you to have the minimalist wet room look yet contain the water spray.

Aqata's collection of Minimalist shower enclosures are available from selected retailers throughout the UK; for a complete list please go online to http://www.aqata.co.uk. Enclosures are available in different shapes and sizes, and pictured here is the Minimalist 1325 walk-in, costing £931.78 (including VAT) without the end panel and £1371.23 (including VAT) with the end panel. Shower trays start at £492.33 including VAT.


Tapping into Customer Demand in the Kitchen with Pegler

Pegler says that the kitchen taps of twenty years ago are a million miles away from the range of options available today. Style and design are part and parcel of the offering available and the standard, functional taps of yesteryear are by and large disappearing from the UK's kitchens.

The demand for designer style single lever mixer products in the bathroom and en-suite market has fuelled demand for similar aesthetically pleasing options for the kitchen. Pegler has responded to that demand.

Pegler is a manufacturer of quality kitchen brassware and offers a huge range of choice for installers to offer to their customers. The finishes available have also evolved over the years to include traditional chrome and enamel finishes to the new metallic and brushed steel finishes - driven to a degree by the requirement for taps in the kitchen to co-ordinate with the finishes of other components - sinks and appliances in particular.

Technology in kitchen taps continues to move forward and Pegler offers most of its range with a quarter turn, cartridge mechanism for easy and precise operation and as well as the choice of single lever or dual control models, which offer products with pull out spray heads that allow flexibility and which are designed for use with the multi-bowled sinks for washing and rinsing that are growing in popularity year on year.

Pegler's kitchen portfolio offers a comprehensive choice for specifiers, merchants, installers and customers alike and comes with a built-in watertight guarantee of quality and the support of the Pegler Customcare service pledge.

If you're looking for something a bit different - you could be looking for Galiceno. Previously only found in professional kitchens, the Pegler 'Galiceno' mixer is a must for those who love cooking. The tall chromed upright has a 'swing away' swivel spray arm, with separate lever control, which allows large cooking vessels to be placed in the sink.

Above this, a flexible, spring guided swivel spray hose (with convenient pistol grip trigger plus a lever control at the base of the mixer) gives you the versatility to vigorously wash vegetables or dirty pots and pans in all those hard to reach places.

Iconic is proving a popular addition to the Pegler kitchen mixer tap range. It's smooth, elegant styling works equally well with both ultra modern and traditional styles of kitchen. Minimalist in nature, it is gentler in appearance than many modern styles of tap, which makes it a particularly popular choice.

It's high arc spout allows for easy filling of buckets and vases, making it both aesthetically pleasing and convenient and versatile for the busy kitchen environment. The swivel action of the spout also allows it to work well with two bowl sinks. It's available as a single lever fitting or with traditional dual controls and comes in a range of metallic colours that give it the facility to match with today's modern kitchen sinks, cookers and accessories.

Visio is another addition to the Pegler range of kitchen mixers. Featuring minimalist styling, it has a masculine, modern feel that complements the popular, almost brutal stainless steel kitchens that are in vogue. Visio is in fact made of pure stainless steel - a useful feature for kitchens that may need to exhibit a bit more durability.

Visio's swivel spout and high spout clearance again make it very functional. It's single lever fitting looks and feels right for the ultra modern, practical lifestyle so many people lead today.

Xia is another modern kitchen mixer tap that is winning increasing numbers of fans. The elegant cross handles combine a modern style with a 'look back' at the traditional shapes of the period kitchen. It features a quarter turn, ceramic disc mechanism that is smooth and long lasting. It's a dual flow model, with separate hot and cold water flows allowing the tap to be installed on unequal pressures without the use of further backflow prevention on the inlets.

And finally Zio, a large chrome plated body mixer that works well on large basins and produces a good flow even on the low UK pressures. Again it has a high angle spout making it very functional as well as stylish and the Zio Pull Out offers the additional feature of a pull out spray that works as a filler and a vegetable spray - as well as making sink cleaning easy. Being weighted, it returns smoothly to the spout when you've finished with it. The Zio Pull Out does require 0.5 bar pressure to operate active spray - making it a good choice for those with combi boilers or pressurised systems.

Pegler's Mike Dickinson says the choice for kitchen brassware has never been so wide: 'Pegler's range has grown rapidly in recent years to meet the demands of today's consumer. The trends in kitchen brassware have been strongly influenced by the USA and European markets, but the UK marketplace has developed a feel of its own that we're responding to as our range develops.

'Its important that as well as selecting kitchen taps for their looks, they are chosen to be able to do the job they need to do. If you have any doubts, you can call our technical helpline and we'll always be happy to offer advice on the selection that is right for you or your customer.'

Web: http://www.pegler.co.uk


GROHE Launches New Eurolines Range

GROHE, the luxury shower and tap manufacturer, this week introduced a range of fittings - the GROHE Eurolines range. At the heart of the Eurolines design is its feature-rich technology, which ensures consistent performance:

GROHE Starlight® - Ensures a lasting, deeper chrome finish.

GROHE SilkMove® - Featuring ceramic disks coated with special Teflon lubricant, GROHE SilkMove® ensures all taps continuously and effortlessly glide from one direction to another - offering maximum control of flow rate and temperature.

The Europlus Range - bold design with lasting technology
The Europlus range offers users classic design with advanced Grohe technology. A high-performance product, the Europlus range is designed with convenience and ease-of-use in mind, with its enlarged loop-shaped levers - making it comfortable to use.

  

The Eurostyle Range - offering classic style
Eurostyle, created for individuals who demand designs to blend together, is a good choice for modern or traditional bathrooms. Its forward-leaning shape, curved lever and structured contours provide a sleek look, exceptional design and GROHE's advanced technology - all at a competitive price.

The Eurosmart Range - a contemporary bathroom companion
Made of solid metal with a chrome finish, the Eurosmart range features a thick metal handle and forward leaning dynamic lines. Perfect for the contemporary bathroom, Eurosmart provides enduring performance in great design.

The new Eurolines ranges are available in various sizes and styles for wash basins, baths, showers and bidets.

Web: http://www.grohe.co.uk


Showers To Suit You - Sir!

Image Showers designs and manufactures all its own range of showering products, but the company also specialises in providing bespoke solutions for clients who require their showers to be a little bit different.

‘Image Showers has unique skills and ingenious design capabilities to make whatever is required - perhaps the thickness of the glass is a consideration, a special size or shape - maybe the corner needs to accommodate a sloping ceiling.

The glass can be clear or opaque and decorative patterns and logos can be individually etched to suit interior design or corporate imagery. Easy clean glass can be specified too, which is surely a must for anyone who has to clean the shower. Image has ideas and solutions for all requirements.’

Of course with wet rooms becoming very popular, the showering area can now be as big as the room itself. There is no longer the problem of 'I can't get a shower tray or enclosure big enough'; whatever space you have can be the showering area.

If there are other items in the room such as a w.c. or a basin, a screen may be required to prevent splashing. Image can make the screens any size to suit the room perfectly.

It's not just glass technology though, Image Showers manufactures special profiles for fitting to the floor and the fixing technology is important both visually and technically and essentially all the showers are easy to install.

Bespoke products take just 4 weeks from receipt of order. All products benefit from a lifetime guarantee and the prices are very affordable for a made to measure enclosure.

Tel: 00 353 56 23374


Aqualux Launches 'Xtra' Range

Aqualux says that it is going the extra mile to make sure its products are ideally suited for the new build and refurbishment markets with the launch of its new Aqualux Xtra collection.

Aqualux Xtra is an extension of its successful Elite Classic and Aquarius ranges and provides specifiers and installers with a range of enclosures that have been designed with additional features to make installation quick and easy.

The new Aqualux Xtra range is divided into two collections - Elite Xtra and Aquarius Xtra. The Elite Xtra range includes a Frameless pivot door, Framed pivot door, Bi-fold door, Sliding door, Corner Entry and a Side Panel. In the Aquarius Xtra range the Pivot door, Bi-fold door and Side Panel is available.

Aqualux Xtra includes a comprehensive range of enclosures to suit a wide range of installations. Clever features such as adjustable profiles allow for up to 54mm of adjustment meaning any enclosure out of the range has increased flexibility.

The UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures has also designed its new collection in an extensive range of size options. The Pivot door enclosures, Bi-fold and Corner Entry are available in 760mm, 800mm, to 900mm and the Sliding doors included sizes 1000mm, 1100mm to 1200mm.

All the enclosures are available in a polished silver effect or white and Elite Xtra enclosures come complete with integral towel rail and stylish easy grip handle on the Frameless pivot door.

The Aquarius Xtra benefits from increased glass thickness and all enclosures in the Aqualux Xtra range have reversible doors for left or right hand fit. These added value features come at no extra cost to the standard Aquarius and Elite ranges.

Mike Jones, sales and marketing director commented: ‘We've designed Aqualux Xtra so there is a range of products suitable for all types of installations. Our technical expertise have also allowed us to modify two of our most successful ranges for this purpose without any additional costs being passed on to our customers.’

For more information about Aqualux's new Aqualux Xtra range log onto http://www.aqualux.co.uk or call 0870 241 6131.


Relaxation in Harmony with the Elements - Axor Massaud

Axor Massaud is the latest bathroom collection created for Hansgrohe by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. The central design tenet is to bring human beings closer to nature in the bathroom and create a natural symbiosis with water. This is achieved through a harmonious connection between organic and geometric forms, between natural aesthetics and modern design.

A glance at the single lever basin mixer brings this philosophy to life: a generously sized 40cm wide rectangular storage shelf crowns the mixer from which a waterfall pours out into the basin: this connects to a slim base that runs down to the basin in a slight curve, reminiscent of a blade of grass.

This combination between organic and geometric lines runs throughout the entire collection of Axor co-coordinating components and includes a softly curved mineral wash bowl and a floor standing towel rack in the shape of a small tree. Basin mixers offer single lever, 3hole and wall-mounted variants and there are surface mounted 4hole, wallmounted spouts and floorstanding mixer options for the bath.

For the shower there are overhead, hand showers and a choice of concealed manual and thermostatic mixers. Finally, the collection is completed by an array of accessories including a ceramic toilet brush holder with branch-like chrome brush and even a bulbous tinted glass flower vase. Coming soon, the prototype bath tub will also be developed and added to the Axor Massaud portfolio.

Web: http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk

Caption: Axor Massaud single lever basin mixer (and flower vase)


Just Trays Launches Quadrant Versions of the JT40 Tray

Following on from a successful launch of the JT40 range of shower trays, Just Trays, the UK shower tray manufacturer, has launched quadrant versions of this popular low-profile stone shower tray.

At an incredibly discreet depth of just 40mm depth, the JT40 is the ultimate combination of shower tray practicality and wet room styling. The latest additions to the range, the 900 x 900 and 1000 x 1000 quad will available from February 2007.

Paul Crossley, Managing Director of Just Trays explains the thinking behind the range: ‘The cost of installing a wet room in traditional UK homes is prohibitive to most customers, but the aspiration remains, so there is a significant market for low-profile shower trays which can achieve a similar look and feel.

‘The existing low profile trays on the market are either steel, which is cold to the touch, or acrylic, which is prone to bending and cracking. It's the fact that JT40 trays are made of stone which is the defining difference.’

This range of low-profile stone trays can be fitted directly onto a marine ply base, so that once the flooring has been added the top of the tray will be virtually flush - giving a bathroom the feeling of a wet room with the practicality of a shower.

Identical to the existing JT40 range, the two new quads will be available in a matt or gloss finish and will feature an easy clean 90mm waste capable of clearing 32 litres per minute.

For full details of stockists, showroom displays and other information please visit http://www.jt40.info or call Just Trays on +44 (0870) 4441990.


Jute Joy

Bristan says that its new Jute collection combines stylish design with an attractive price tag - making it a good choice for housebuilders and local authority installations.

‘Thanks to Bristan's new Jute range, there's no longer any need for installers to compromise on style to keep costs down. Sophisticated curves, ergonomically-designed handles and a sleek chrome finish combine to present a simple but stylish design that will suit a wide range of interior décor schemes.

'Furthermore, with recommended retail prices starting at just £49.72 for a pair of basin taps, it's a win-win situation for both specifier and end user. In fact, this range is already proving a major success with housebuilders across the UK.’

Featuring a comprehensive product portfolio, the Jute collection comes in a chrome finish and includes basin, bidet and bath filler taps, as well as single and dual-lever bath shower mixers, in both standard and pillar mounted format.

Every piece of brassware is of the highest quality construction, including ceramic disc technology for smooth operation. Pictured is the Jute Basin Mixer, which retails at just £63.84.

The entire Jute range comes with a 5 year guarantee against all manufacturing defects.

For more information/stockists call Bristan on 0870 4425555, http://www.bristan.com


New Double Action ShowerSaver from Aquaflow

Aquaflow launches ShowerSaver, a new combination check valve and water regulator to control water usage and prevent back siphonage on hose outlet showers.

Wall mounted hose rings to stop shower handsets submerging in standing water are inconvenient and in many cases are discarded by users. In addition, showers may use too much water or suffer from starvation at the end of a run.

The Aquaflow Showersaver performs both functions in one chromed brass valve that screw fits between the mixing valve and the shower hose.

In place, the unobtrusive BSP threaded check valve effectively prevents the risk of back siphonage, without hindering or limiting the use of the shower handset and the internal water regulator fixes the maximum flow rate of mixed water through the shower at a predetermined level, regardless of pressure changes or other usage in the water system.

Offered in a range of maximum flow rates from 6 to 15 litres per minute, the Aquaflow Showersaver offers a low cost solution to shower problems in one small and maintenance free fitting.

Tel: 01384 442611


Quality Counts - Then Aftercare Looks after Itself

Pegler says that its customers come to the company for quality first and foremost, but the range of brassware products offered by the Doncaster based company is also a strong incentive.

The current brassware collection includes a comprehensive range of taps, mixers and showers, ranging from the top of the range Francis Pegler branded products, across the full spectrum to the highly functional, yet high quality Performa taps and mixers.

For all customers and users, quality and price are prime concerns, yet Pegler's aim remains to deliver the highest quality products while remaining competitive on price. The quality / price equation is one many have trouble with, but Pegler believes that quality must always come first and that when people realise the implications of choosing price over quality, they soon return to products that will deliver.

An investment in quality at the outset is a cost effective option in the long run, particularly with brassware products that have to withstand the rigours of the real world. All Pegler taps and mixers come with a ten year guarantee and this can be offered because Pegler products are manufactured to the highest standards, with particular attention paid to the quality of materials, precision of engineering and the surface finish of the chromium plating.

The well known quote from John Ruskin states that, 'There is nothing in this world that one man cannot make a little worse and still a little cheaper and those who consider price only are this man's lawful prey.' And this is a philosophy Pegler recognises.

When you buy taps, mixers and showers, you are buying products for the real world. As with most things in life, you do get what you pay for and if you buy a set of taps that are half the price of another set, the chances are there's a very good reason and a few years down the line, the taps may falter or the chromium plating may begin to peel.

When it comes to quality taps, all you need to keep them in top condition is a regular wipe with a soft, damp cloth. If you need to work harder than this to keep them looking their best then the chances are you have bought a problem.

Pegler product manager Mike Dickinson said, 'Our products are guaranteed for 10 years, but in reality customers find they last much longer than this. Taps are designed to last for 200,000 on and off cycles. Kitchen taps with swivel spouts are designed to swivel 80,000 times between bowls over your sink in their lifetime. That all adds up to a great deal of use and inferior products may not stand up to such use over time - Pegler products will.'

Tel: 0870 120 0284
Web: http://www.pegler.co.uk


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