Fashionable
and Functional Taps from Franke
Franke has created two new designs to meet the rising demand for spray taps. Offering added functionality, the Semi-Pro Vario Spray and the Semi-Pro Side Spray make washing food, crockery, drainer and sink easier, by allowing users to direct the water accurately. Alternatively, both designs can simply be used as a standard tap.
Franke's
Semi-Pro Side Spray and the Semi-Pro Vario Spray
The
Semi-Pro Vario Spray and the Semi-Pro Side Spray also have ceramic mechanism
control, ensuring the lever moves in a smooth action and maximising the
life of the tap.
The Semi-Pro Vario Spray and the Semi-Pro Side Spray have sleek, simple
lines, single side-lever operation and are available in a choice of chrome
or silk steel.
The Semi-Pro Vario has a hose which pulls out from the main tap and, with
a quick twist of the nozzle, produces either a straight or spray flow.
Semi-Pro Side Spray’s hose is situated next to the main tap. The
hose has a button on the side to release the water which is controlled
by the main tap.
John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, said: ‘We are constantly
evaluating current trends and these two new designs reflect customers’
move to more functional, professional-style taps.
Tel: 0161 436 6280
Email:
mailto:john.swain@franke.com
Web: http://www.franke.co.uk
Victoria
& Albert Launches new Taps Range
Victoria
& Albert Baths
has launched a new range of taps. Designed to complement the Victoria
& Albert collection of contemporary freestanding baths, the three
model range includes the latest brassware technology, including a super-minimalist
overflow filler.
The
new range is headed up by the T1, a freestanding filler that stands 1.50m
from the ground and incorporates a handheld shower. The T2 single lever
bath filler is Victoria & Albert’s interpretation of a single
mixer tap. Requiring a generous 70mm tap ledge to accommodate its diameter,
adaptable mounting bosses allow it be installed at one of two heights
to suit different settings. Helping to maintain a bathroom’s uncluttered
simplicity, the T3 overflow filler incorporates both functions in one
unit, controlled from a remote mounted valve unit. Both T2 and T3 models
can operate off low pressure water systems.
Victoria & Albert Baths Managing Director Joe Matthews says, 'We want
to offer consumers something special - brassware that is as fresh and
exciting as our new bath designs and of a comparative quality to our exclusive
solid surface QUARRYCAST™ material.
'The taps are the logical extension of our product offering - the perfect
finishing touch to our range of ultimate freestanding baths. Find them
all cross referenced in our new 2004 brochure.'
New
Top Hung Sliding and Folding Door System for Shower Enclosures from Prefit
A
new system of adjustable, top hung sliding tracks and hinges in kit form
for space-saving doors and screens for shower enclosures is being marketed
in the UK by Prefit, specialist in
fittings for glass. The kits are available in eight standard variations,
designed to be cut and assembled on site for shower enclosures up to 1100mm
square, aimed at architects, designers, builders and glass installers
involved in domestic projects.
Produced for sliding and folding doors (and fixed panels where appropriate),
the tracks and hinges are functional, elegant and versatile, and are designed
for use with 8mm glass panels weighing up to 30kg and 40kg, depending
on the system specified.
Each kit is supplied by Prefit complete with tracks, components and seals,
but not the glass. That should be sourced from a local supplier. The precise
adjustment of the sliding and folding glass panels is possible on site
after fitting. For ease of cleaning, all fittings are flush on the inside
surface.
The system is manufactured by Stremler, an Assa Abloy Group company, and
is available in bright chrome, matt chrome, gold plated and white lacquered
finishes.
Tel: 020 8961 4777
Email: mailto:sales@prefitfittings.co.uk
Web: http://www.prefit-fittings.com
Among the latest ranges of shower enclosures from bathroom heaven are frameless Glassline GSKK3 and GSKK4 models. The GSKK3 is a three-part quadrant enclosure with either a right side or left side entrance variant. The GSKK4 is a four part quadrant enclosure, enabling greater ease of access via two front opening doors.
Glassline
GSKK3 and GSKK4 models
The prices, which include delivery, for the 80cm size, are £950
for the GSKK3, and £1,095 for the GSKK4.Two larger sizes are also
available.
Made from high quality glass and chrome fittings, the Glassline GSKK3
and GSSK4 with their contemporary sweeping lines are complemented with
bathroom heaven's specially designed Galaxy shower trays. bathroom heaven
offer as standard, its Anticalc treatment (which helps prevent limescale
build up),on all Glassline shower enclosures.
bathroom heaven is a one stop shop for bathroom requirements, offering
a 3 day priority delivery on many of its products.
Tel: 0845 121 6700
Web: http://www.bathroomheaven.com
New
Vibrant® Brazen Bronze Faucet Finish Colour from Kohler Combines Old-World
Aesthetics with a Lifetime of Durability
What
is the most important characteristic of a faucet finish for today’s
consumers? Durability is the answer that came up most often in Kohler
Co. consumer research – consumers don’t want their
faucet finish to decline over time. They want the faucet to look the same
after 10 years as it did the day it was installed.
Recognising
this primary consumer need and continuing market leadership in the trend
toward blending materials, textures and colours in the kitchen and bathroom,
Kohler Co. adds Vibrant Brazen Bronze to its palette of faucet finishes.
Creating the Old World look of antique refinement and comfort, Vibrant
Brazen Bronze blends with many warm, neutral colours of stone, tile, granite
and other surfaces in today’s kitchen and bathroom to create space
that feels classy and cozy. In a traditional but relaxed design aesthetic,
the authenticity of the brushed texture and the rich tone complements
the new Kohler colour Black and Tan.
'Consumers increasingly want to surround themselves with products that
create an emotional connection and instinctively tie back to nature,'
said Mary Reid, director of advance concept development at Kohler. 'When
one looks at a bath lavatory from the Kohler Nature’s Chemistry offering,
they intuitively know what material it was crafted from and there is a
connection to that material.'
'Combining the aged look of a dark bronze tone with the proven qualities
of Kohler’s lifetime finish gives the consumers what they desire
most: durability and design. With Brazen Bronze, there is finally a long-lasting
dark finish on the market that will not wear and tear over time –
guaranteed,' says Rick Reles, vice president of marketing for Kohler Global
Faucets.
The Vibrant finish is created by a state-of-the-art Physical Vapor Deposition
(PVD) vacuum coating process that bonds the finish colour to the faucet
and resists scratches, corrosion and tarnishing. 'There are other dark
bronze finishes on the market, but when Kohler launches a product, consumers
know that they get the quality they expect,' says Reles. 'And unlike some
other products that try to achieve an oil-rubbed look, ours will still
look fantastic after many years of usage.'
The trademarked Kohler Vibrant finishes include Polished Nickel, Brushed
Nickel, French Gold, Polished Brass, Brushed Bronze and the new Brazen
Bronze. It will initially be available on several Kohler kitchen faucets,
including Vinnata, Essex, Revival™, Fairfax and Wellspring™,
and will then be extended to a broader collection of Kohler faucets and
decorative bath accessories.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is
one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.
What is a Kohler Vibrant PVD Faucet Finish?
* Vibrant PVD finishes are the result of a state-of-the-art PVD (Physical
Vapor Deposition) process that vaporises the coating material and deposits
it on the faucet for a super hard surface.
* A nickel undercoating enhances the strength and colour integrity of
Kohler PVD finishes.
* Kohler faucet finishes twice exceed the industry durability standard.
* Lifetime Limited Warranty ensures long-lasting, reliable performance.
* Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology gives Kohler faucets a rich
lustre that resists scratching, tarnishing and corrosion.
Web: http://www.us.kohler.com
Franke’s
Fuji is Stylish and Practical
Franke
UK’s
Fuji tap has a continental-style perlator within its spout, creating a
champagne stream of aerated water and preventing water from splashing
out of the bowl even when the tap is turned on full.
A single lever tap with sleek, modern lines, the Fuji is simple in appearance.
However a series of complex design elements make it both clever and functional.
The single lever controls hot and cold water and also varies the rate
of flow. Ceramic disc control ensures the lever moves in a smooth action
and helps maximise the life of the tap.
The Fuji is available in a choice of chrome or silk steel.
John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, said: ‘The Fuji is a great
illustration of the Franke UK range. There is no need to sacrifice style
for performance.’
Franke is the world’s largest manufacturer of sinks. Franke UK Ltd
is the national division of the global company.
‘Everything manufactured by Franke is built to technical perfection,
with outstanding design and function. Sinks and accessories are produced
using only the finest materials available, resulting in products that
are built to last.’ says the company.
Tel:
0161 436 6280
Email: mailto:john.swain@franke.com
Web: http://www.franke.co.uk
New
Glass Handles give Taron Faucets Added Elegance
Two
new handle options have been added to Grohe's
'Taron' range of designer faucets, which includes basin and bidet mixers
plus shower controls. 'Taron Clear Crystal' is made from transparent glass
and features a specially ground and polished edge that captures the light
to produce fine colour reflections. The thermally cured float glass offers
stability and a long life. Its clear brilliance makes it a good match
for the 'Taron' glass shelves and ensures a coordinated bathroom design.
A 'Wild Satin' version, in shimmering green glass is also available and
is a good partner for the Grohe Amera Shower System.
The Grohe Taron basin mixers cost from around £200 including VAT.
Grohe showers and taps are available from quality bathroom studios and
merchants nationwide. Consumers requiring more information about Grohe
and its products should call 08708 488877 or see http://www.grohe.co.uk.
Trade enquiries only should call 020 8594 7292.
Zinia
brings Design and Colour Versatility to the Kitchen Workspace
Zinia
is one of the four new taps for 2004 from Carron
Phoenix that brings colour and seven different design looks
to the kitchen workspace.
With the sweeping curves and elegant lines of the tap body, Zinia offers
a softer design alternative. Ergonomic features include the directionable
spout and easy to operate joystick lever. Zinia is styled to complement
the new ZX granite sink range, mirroring the free-flowing lines and modern
colour palette, but it can equally be teamed with any other of Carron
Phoenix’s stainless steel, undermount or ceramic sinks.
Reflecting the emergence of colour in the home, Zinia is available in
the same five granite finishes as ZX offering a co-ordinated look. Its
design appeal is accentuated further with the touches of chrome on the
spout and the joystick lever, as well as at the base of the tap body.
Zinia is also available in chrome or brushed stainless steel versions
giving alternative design options.
Tel: 01324 638 321
Web: http://www.carron.com
ltalian Brassware from Aquaplus Solutions
Aquaplus
Solutions has recently been appointed
as the exclusive importer and distributor for a collection of brassware
from ltalian manufacturer Bonomi.
Bonomi employed the services of Italian architect Sergio Mori and his
team of designers and engineers to design a collection of taps for the
bathroom, which are unusual in terms of operation and design. The end
result is 'Fluid' a collection that houses several ranges of taps, the
first of which, Arco and Elle, were unveiled at KBB 2004. In addition,
two other ranges were shown, Milano and Genoa, which will be available
at a lower price bracket.
The design of the Arco range is sleek and sophisticated. The chrome finish
creates a contemporary feel while maintaining a 'soft' look. The range
comprises basin, bidet, bath, and shower fittings. The extemal bath spout
resembles the sweeping curve of the top of an umbrella handle contrasting
with the cylindrical shape of the mixer control and rectangular shower
head. The wall mounted basin mixer coordinates with the showerhead, again
using the sweeping curve design for the spout and cylindrical control.
Prices start at £400.00 + VAT.
The Elle range uses a more angular design forming a 'harder' feel. The
deck mounted bath spout culves tightly, fixing it at 90 degrees over the
bath. The shower and bath are both operated by a solid cylindricai mixer
control. ltems in the Elle range are finished in Chrome. Prices start
at £400.00 + VAT.
Tel: 0870 201 1915
Luxury
Showering from Aquaplus Solutions
Aquaplus
Solutions,
distributor of designer bathroom products and sole distributor for Brazilian
manufacturing giant, Deca, has launched the Deca Showerhead on to the
UK market.
The elegant yet contemporary showerhead comprises a 30 cm wall mounted
tubular arm from which large, disc shaped showerhead suspends.
Measuring 21cm in diameter and with 7 rings of nozzles, water rains down
from the showerhead delivering a refreshing showering experience. The
rubber nozzles allow for easy cleaning as lime scale and other deposits
can be easily wiped away.
The showerhead is manufactured from brass and is chrome plated for a lustrous
finish. The weight of the piece, which adorns the bathroom as an item
of jewellery, adds to its appeal.
The Deca showerhead is available from Aquaplus Solutions and is priced
at around £269.00.
For stockists call: 0870 201 1915
Crosswater Captures Cube Concept
Crosswater
says that clean angular lines fit well with minimalist designs in interiors.
The increase in square shaping in sanitary-ware has led brassware designers
to follow suit, to provide co-ordination in the bathroom for a total bathroom
solution.
Crosswater introduced Floyd in 2003 - a standard tap design with unusual
square handles - and are now developing the cube shape further with Hey
Joe! and Quadra.
A popular design at present, Quadra is a soft-edged cube shape with a
conservative line. A full range of products is available, with a shower
tower and free-standing bath shower mlxer to complete the range.
'Hey
Joe is right at the cutting edge of brassware product design.' says the
company.
'Many of these products are operated with a single lever handle and most
are compatible with low-pressure systems, making them even more desirable
for your home, however primary focus has to be the cubed shaping carried
throughout.'
Email:
mailto:sales@crosswater.co.uk
Web: http://www.crosswater.co.uk
Grohe
has given its Chiara line of faucets a new sheen. Chiara laid the foundations
for the company's successful designer faucets programme when it was first
introduced in 1993. 10 years later it has had a face-lift. While still
a blend of traditional and modern influences, the new Chiara line has
emerged rejuvenated from its redesign.
'It appears more dynamic and delicate even though its typical design elements
have been retained.' says the company.
'The characteristic crescent remains the central design feature. The new
slimmer profile of the classical stirrup lever conveys a more dynamic
and modern look. This makes the new 'Chiara' line the perfect choice for
demanding consumers who appreciate traditional values and styles.'
Chiara basin mixers costs from around £225 including VAT.
Grohe showers and taps are available from quality bathroom studios and
merchants nationwide. Consumer readers requiring more information about
Grohe and its products should call 08708 488877 or see http://www.grohe.co.uk.
Trade enquiries only should call 020 8594 7292.
Ideal-Standard
Launches Idea Hydromassage Range for the Trevi Collection
Ideal-Standard
recently launched its new Idea range of hydromassage systems in its Trevi
collection.
The new range includes three different options - Idea A85 and Idea A95
Quadrant systems, Idea Q85 and Idea Q95 Corner entry systems, and the
Idea R Corner entry system. The Idea range offers luxury Hydromassage
products of top-end quality at a more competitive price for the mass-market.
Each of the hydromassage systems features three back and eight body jets
placed above soft and comfortable seating with back support. Digital display
touch pads control each of the functions, which include jets, water cascade,
and a thermostatic shower valve. The hydromassage systems can be up-graded
to include steam and a two-speaker radio system.
Each of the systems has been designed with an aperture in the roof to
allow ventilation and create a light and airy feel within the unit. The
smooth sliding doors are easy to use and save on space.
Tel: 01482 470788