KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

Roca

It wasn't surprising perhaps, that Roca's stand was so busy, since it was showcasing the company's fantastic collection of new products for 2012.
From the sublime to the completely affordable, visitors had a taste of the breadth and the depth of the range with something for both the commercial and domestic sectors, spanning the low and mid sectors through to the more exclusive top-end market.

Sanitaryware with complementary furniture was a key theme with the launch of the Dama-N and Victoria-N collections. We particularly liked the two innovative WCs, the InTank Meridian floor-standing WC (pictured) and CleanRim. Also on the stand was the Mini - a clever concept for cloakrooms or small bathrooms - and two new brassware ranges, new shower columns and the Lun Plus - a super heavy gauge double-ended steel bath.

We had to wait our turn though to get a close up view of the Gap, a luxury whirlpool bath, with a colour-changing 'waterfall' feature, being ably demonstrated as you can see from our picture.

It was explained that the In-Flow bathtub, which has been created by Roca's Innovation Lab, uses considerably less water than a conventional bathtub of the same size. Its generous dimensions allow for a completely new wellness experience thanks to the ergonomic base, which is shaped to complement the shape of the body in the reclined position. It also has a hydromassage system operated by a remote control with touch screen, as well as taps with a lateral waterfall flow-effect which fill the bathtub in just three minutes! Other features include an adjustable headrest, integrated pop-up tap controls, lateral seat that is soft to the touch and grips. Needing only 75 litres of water to perform, In-Flow by Roca successfully combines design, advanced technology, innovation and sustainability to offer a completely unique wellness experience.

If only I could have climbed in and tried it after a long day at the show!

But first the real innovation - the In-Tank Meridian WC (pictured left) is a revolutionary bathroom fitting concept which incorporates the tank in its interior - it's thought to be the first WC to offer wall-hung and back-to-wall options which do not require a concealed cistern, facilitating ease of installation and creating an ideal solution for small spaces. It features a three function, dual-flush push button for 3 / 4.5 / 6 litre flushing. Water is introduced through a feeding mechanism and then air is introduced by a revolutionary blower which has been developed in collaboration with Fluidmaster. This innovative blower pushes water through the toilet rim to flush the WC.

CleanRim The Gap is a close coupled BTW, 4/2 litre WC, and a new addition to The Gap collection. Suitable for both commercial and domestic applications, the rimless design makes it much more hygienic and very easy to clean. Its new 4/2 litre dual flush has been extensively tested and, although it uses an impressive 30% less water than our other current dual flush systems, Roca's CleanRim produces outstanding flushing results.
I was so impressed with the workings (and cleaning attributes!) of these two WCs, that John had to drag me away as there was still lots more to explore on the stand.

An affordable bathroom collection, the extensive Dama-N range includes both standard and compact WCs and basins. As well as a conventional cistern with lid, the range includes a one-piece shell cistern with separate plastic inner lining which eliminates any unsightly condensation on the outside. Dama- N is perfectly suited to the current trend for square designs in sanitaryware.

The complementary Dama-N furniture is made from PVC wrapped MDF in dark or light textured wood as well as white or dark green PVC finishes. It is available as a 'Unik' solution - a Roca concept that combines elements such as basin, furniture and occasionally other accessories such as a mirror or light, as one individual product. The units come in five sizes and have soft close drawers as well as optional legs. There is also a column unit with integrated mirror. Water resistant and easy to clean, Dama-N furniture is ideal for those wanting to make the most of their bathroom space.
Building on the success of Roca's Laura suite, Victoria-N furniture extends the potential of the range even further and complements the current Victoria Unik offering.

Made from melamine faced chipboard in White, Anthracite Grey, Oak or Wenge, there are five unit sizes, each available with either two or three drawers, as well as a reversible column unit. Again, soft close drawers come as standard and optional legs are available if required.
Mini, as its name suggests, is a compact and stylish combination of furniture, basin and mirror or mirrored cabinet made from melamine faced chipboard and finished in White, Oak, Wenge or Grey. A soft close door comes as standard and both the door on the unit and the mirror on the cabinet are reversible. This pack solution is available in a single box that includes all the ordered components.

The competitively priced L20 brassware collection comprises basin mixers, bidet mixers and bath-shower mixers. Easy and intuitive to use, the L20 features Roca's Cold Start system, where the flow of water always starts with cold meaning hot water systems are only fired up when necessary. Furthermore, the additional Eco Click function saves energy and water and its embellished base ensures a neat finish between the tap and basin.
For more up-market installations, the L90 collection is the perfect choice. The products are available in Chrome or on-trend Black Ice finishes. Its double mechanization manufacturing process creates welldefined edges that create the very square look of the collection. The basin and bidet mixers come with a choice of top or side handle. Those with a conventional top handle feature the Eco Click function and those with a side handle feature the Cold Start system mentioned previously.

The affordable Victoria-T shower column forms part of Roca's new generation of thermostatic showers. It features a 200mm shower head and a 100mm handset as well as an Eco function to reduce water consumption by 50%.

Thermostatic showers are perfect for families as they eliminate the risk of scalding. Victoria-T also features 'SafeTouch' meaning the shower itself will never be too hot to touch as well as a security device that means a button has to be pressed to get temperatures higher than 38 degrees C, giving total peace of mind.

The Lun Plus, with its generous bathing proportions, is a 3.5mm super heavy gauge, rectangular, double ended steel bath available in two sizes: 1700 x 750mm and 1800 x 800mm. Models come with optional antislip and grips to suit all installations.

Tel: 01530 830080
Fax: 01530 830010
Website: www.roca.com

16th March 2012