KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
15th March 2019
We strongly recommend viewing KBzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.
International News
Products
Launched at ISH this year Equal explores the fusion between the organic shapes found in nature with the architectural lines present in an urban environment. ViClean-I 100 combines purism with technology and comfort
ViClean-I 100 boasts clear lines and a minimalist look, accentuated by the ultra-flat toilet seat. Add to that the intuitive use and convenient shower functions and the new ViClean-I 100 becomes a subtle centerpiece in any purist bathroom. LDL to offer L&S Italian lighting range
LDL is delighted to be the official UK distributor and to represent such a well-established and innovative brand. KBSA says rise in induction hobs is changing dominance of gas in the kitchen
XSquare bathroom furniture range secures Duravit the iF Design Award 2019
The XSquare furniture range is both impressive and striking, with contemporary, elegant style. The quadrant-shaped chrome profile which edges the furniture emphasises its characteristic design. On the floor-standing model, the transition from the body of the furniture to the base is absolutely seamless. Industrial design on tap with new Hex range
"We are delighted that the Nuance range is now available on ArtiCAD," comments Paul Findlay, product sales manager for Nuance. "The ArtiCAD system means that consumers and specifiers can get a clear view of how the panels will look in any bathroom - and allows retailers to present different options for those who have problems making a buying decision." New Infinity: a design to suit bathrooms of any size or shape
As with all of Crosswater's products, quality and long-lasting durability come as standard across the range of Infinity shower enclosures. Surrounded by a contemporary polished stainless steel frame, 8mm toughened glass offers a superior power shower-proof surface that will withstand the daily wear-and-tear of multi-person use. Introducing Köngistone: Feel at home
New space saving cooling from Amica
The fridge is 1235mm high so there's an impressive 204 litres of cooled storage space - perfect for fresh foods. It has four shelves, a roomy salad crisper, four spacious door balconies and has an A+ energy rating. Practical, adaptable Evolve - top choice for Nest Kitchens' community project
Unidrain: an exact fit for Copenhagen's Luxury Hotel Herman K
45-litre cooling perfect second-tier option for retailers
The brand which launched with Exertis late last year is now unveiling a retro-inspired compact countertop refrigerator as it's second product for the UK and European markets. |
With we Brits being a nation of DIYers, a survey I received this week from WRAS, the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme, made me realise how little many of us really know about ensuring that what we do doesn't only look good and do the job, but that it meets legal requirements too. WRAS reminds us that to safeguard our drinking water, UK water regulations and byelaws require - for most types of plumbing work - the designer, installer, owner or occupier to obtain their local water supplier's consent first. I had no idea about much of this myself, but having looked into it, I can certainly understand why the regulations are in place! According to the findings, 60% of homeowners are unaware that they must inform their water company if installing specific water fixtures. For example, 62% said they didn't know whether they had to inform their water company if installing a large bath (one holding more than 230-litres) and some 60% are unaware that they're legally required to tell their water company if they're installing a bidet which features an ascending spray or flexible hose - since, if these are installed incorrectly, they risk contaminating the drinking water. Indeed, there's a long list of plumbing works (see more at www.wras.co.uk) that must be notified in advance and the regulations apply to homeowners, businesses, landlords and tenants and to many types of domestic and commercial plumbing - from building houses or extending business premises to everyday work. Consent takes a maximum of 10 working days and costs nothing and in many cases, the water supplier will simply need a description of the planned work and the contact details of those undertaking it, so it's not too difficult or time consuming. WRAS recommends employing a WaterSafe approved plumber who's familiar with the regulations and these words made me wonder, how many professional fitters will be switched on enough to use WRAS's information in their marketing campaigns, and how many retailers are aware enough of the regulations to be able to advise customers that they really need to know what they're doing if they're planning to fit their own kitchens and bathrooms. Yours,
This Week's News
BMA marks World Plumbing Day by calling for more education on water efficiency The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, called for more education on water efficiency to mark World Plumbing Day (11 March).
Initiated by the World Plumbing Council, the day brought together the international plumbing community to promote the link between good quality plumbing, health, environmental sustainability and - increasingly - economic prosperity. Free up kitchen space with Fonda hob/extractor combination from Blanco by Gutmann The future of clean air in the kitchen has taken a leap forward with the ingenious Fonda hood from the Blanco by Gutmann portfolio. Combined with a stunning hob, the Fonda is a clever, space-saving, downdraft extraction system with an installation height of just 8cm. Perfect for small or large kitchen design schemes and flexible in terms of installation and location, the Fonda sits quietly and discreetly in a streamlined, functional space. SMWF celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with award presented by MP Smallbone & Mark Wilkinson Furniture has marked National Apprenticeship Week with an inaugural apprenticeship award. Rt Hon Claire Perry, Member of Parliament for the Devizes Constituency, presented the award to Kyle Smith (pictured right with runners-up) at a ceremony held at the Smallbone workshop in Devizes last week. The award was established to nurture the next generation of furniture makers and is open to all apprentices undertaking the apprenticeship programme with SMWF. 'Ask the Evolve experts': Bushboard publishes FAQ guide to solid core worksurfaces Solid core laminate worksurfaces are fairly new to the UK market but with their slim lines and robust qualities are quickly proving to be a top choice for kitchens. To help installers, retailers and the consumer, Bushboard has published a helpful e-zine packed with information on its Evolve slimline solid core laminate surfaces. Beko launches AutoDose Connected Dishwasher In what is believed to be a European first, Beko is launching one of its most highly anticipated products to date - the AutoDose Connected Dishwasher - perfect for those who sometimes forget to switch on the dishwasher or buy detergent! Karonia updates Mistral worktop brochure Karonia Surfaces has refreshed its Mistral consumer brochure for 2019. Available now, the updated brochure features the four new colours introduced to the range last year along with more lifestyle images showcasing the work carried out by retailers and installers throughout the UK. The brochure explores the unlimited creative potential of this versatile surface through a series of inspirational images and highlights the practical features and benefits of the completely solid 25mm format. LDL to be plastic-free by 2020 LDL, the UK's leading component distributor, has announced its commitment to removing all plastics from its packaging by the end of 2019. Wilsonart Inspired by Benchmarx Supplier Event Wilsonart UK, part of the world's largest producer of laminate worktop and panelling products, has enjoyed three days at Inspire - the supplier event hosted by Benchmarx, the kitchen and joinery arm of Travis Perkins. The Benchmarx Inspire Event, held at ANEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire from 5th - 8th March, showcases products, services and innovation from its catalogue of suppliers of which Wilsonart and its worktop brands is one. Sensio has expanded its collection of circular mirrors with three new designs. Como, Aria and Luna join Orla; all rounded mirrors boasting various LED lighting features. New Dealer Inspiration brochure from Blanco is beautifully illustrated Blanco UK's new brochure, Dealer Inspiration Range, offers retailers a detailed and beautifully illustrated guide to Blanco's sinks, taps, cooker hoods, hobs and accessories. Altecnic appoints Product Development Manager in the UK Britain's quality hydronic solutions supplier Altecnic, has welcomed new product development manager Stephanie Allchurch to the team. Previously, Steph was technical manager with a leading manufacturer and has a rich 16-year track record in the industry.
She will play a key role spearheading the development of Altecnic's product offering across the UK whilst also expanding the company's portfolio offer. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
|
REQUEST THE KBZINE HERE The KBzine is broadcast
every Friday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Recent News
BMA announces date and venue for 2019 Conference
Entries now open for KBSA Designer Awards 2019
Unified Water Label can help combat climate change
Yvonne called for the industry to support the UWL, in response to the Committee on Climate Change's 'UK housing: Fit for the future?' recently published report. Marketing
Smeg UK announces super Spring offer for its retailers
|