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KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-newssince 2002
3rd June 2011

 

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Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The KBzine.


International News
Products

Franke wins Red Dot Design Award

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Franke has won the Red Dot Design award for the new Centinox sink which has been launched to celebrate Franke's centenary.

The Centinox encompasses elegance, style and precision engineering; it is a 'slim-top' sink which gives the appearance of a fashionable undermount model.

Winners of the Red Dot Award achieve international quality status, the privilege of displaying the red dot logo on all product-related marketing material and the opportunity to have the winning product displayed in the Red Dot museum in Essen, Germany.

The four-week exhibition entitled 'Design on stage' will be open after the awards ceremony on 4th July 2011.

T: +44 (0)161 436 6280
F: +44 (0)161 436 2180
E: [email protected]
W: www.franke.co.uk


Classic styling for a modern era

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Offering classic styling with a contemporary twist, Hartford Ivory from Four Seasons by Moores has a truly timeless appeal making it the ideal kitchen choice for any style of home.
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Bespoke storage solution - semi-circular island base unit has integrated recycle bin and knife rack

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Figura - renowned designer of kitchens and other fitted/unfitted furniture for the home, has created a clever storage solution in this English oak and hand painted kitchen.
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Roca acquires the Russian firm Akvaton

Roca has announced that it has recently acquired Akvaton, a leading Russian company specialising in bathroom products. This acquisition marks a very important step in Roca's consolidation in this strategically important market, and at the same time strengthening its leadership position worldwide.
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New! Five fantastic fridges and freezers from AEG's Neue Kollektion

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AEG has introduced five fantastic cooling products from its Built-in 2011 Neue Kollektion range.
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Has Esse created the World's cleanest-burning cooker?

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Esse's 990 range cooker has achieved some outstanding results during a recent CE test, where the inspector described the wood-burning cooker as the cleanest burning appliance he's ever tested.
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Polypipe ventilation expands MVHR solution

Following the successful launch last year of its Mechanical Extract Ventilation Heat Recovery units, Polypipe Ventilation has expanded its HR range with the addition of high capacity models designed for larger properties.
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Kitchenaid's new side-by-side oozes class and sophistication

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American-style side-by-side fridge freezers undeniably have the 'wow' factor in abundance, and premium manufacturer KitchenAid has produced a first class offering in its new KRSC 9040 model with Pro Aesthetic design.
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Impressive: this groundbreaking new mirror innovation from HiB

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HiB has introduced a major solution for illuminated bathroom mirrors - three new LED designs powered by a long-life rechargeable battery pack.
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Welcome to the
KBzine

 

Last week John and I were stationed in the beautiful Italian city of Verona, attending an exhibition for another industry and producing a daily bulletin on behalf of the organisers.

Whether it was a case of too much pasta, too many late nights or the software crash we experienced we're not sure, but some of the leader was lost in the transfer between our rooms and we didn't notice until the issue had been broadcast.

The sentiment I was trying to express follows through into this issue too so here is the leader in its entirety...

It wasn't deliberate by any means but this KBZine is something of an environmental sustainability issue, in as much as it features several new products and even kitchen fittings that will play their part in reducing man's environmental impact on our planet.

I had planned to mention each of them separately here, but in going through all the stories we've included this week, it's dawned on me that almost everything featured some design feature, energy and/or water saving device or other, so I'll just let you read about them yourself. 

It makes me proud to be part of an industry that is working so hard to design products that will help look after our planet. And of course we mustn't forget that these innovations will also save us money in the long run, in terms of lower energy and water bills and less need to buy compost for our gardens - as we'll be making our own.

Long may this clever thinking continue!

 

Yours,

 

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Jan Hobbs

 


This Week's News

May data signalled strengthening of activity growth in UK construction sector

May data signalled a solid expansion of activity in the UK construction sector, with the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index posting 54.0, from 53.3 in April.

While the latest reading pointed to a stronger increase of activity in May, the index remained below the Q1 average.
more


National kitchen award presented by KBSA

* KBSA-Designer-award.jpgThe Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association presented the designer award for kitchens (up to £25K) to Alfred Briggs (Alwood), Northern Ireland at this year's KBB Review Industry Awards.

The awards took place alongside KBB London at the Platinum Suite at the ExCel centre, London last month. It was hosted by the stand-up comedian Alun Cochrane - famed for his appearances on Michael McIntyre's comedy road show, Eight Out of Ten Cats and Mock the Week.
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Top 10 trends from the 2011 NKBA Design Competition

The National Kitchen & Bath Association of the US has revealed the latest standout design trends following the 2011 NKBA Design Competition.
Representing what's currently fresh and forward-thinking in kitchen and bath design, distinct visual elements and colour, unique design details, personalised products and materials, and an architecturally artistic approach to proportion, are among the strong themes seen in the nearly 500 entries received in the competition.

"Each year, NKBA member designers exceed expectations and raise the standard we've come to anticipate from their entries in the NKBA Design Competition," says 2011 NKBA President David Alderman, who is also a Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer. "NKBA designers continue to find surprising ways to incorporate complex desi
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Wise waste

* franke-art.jpgWith an estimated 5.8 million tonnes of food waste collected by local authorities in the UK every year, exploring alternative options for disposal is vital. This is especially true in inner city and urban environments where some of the 'traditional' solutions pose problems for both residents and local authorities, particularly where flatted, multi-tenanted or terraces properties are prevalent.

Storing and segregating food waste is difficult in these situations due to limited space and can result in health and nuisance issues. Further problems result from food scraps contaminating dry recyclable waste streams while segregating waste frequently results in extra kerbside collections. Including disposal, these are estimated to cost local authorities approximately £33 per household per yea
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Firm fined after employee trapped under stone slabs

A granite business and one of its directors has been fined after a man was trapped under a two-and-a-half tonne pack of stone slabs while unloading a truck in Hillingdon.

The Health & Safety Executive prosecuted M & R Granite & Marble and Monzer Mahmoud Alrayes, a director of the company, over the incident in October last year.
more


Form and function underpin new Ergo stainless steel sink from Carron Phoenix

* Carron-Phoenix-Ergo-Stainless-Steel-sink.jpgErgo is one of the several new products being unveiled by Carron Phoenix this week, as part of its bumper new product launch for 2011.

The contemporary styled Ergo 200 is positioned at the top end of Carron's sink offer, bringing together form and function in an elegantly designed inset sink model that will suit a range of worksurface materials.
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Whirlpool's new wine cellar adds something special to the kitchen

* winecabinet2whirlpool.jpgWhirlpool's new ARC 229 wine cellar, fashioned in the elegant aesthetic of the company's Fusion range, is a top quality, 'in column' built-in model that simulates the cellar environment yet can be sited anywhere in the kitchen or living area. This electronic, temperature controlled unit offers all the necessary credentials of a professional cellar in its ability to maintain a stable temperature and consistent humidity.

The ARC 229 has low vibration dampers to avoid disturbing the wine and is decked out with stylish wooden shelves to add further protection to the wine stock. The wine cellar has a fully glazed glass door with ultra violet protection, to protect the wines from harmful sunlight.
more


FIRA expands its worldwide testing capabilities

The Furniture Industry Research Association has announced the expansion of its testing capabilities at its Stevenage-based testing centre, to encompass testing to American standards.

FIRA's latest investment is equipment which allows testing of the safety and performance of office and lounge seating to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Business and Institutional Furniture Manufactures Association (BIFMA) standards. The US standards are intended to provide manufacturers, specifiers and users with a common basis for evaluating safety, durability and the structural adequacy of the specified furniture. The ANSI/BIFMA standards differ from British and European standards and define specific tests, laboratory equipment to be used, conditions of the test and minimum acceptance le
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Methven unveils Kaha Satinjet

* Methven-Kaha -Satinjet-Shower-Kit.jpgMethven - the global designer and manufacturer of premium showers and tapware - has launched five Kaha Satinjet showers in the UK and Europe, each with award-winning, twin-jet technology and a distinctive New Zealand design. The new Kaha Satinjet showers exhibit classic forms updated with modern design accents. Refined styling and subtle features make Kaha a versatile choice for the discerning.

Suitable for all water pressures, the 9 litres/minute Methven Kaha Satinjet showers feature a two-function showerhead, with easy-to-clean coated faceplate offering a choice between the Satinjet body shower and the massage spray, which is controlled at the push of a button. Easy to fit, maintain and clean, Methven Kaha Satinjet showers are safe for everyone to use and simple to operate. The contempora
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Maytag's new Intellisense dishwasher uses just six litres of water

* Maytag-MDW606(2).jpgIn hard economic times when energy bills are soaring, the importance of a quality dishwasher as a long-term investment to save water and electricity is now being fully recognised.

Premium manufacturer Maytag has answered the call in a big way with the launch of its newly designed and engineered range of dishwashers, which offer market-leading benefits and best in class performance.
more


TFO Conciliation Officer becomes Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Associate

* Natalie-Williams.jpgNatalie Williams, Conciliation Officer for The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) has joined her colleagues in becoming professionally qualified as an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Natalie's success demonstrates TFO's commitment to providing the highest standards of knowledge and practice in dispute resolution within the furniture and home improvement industries.
more


Kaldewei announces new UK distribution agreement

* Kaldewei_Darren-Martin.jpgWith effect from next Wednesday, 1st June, Cooper Callas, one of the UK's largest independent kitchen and bathroom distributors, will become the latest partner to join forces with Kaldewei as part of its nationwide distribution strategy.
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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.

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News in Brief
Proskills Awards 2011 now open for entries. www.proskills.co.uk
 
Ultra stylish enki sleek glass splashbacks and coordinating upstands are now available from all 16 branches of Tile Depot. www.thetiledepot.co.uk
www.bathrooms.com is launching a new range of innovative and modern bathroom products in collaboration with Italian designers Meneghello Paolelli Associati.
Luxury London showroom Urban Interior has added Villeroy & Boch's elegant 'My Nature' bathroom collection to its portfolio. E: [email protected]
Offering classic Shaker styling with a contemporary twist, new Hartford Ivory from Four Seasons by Moores comes with a 25-year guarantee. T: 01937 862557
How to contact us at The KBzine:
Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1372 811 307 
Mobile: 07980 288 373

 

 

 

 

John Austen
Publishing Director
Email:[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755 863
Mobile: 07766 707 888
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Recent News

FIRA spurs Biomass Subsidies debate

The Furniture Industry Research Association recently hosted a Biomass Summit at its Stevenage-based head office.
more


Electrolux raises the bar in sustainability reporting

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Electrolux products with the best environmental performance accounted for 22% of total sold units and 35% of Electrolux gross profit in 2010. Sales of Green Range products, which have the best energy and water efficiency, have been progressing steadily since their roll-out in 2008. These are some of the findings in Electrolux 2010 sustainability performance review, Sustainability matters, where the Group presents its strategy and progress on integrating sustainability into the business.
more


The fantastic five! Quality comes as standard with Leisure

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Five stainless steel sinks from Leisure have been awarded the BSI Kitemark in recognition of their high quality manufacture and finish.
more


Building trades workers invited to get asbestos aware

Workers in building trades in the Humber region are being given the chance to learn how to recognise and deal with one of their industry's biggest killers - asbestos.
more


Franke launches celebrity 'experience' in centenary year

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Franke has launched a new marketing initiative to drive the company further into the consumer market. To reinforce the transition from trade-driven product supplier to aspirational consumer lifestyle brand, Heidi Klum has been announced as brand ambassador and, as such, will feature in the new worldwide advertising/POS/marketing campaign.
more


Homeowners are warming to underfloor heating

The popularity of underfloor heating is on the rise. Discerning homeowners are showing an increased desire for efficiency and comfort and underfloor heating ticks all the boxes.
more


Liebherr scoops award in world's largest technology competition

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Refrigeration expert, Liebherr, has successfully scooped one of the most widely acclaimed international red dot design awards in product design, for the new SBSes 7165 side-by-side fridge freezer.
more



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