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A new London hub for global bathroom specification: Hansgrohe opens 'The Water Studio' in Clerkenwell, London
Award-winning German bathroom specialist Hansgrohe launched a new concept 'Water Studio' in the heart of London's design district on 1st March. Marking the latest chapter in Hansgrohe's remarkable story, The Water Studio specification centre will act as a hub of inspiration, resource and a collaborative space for those serious about creating show-stopping bathrooms.
Situated at 12-16 on the bustling Clerkenwell Road and spread over two floors totalling 262sq.m, The Water Studio is a true brand experience and brings water to life through the Hansgrohe SE values of innovation, sustainability, quality, design and expertise. UK managing director, Martin Mongan, comments:
"Customer intimacy has been a key driver for us in the UK over the past few years and this new London home allows us to get even closer to the talented A & D community.
"This means offering both practical project support and building stronger professional relationships."
Unlike conventional 'showrooms', The Water Studio is all about interaction. In addition to four working water stations and more than 200 products, other features include podiums with 'Quick Connectors' that allow easy exchange of products to showcase function and a 'Behind the Wall' area for installation tips. The first of its kind globally from Hansgrohe, the 'Test Rig' allows measurement and comparison of different products' flow rates using sensors.
Training and support are core to The Water Studio ethos. UK sales director - Projects, Jay Phillips, says: "Our role is to make life easier for bathroom specifications, especially when dealing with complex areas, so when clients specify Hansgrohe they get real peace of mind.
"Regulations are an important area, so we'll be delivering RIBA Approved CPD seminars on WRAS compliance and Part G here, as part of a comprehensive programme of learning events.
Visitors to The Water Studio can become acquainted with Hansgrohe's unique interactive online tool, iSpecify, which is accessible through screens within the space. Designed to make specifying as simple and user-friendly as possible, iSpecify provides inspiration with a growing library of global reference projects and can highlight exact product details to generate a Hansgrohe or Axor specification.
For meetings, a large open design table faces out to the bustling Clerkenwell Road where customers: professional specifier, retailer or end consumer can discuss their project requirements over coffee.
Water is evident throughout the studio in more abstract, artistic expressions, such as the central 'cascade' feature. Here, working showerheads and mixers are set against the backdrop of a 4D-mapped 'digital waterfall' animated artwork, inspired by the power of water harnessed and engineered by Hansgrohe. Further artistic water- statements are the window display which features billowing fabric evocative of water flowing from an Axor Starck V mixer tap and the Axor WaterDream installation sculpture (by Front) hangs above the staircase.
Designed by international Experiential Design Agency, I-AM, The Water Studio's strategic location will serve as a project base for professionals specifying bathrooms both in the UK and overseas. It will also act as an important global hub for the Hansgrohe family, for launches, events and for overseas subsidiaries to meet and visit with their customers.
Hansgrohe retail partners are encouraged to use the space with their customers and experience the brand first-hand. They will be introduced to the world of Hansgrohe, whilst being supported and advised by the Clerkenwell expert team where they can refine and agree their personal Hansgrohe requirements.
T: 01372 472 056
E: [email protected]
W: www.thewaterstudio.co.uk / www.hansgrohe.com
4th March 2016