Wellbeing

    Black matte tap in modern bathroom

    Part 70: bathroom taps – things to consider when specifying

     1024 640 Hamish Kilburn
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    Beyond aesthetic qualities, there’s a lot to consider when specifying bathroom taps – more than you perhaps realise. To help us make sense of bathroom tap specification, the team at Duravit is here to give us a breakdown of what to prioritise – from water consumption to colour and texture…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Various decisions need to be taken before buying bathroom taps as the variety of ranges is wide. They differ mainly in terms of design, function, and price, however, aspects such as durability and the economical usage of water and energy are becoming increasingly important.

    Timeless modern versatility of design

    Decisions on the installation of a new bathroom are primarily based on aesthetics, but it is worth noting that a bathroom tends to remain for around 15 years. Modern design is deeply rooted in Duravit’s DNA – product management, the internal development team, an international supplier network as well as external designers such as Philippe Starck, Kurt Merki Jr., Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez and Bertrand Lejoly collaborate to develop taps and shower sprays. Duravit offers a wide range of design variants for differing styles and holistic bathroom design. There is something for every budget, at a consistently high design quality, and with the durable, easy-to-clean surface options Chrome and Black Matt.

    White Tulip by Phillip Starck tap

    Image credit: Duravit

    Tap applications for the whole bathroom

    Duravit offers single-lever mixers in a range of sizes (S–XL) with an optimum height for all washbasins, from handrinse basins through washbowls. As a complete bathroom supplier, Duravit aspires to offer something for every part of the bathroom: from the washbasin through the shower and bathtub, as surface-mounted and flush-mounted versions.

    The Duravit BlueBox®, a universal installation system for a range of tap designs (lever mixers or thermostats), is used for concealed installation. This allows the design decision to be taken even after the basic set has been installed. 

    Matching range of shower sprays

    Shower sprays are the perfect addition in every area – whether in the shower or on the bathtub.Duravit’s optimized range of shower sprays offers something for everyone. Hand showers and showerheads are available from a range of price points and feature different spray modes and surfaces. Functions such as EasyClean for ease of cleaning or the Click! technology for changing spray mode at the push of a button enhance convenience and comfort. A range of designs, from the classic, wide-diameter hand shower through the minimalistic hand shower wand with a cylindrical or square design also guarantee that the optics will be just perfect.

    As practical all-in-one-solutions, the shower systems work as a single-lever or thermostat variant and are ideal for renovation work as they do not require complex in-wall work.

    Duravit showers against grey backdrop

    Image credit: Duravit

    Comfortable operation

    Ergonomically designed handles that feel pleasant in the hand are a key feature in designing faucets that are comfortable and easy to use. This enables water quantity and temperature to be set exactly. Thermostat faucets for the shower and bathtub are available as an alternative to single-lever mixers: the advantage of these is that they can be set to the desired temperature, which ensures constant water temperature and irons out fluctuations in pressure.

    Sustainable economy functions

    The Duravit taps and shower sprays use intelligent technologies to offer concrete economic benefits. In the centre position, energy-saving washbasin faucets with a FreshStart function only produce cold water to start with. Hot water is only added when the handle is deliberately moved to the left. This reduces energy requirements and lowers energy costs and CO2 emissions as hot water is only used in situations where it is needed. Cold water is perfectly adequate for washing hands, cleaning teeth, and watering plants. 

    With a flow rate of 5.5 l/minute, all Duravit washbasin taps are sparing in their consumption of hot water and energy. The MinusFlow taps are more sparing still, with a flow rate limited to 3.5 l/minute. The AirPlus technology additionally adds air to the water jet, creating a gentle, voluminous stream. 

    There are also enormous potential savings for water and energy especially when it comes to showering: Compared to standard showers, Duravit MinusFlow hand showers have a reduced flow rate of up to 40 per cent, rising to as much as 60 per cent on the showerheads (MinusFlow showerheads = 9 L/minute, standard hand showers 15 l/minute, standard showerheads 25 l/minute).

    Quality and guarantee

    Duravit uses high-quality materials for all taps and reliable ceramic cartridges for a long service life. Before launch, the taps are subjected to stringent tests such as washing comfort and splashing behaviour. This guarantees the Duravit Best Match: A configurator developed in-house by Duravit that helps users find the best combination of taps and ceramics for any washing area. Duravit offers a voluntary five-year guarantee on all taps and shower sprays. Spare parts are kept available for a whole 15 years after each product line is discontinued.

    Duravit is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

    Main image credit: Duravit 

    Main image credit: Duravit

    Hyperion Tiles Avenue Porcelain Rivoli garden tiles

    Part 63: designing garden tiles in luxury hotels

     1024 640 Hamish Kilburn
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    As Hotel Designs discusses outdoor design solutions for wellbeing and wellness, this month Hyperion Tiles reveals why porcelain garden tiles could provide the best flooring solution underfoot…

    Guide to Hotel Design

    Hotel outdoor space should no longer be seen as an afterthought. In fact, these days, this area is ripe for development. Creating a garden retreat in which guests can relax and unwind to enhance their wellbeing, is now huge in hospitality. Often, the hotel exterior can be the first point of contact a guest has with a hotel. So, the surrounding environment needs to be aesthetically pleasing for every visitor.

    Hyperion Tiles Pierre Porcelain Textured in Gris

    Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

    Whether you’re considering a welcoming front entrance or striking outdoor pool area, porcelain garden tiles can instantly help to enhance these key areas with a stylish solution underfoot. So, consider the design of your outdoor spaces carefully and don’t forget to plan in your paving from the start. Then your guests can enjoy an indoor-outdoor sanctuary featuring plenty of style.

    Garden tiles for wellbeing

    Hyperion Tiles Blenheim Porcelain Textured Beige tiles

    Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

    Alfresco entertaining has become more popular than ever and there are key benefits for spending time in the great outdoors. This has already been proven to be a mental health and mood booster. In fact, being outside can help to lower stress levels, blood pressure and heart rate, too. So, the more creativity and personal touches you add to your hotel outdoor space for guests, the better. After all, visitors will be more likely to enjoy their stay and return for more. And, as a result, this will put you one step ahead of your competitors.

    Porcelain perfection

    Porcelain is not only ultra-durable and slip-resistant, but it looks good and will be easy to maintain, too. You’ll also find these garden tiles will accommodate all weathers. So, they can be used for a variety of outdoor design ideas, from a practical path and patio to a stylish balcony or pool area.

    If you’re considering high-performance poolside perfection, porcelain tiles are highly resistant to water and pool additives and chemicals. These garden tiles also don’t need to be sealed like stone. Other key benefits include their resistance to colour-change. Sunlight, for example, will not affect their original colour and they can easily withstand frost. As a result, your outdoor space will not only look welcoming but it will stand the test of time.

    Patterned over plain 

     

    Hyperion Tiles Solar Porcelain Star Blue garden tiles

    Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

    Patterned tiles can form some of the most exquisite flooring designs for exterior commercial projects. After all, this look has been inspired by luxury outdoor living. Patterned garden tiles also tend to be available in more colourful finishes, which will look good for years to come.

    Whether you’re looking for a more contemporary or rustic look, patterned tiles can also define a particular area, when it comes to garden landscaping. You can create instant patio appeal with an innovative patterned tile, for example. Or why not distinguish your walking areas with a particular tile style?

    If you’re looking for a more toned-down aesthetic poolside, a plain stone-effect paving tile could be ideal. These garden tiles still feature all the benefits you can expect from porcelain with a more natural effect. You can use them to create a classic or contemporary touch to your outdoor space. Think rooftop bars to terraces, with all the practicalities and aesthetics you can expect from a porcelain stone-effect tile.

    Indoor/outdoor garden tiles

    Hyperion Tiles Provence Porcelain Textured Cenere

    Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

    Another key trend in hotel design is to expand your indoor space outside with the same tiles. This will instantly create a more cohesive finish and look suitably stylish, whether you run your porcelain garden tiles from the entrance to the lobby or from the restaurant to the pool. Simply choose from a variety of sizes and colours, to create a bespoke, luxurious space that will last a lifetime.

    Hyperion Tiles is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

    Main image credit: Hyperion Tiles