ekbbusiness july 2013

essential special report statement baths

big
DIPPERS When times are tough you’d expect large luxury items
to be relegated to the bottom of the shopping list.
So how is it that sales of statement baths have
remained relatively unscathed?
Words Emma Hedges

SERPENTINE
Drummonds
Tel: 01483 237 202. www.drummonds-uk.com
The low double-ended Serpentine was launched in
April, and is designed with a curved interior and shallow
back for comfort. Measuring 1700 x 760mm with a
height of 620mm, it has a capacity of 220litres and
weighs 132kg. Pictured with a black, hand-painted
exterior finish, it can be painted in a range of colours or
can be polished and lacquered. It is pictured with
chromed brassware and the company’s new Deco
chrome-finished, solid brass feet

F
or many time-poor, space-starved
and cash-strapped consumers,
baths are losing out to showers in
the popularity stakes.According to the
latest UK Bathroom Equipment Market
Development Report from MCi, the
baths category will dip by 1% this year,
with little change expected in 2014.
However, according to manufacturers
and retailers, there seems to be one
area of the market that has stayed
sheltered from the storms and squalls
that the economic climate has
unleashed.And what’s more, it’s
the section of the market that is
the least affordable to the largest
number of people, so possibly the
one that you wouldn’t expect to thrive.
“Bette is performing well in the UK
market, with year-on-year growth, and
this has been largely down to the luxury
end of the market, where our sales are
strong,”says Sven Rensinghoff,Bette’s
head of marketing.“We have recently
demonstrated our confidence in sales
of luxury baths with the launch of the
BetteArt, which takes this segment
to a new level in terms of design.”
Philip Procter at London-based
retailer West One Bathrooms reports
that his experience has been similar.
“High-end projects haven’t suffered a
downturn in London – the bath tends to
be the first thing a client falls in love
with and is often the last thing to be
compromised,” he says.
In fact, to some extent it may be that
the downturn has helped keep sales
of luxury baths ticking over.“At the top
end of the market things are surpris-
ingly good for the economic climate
because consumers are re-fitting their
bathrooms instead of moving house,”
says Angela Ortmann-Torbett, sales
director,West Europe, for Kaldewei.
“Adding luxurious touches, such as
a statement bath, is seen as a good
investment.”
Anthony Smith, director at Waters
Baths of Ashbourne, agrees.“People are
finding that they are unable to move up

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 ekbbusiness july 2013
essential special report statement baths
HAPPY D.2 LE BATEAU FOIX
Duravit Catchpole & Rye
Tel: 0845 500 7787. www.duravit.co.uk Tel: 01233 840 840. www.catchpoleandrye.com
The Happy D.2 bath is part of a range created by Sieger Weighing in at 180kg, Le Bateau Foix is made from 100% cast iron and stands on cast iron feet.
Design for Duravit, and features a gentle slope from the The model’s cast is taken from an original 1th-century antique bath, measures 1630 x 710mm,
rim to the interior for added comfort. It is made from and is 720mm high. It has an enamelled interior, while the exterior can be painted in any colour, or
mm sanitary acrylic, and optional extras include a given a polished finish
combo whirl system, LeD coloured lights, a sound
system, and a head rest. The freestanding version,
pictured, measures 1800 x 800mm, is 460mm deep
and weighs 78kg. Built-in and back-to-wall versions
are also available

the ladder easily, and are instead
opting to invest in their existing
property.The bathroom is becoming
the focus for regeneration,” he says.
“Although consumers have less and
less disposable income, they are
looking for quality investment pieces
with premium materials that will offer
usability and style, year after year.”
It’s a trend that’s also noted by AMA
Research in its Bathroom Market Report
UK 2011-15 Analysis.“There is an
increasing demand for more luxurious
bathing products with added features.”
“Freestanding baths continue to be
popular with the trend towards‘wellness’
bathing; these are commonly regarded
as a piece of furniture and used to
create a ‘statement’ in the bathroom.
Traditionally styled freestanding baths
are still in demand, such as double-
ended, roll-top or slipper style,”
continues the report.
When it comes to materials, designers
now have a wealth of options at their
fingertips, each offering its own unique
set of advantages.“Composites are
warm to the touch, come in some great
sizes and shapes and can be repaired
quite easily,” explains Daniel Cook,
designer at retailer C.P. Hart, running
through some of the benefits.“Stone
baths can be a fantastic dominant
feature. Cast iron baths arguably have
the best heat retention properties, and
inset steel baths are lighter, durable
and come in a size for every situation.
With acrylic you have their cost-
effective nature on your side, as well
as the interesting styles and shapes
that are achievable.”
High design, it seems, has never had
so much to play with, and it remains
key to maintaining the aspirational
product’s desirability.“Being impressed
with a certain hotel bathroom or
enamoured by a luxury spa has led
many homeowners to want to create
the very same in their own homes,”
says Bill Garvey, managing director of
William Garvey.“The market has seen
a rise in popularity for tailored bath
designs that follow a more bespoke
brief, rather than from its standard
offering.This has led manufacturers
to compete not only in terms of
production, but also on strength of
design and level of quality.”
So, while the refined style of the
traditional roll-top has helped it have
staying power in the popularity stakes,
a host of exciting new design options
that push boundaries with an assort-
ment of materials have come about
as the result of partnerships between
manufacturers and designers.
For instance, the clean-lined
Memoria collection by Christophe
Pillet for Vitra is made from cast
mineral, the Outline tub by Carlo
Colombo for Teuco is made from the
company’s Duralight material, and the

Geo ABrAzo
William Garvey Kohler
Tel: 01404 841 430. Tel: 0844 571 0048. www.kohler.co.uk
www.williamgarvey.co.uk Kohler’s organic-shaped Abrazo freestanding model is made from
Made from a laminated teak premium solid surface material Lithocast, which has a smooth surface
composite, the geo standard and feels warm to the touch. The model weighs 238kg, has
single bath has a removable a 340litre capacity and measures 1675 x 719mm,
back rest and is designed to with a 800mm depth. The integral slotted
stand on two solid teak bearers, overflow allows for a high water level for
which have adjustable feet to deep soaking
make levelling easier. it has a
central waste, and measures
1650 x 700mm, but as with all
its baths, William garvey can
make bespoke sizes of the geo
to fit any project. Taps are
either wall or floor mounted,
although designs can be
customised so that taps
are integrated

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essential special report statement baths

ESSENCE ADVANCE
Adamsez
Tel: 0289 081 7631. www.adamsez.com
The essence Advance is handmade from thermally reinforced Lucite,
which the company says has colour consistency, is easy to clean,
warm to touch, and retains heat well. The model measures 170 x
800mm, weighs 4kg, and features a tap ledge, although it is also
available without a tap ledge as the essence Advance Pure. Like all
Adamsez baths it comes with a lifetime guarantee
AIRBATH SORRELL
Airbath by Astracast
Tel: 01482 327 704. www.airbath.co.uk
The double-ended Airbath Sorrell comes with optional polished stainless
steel corner pillars and sloping panels in a choice of black gloss, black
granite, buttermilk and white gloss. It is available with four bathing
options: the original Airbath system with 100 micro-jets, a Swirlpool
option with 10 whirlpool jets, a combination of the two, and a still soaking
bath option. It measures 2000 x 1200mm, and is 40mm deep

pillow-shaped Soap Bath by Marcel Those after a showroom

Wanders for Bisazza Bagno is made
from white fibreglass.And the long-
standing partnership between Roberto
+ Ludovica Palomba and Laufen
continues to bear fruit, with the Kartell
by Laufen collection featuring a combi-
nation of plastics and the company’s
SaphirKeramik ceramic material.
As far as‘consumer pull’ is concerned,
Procter from West One Bathrooms
believes that there’s nothing quite like
a statement bath when it comes to
turning heads.“Large extravagant baths
are great in the window,” he says.
“We have people daily taking photos
as they’re passing of our Kohler Affetto
round bath.”
showstopper might look no further
than any of the latest models out there
– the Grand Buckingham from Heritage
Bathrooms, and the Hilo 175 from Glass
Idromassaggio would both fit the bill.
“Designers are increasingly moving
away from the standard white, acrylic
tub and becoming ever-more
adventurous with their material
choices,” says Mark Walker, UK sales
director for Bagno Design.“This is
brilliant news for the retailer who is
looking for ways to differentiate
themselves from the competition by
creating eye-catching showroom
displays that encourage creativity in
the minds of their customers.”
style statements
retailers reveal what’s next for freestanding baths
“baths that are coloured on the outside are styletoo.incontemporarysettings,tradition-
trending pretty hard right now – most manu- al bath designs are often chosen to create
facturers have something in the pipeline. a bold statement and a wonderful contrast”
People still shy away from shiny acrylics Joss Thomas, founder and MD, indigenous
in the showroom – solid surfaces like
Lithocast, Quarrycast and Corian are the “Freestanding baths are becoming ever
most desirable” more popular and a stronger trend.
Philip Procter, sales, West One bathrooms This is partly due to the innovations in
materials and manufacturing. We are
“baths are becoming the focal point of the seeing stronger interest in matt finishes
room and a frequent request is for a format as well, to match matt materials of basins
that will fit two people comfortably. and furniture finishes. C.P. Hart’s new range
Customers are also liking the idea of the bath of composite freestanding baths are great
being a different colour or texture to the rest examples of this”
of the bathroom, and possibly a different Daniel Cook, designer, C.P. Hart

HInokI
Indigenous
Tel: 01993 824 200. www.indigenousltd.com
The Japanese Hinoki bath is made from Hinoki timber, which
is a smooth, water-resistant wood, and is said to be suitable
for use both indoors and outside. The deep-sided tub is
available in three sizes – 1220 x 762mm, 1524 x 762mm
and 1828 x 915mm, all 650mm high. it is available
through Oxfordshire-based retailer indigenous MArceL WAnDerS
SoAP BATH
Bisazza Bagno
Tel: 0207 902 5250.
www.bisazzabagno.com
The Soap bath is part of a
bathroom collection designed for
bisazza bagno by Marcel Wanders,
who has said that when creating it he
was inspired by the idea of taking a
bath in a bar of soap. Made from white
fibreglass, it measures 2000mm long, and
1440mm wide, and has a depth of 593mm.
it is available in the UK through C.P. Hart

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 ekbbusiness july 2013
essential special report statement baths
CENTRO DUO OVAL AVEO NEW GENERATION
Kaldewei Villeroy & Boch
Tel: 01480 498 053. www.kaldewei.co.uk Tel: 0208 871 4028. www.villeroy-boch.com
kaldewei’s centro Duo oval freestanding bath is designed by Sottsass Associati, and Villeroy & Boch’s Aveo collection was originally launched in 2003, and has now been
features two sloping back rests for double bathing, and a centrally positioned waste. updated by Sebastian conran to give it a more contemporary feel while still retaining its
It measures 1700 x 70mm, with a height of 470mm, and is available in a selection distinctive oval forms. The design of the bath was inspired by the shape of an egg, and it is
of natural matt colours, including Lava Black, Arctic White, Seashell cream, city made from the company’s Quaryl material – a combination of quartz sand and acrylic, which
Anthracite and oyster Grey, pictured makes it hardwearing and easy to clean. It measures 100 x 0mm, has a 24litre
capacity, and is available in White Alpin, and Star White

BETTEART Being impressed with a certain hotel

Bette
Tel: 0844 800 0547. www.bette.de
bathroom or enamoured by a luxury spa
Made from enamelled steel, the BetteArt gives the appearance of being has led many homeowners to want to
constructed from a single piece of material, and has a very narrow rim.
Measuring 1800 x 70mm, and 420mm high, it is available in bright
create the very same in their own homes
Bill Garvey, managing director, William garvey
white, and features an extra-slim, integrated pop-up waste. The
company says that the model’s BetteGlaze surface is resistant to
scratches and heat, and comes with a 30-year warranty

cHALIce BATH
BC Designs
Tel: 01206 827 100. www.bcdesigns.co.uk
The double-ended Chalice has a tap ledge moulded into the side, and stands on
a built-in plinth. it’s one of the Acrymite range of baths that have been made by
seamlessly joining the solid acrylic inner and outer layers together, which bC
Designs says makes the bath durable and gives it a gloss finish. it weighs 38kg,
has a capacity of 270litres, and measures 1780 x 935mm
MOZZANO
Victoria & Albert
Tel: 01952 221 100. www.vandabaths.com
The contemporary-style, rimless Mozzano bath was launched at ISH in March, and is
VerDIGrIS BATeAu
William Holland
created from Victoria & Albert's Quarrycast material. Made from volcanic limestone,
Tel: 01305 251 930. www.williamholland.com
the material is naturally white and stain resistant, has high insulation properties, and
Pictured in Copper with a Verdigris finish – a bluish-green encrustation formed
is strong so it ensures no creaking or flexing occurs. Weighing 6kg, it has a capacity
on copper by atmospheric oxidation – William Holland’s bateau bath comes in
of 20litres, and measures 1644 x 473mm, with a depth of 473mm
a choice of 10 available exterior finishes, including gold Leaf and Argenta, and
seven interior finishes, including Nickel, Tin, or enamel in any RAL colour. The
double-ended tub comes in three lengths – 1500mm, 1700mm and 2000mm –
with 1700mm being the most popular, and has a central spin-flow waste. it is
available with or without an overflow

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essential special report statement baths

HILO 175
Glass Idromassaggio
Tel: +39 04 22 71 46. www.glassidromassaggio.com
The latest bath collection from Glass Idromassaggio is designed by Monica
Graffeo and features a collection of baths with a steel or bronze weave
decoration in 4mm rope covering the panels. The circular freestanding Hilo
17 measures 170mm in diameter, is 60mm high, and has a capacity of
74 litres. The collection also features built-in versions, and comes with
optional extras such as chromatherapy, head rest, and floorstanding mixer
OUTLINE
Teuco
Tel: 01279 771 159. www.teuco.com
The outline tub was designed by carlo colombo and is made from Teuco’s Duralight
material in matt white, and features the company’s non-visible Hydroline hydro-
therapy system, where the whirlpool jets are concealed behind incisions that don’t
interrupt the design. It’s also available without a whirlpool, and in sizes ranging
from1800x800mmupto2000x800mmthanksto thecompany’s bespoke service

PooL
Waters Baths of Ashbourne
Tel: 01332 824 166.
www.watersbaths.co.uk
The double-ended Pool bath is
made from durable Lucite acrylic
material, which is scratch and
chemical resistant, as well as warm
to the touch. The model has a 20mm
profile edge, central recessed pop-up
waste, and slimline stainless steel
overflow. Measuring 1600 x 800mm,
with a height of 580mm, it comes with
a lifetime guarantee

cAMBorne
Bagno Design
Tel: 0207 553 6999. www.bagnodesign.co.uk
bagno Design’s double-ended copper Camborne bath
has a generous depth of 850mm and high ends for
deep soaking. it measures 1800 x 850mm and has
a pop-up waste without overflow, and comes in
an antique copper finish
GrAnD BuckInGHAM
Heritage Bathrooms
Tel: 0844 701 8501. www.heritagebathrooms.com
One of four cast iron models launched in March, the grand
buckingham is a classic roll-top bath, which sits on new grand
imperial feet that are available in chrome and cast iron. it is designed
with a white ripple enamel interior, and a ready-to-paint exterior.
Measuring 1780 x 800mm, it is 675mm high, weighs in at 137kg,
and has a water capacity of 240litres kArTeLL By LAuFen
Laufen
Tel: 01530 510 007.
www.uk.laufen.com
The Kartell by Laufen collection is set to be
launched in September, and is said to
MeMorIA ’combine the rigid geometry of ceramic,
By PILLeT tempered by the multi-coloured
Vitra lightness of plastic’. The collection’s
Tel: 01235 750 990.
solid surface bathtub has been
www.vitra.co.uk
designed in the style of an
Launched at iSH and set to be
infinity pool, and has an
available to UK retailers in 2014,
illuminated overflow. it can
the Memoria bath has been created by
be optionally fitted with air
French designer Christophe Pillet as part of the
massage and aromatised
Memoria collection. The cast mineral bath features clean,
mist, and measures
sharp lines and thin wooden panels, which match the rest of
1700 x 860mm, with
the furniture in the collection. it has a capacity of 430litres,
a depth of 540mm
and measures 1900 x 900mm, with a height of 600mm

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