The Living Bathroom

How are you involved in the bathroom industry and who do you typically work with?

Ahmed Akudi: Grohe manufactures high-quality bathroom fittings for use in first-class hotels and prestigious and commercial building projects across the globe. It works closely with all spectrums of the building and development industry including designers, architects, developers, hotel groups and owners, and purchasing groups.

Mark Russell: Hansgrohe works closely with all professionals who are decision-makers within the hotel sector. Projects range from individual one-off hotels through to purchasing agreements with large international hotel chains.

Gill Few: We provide a wide range of bathroom products to the hotel industry through our Kohler, Mira, Rada and Daryl brands. Every hotel project is different and our hospitality sales and design teams have experience of working with designers, owners and architects. The majority of our work is refurbishment and we offer advice on how to re-purpose available space to offer a high guest experience and products that perform.

Hayley Tarrington: We work very closely with many professionals of varying job descriptions. Interior designers and architects often don’t have the experience of planning complicated bathrooms and so utilising the skills of a professional bathroom designer ensures the job is completed properly following the necessary regulations and standards.

What are the key trends in hotel bathrooms for 2009 and what is driving these trends?

AA: One of the most significant trends in hotel bathroom design today is the transition of the environment itself and how it is fast evolving to become the focus of the home. The bathroom has been transformed into a hybrid space which extends beyond being a room for cleaning and grooming and into a space where you retreat to relax. We also see a clear trend toward combining new materials and technologies which were never considered relevant or possible in this environment before. Lastly, in terms of colour trends, confident, modern and undiluted, black and white is the prevailing trend.

MR: Low-flow and low-cost. Efficiency is the real driving factor here with hotels mindful of their long-term running costs but still wanting to source products that look good and provide guests with a great shower. Generously sized shower heads with low water consumption offer the ideal solution.

GF: Even in tough times, people are visiting hotels to escape the everyday and the key trend for this year will continue to be experience. Consumers seek a haven in hotel bathrooms – it’s invariably the first thing they look at when they get to their room – and product design and performance must combine, whether for business guests in the week or leisure guests at weekends. Recently we have seen a number of boutique hotels opting to move elements of the bathroom into the bedroom to create a luxurious focal point and we predict that this will continue as hotel designers opt to free up more space in hotel bathrooms.

HT: Today’s bathroom is being transformed into a softer space, it remains just as functional but offers much more comfort; like a living bathroom. In terms of ceramics we are seeing the return of colour, but rather than avocado or oyster, it’s bold metallics in black, gold and platinum. Classic monochrome is back too with black and white sanitaryware and brassware available. The bathroom is also taking on an upholstered look, for example baths clad in leather or suede are now visible in bathroom showrooms. The overall look is less clinical today.

Do you feel there has been any major developments in technology that has changed the way bathroom products are designed?

AA: Advanced technology coming into the bathroom means that environments can be tailored for individual preferences from digital showers and faucets, to music and aromas, stimulating all the senses. Lighting, temperature and sound can also be used to enhance the ambiance. From a product design point of view, Grohe is setting the trend with its Ondus collection.

MR: Advances in electronic technology allows more products to be designed as non-touch such as sensor controlled basin mixers. These have obvious advantages for both water-saving and hygiene.

GF: Where once today’s technological innovation in the bathroom was seen as futuristic and ‘sci-fi’, guests now expect to be offered cutting edge solutions to enhance their experience. Kohler Mira has been leading digitisation in the bathroom for over ten years to enhance guest experience; providing increased usability, convenience and safety. Defined as ‘embedded intelligence’, the bathroom technology trend builds on communications and home security innovations. Technology also plays an important part in sustainability. Brassware which is operated automatically with sensors ensures that the water is only used as required. Equally, digital technology behind shower systems allows water flow to be controlled and run for set amounts of time. Invisible bathroom technology is fuelling our desire for creating a ‘sanctuary in the home’ and this is never more prevalent than in hotels.

Design vs function: How do you find a balance?

AA: The question of aesthetics versus clever functions is less relevant in 2009 – is it something one really still needs to compromise on? At Grohe, quality, design and technology form the DNA of a product. Our collections are designed not only to look beautiful but to function to perfection.

MR: This comes as second nature for us. With engineering excellence at its core, companies like Hansgrohe are renowned for quality and reliable performance, but through their co-operation with leading designers and architects like Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud and Patricia Urquiola they also produce trend-setting designs, some of which have become design classics. Products like the Axor Starck basin mixer can only become a best-seller and endure overtime if it embodies the perfect balance of design and function. It is possible to have both.

HT: Function is the primary consideration in any bathroom, but without design this is near impossible. The space needs to be designed in order for the bathroom to function, to create a relaxed and intuitive environment.

What challenges do sourcers and suppliers face?

GF: The main challenge in my opinion is to create ‘theatre’. Consumers are widely travelled and there is a requirement for ever greater experiences each time they venture away from home. Finding the correct mix of product, technology and design is vital in achieving this haven away from the stresses of normal day to day life. Hotels need to balance theatre with the requirements of a hotel environment – particularly in terms of product durability, ease of care, and maintenance to ensure that the bathroom looks pristine for every guest.

With sustainability remaining a key concern in the hotel industry, how have you changed to be more eco-friendly?

AA: Climate change is leading to massive fluctuations in the UK’s weather patterns. Over the last few years the UK has seen the worst floods and droughts for a century and ironically both these events have lead to water shortages. With this in mind as well as the sharp rise in energy and water rates, the trend for water saving solutions has increased as project developers have become more aware of the situation. Grohe is dedicated to using its advanced technology, first class materials and design innovation to ensure water is used efficiently – this directly equates to reduced water consumption and products that really do last a lifetime.

GF: Kohler Mira has placed great emphasis on sustainability over the past 12 months to ensure that we are looking at the whole environmental picture. We have a full five year new product development plan which includes many initiatives aimed at improving water efficiency and a range of products specifically designed to help reduce the amount of water we use on a daily basis.

MR: For hotels truly committed to creating an eco-friendly property that will use significantly less natural resources and over time also save money – the Pontos AquaCycle from Hansgrohe is the ideal investment. The AquaCycle is an innovative indoor water recycling system that takes water from the shower, bath and sink, and recycles it for use flushing toilets and bidets, cleaning, laundry and watering the hotel grounds. There are various hotel examples who are successfully using this system including the Casa Camper Hotel in Barcelona, and the soon to open Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall.