Home Designer and Architect - April 2023

Travis Perkins Commercial Supplier of the Year

CT1 IS THE AWARDWINNING CHOICE!

C-TEC is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious ‘Commercial Supplier of the Year’ by Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry. C-TEC is the manufacturer and distributor of CT1, officially the No.1 Sealant and Adhesive in Britain, as voted by professional trades in a national independent survey by Expert Trades.

The award was presented at a ceremony held on Wednesday 8th February 2023 and attended by hundreds of industry peers from across the country.

CT1 Creates Successful Commercial Partnerships

Working in collaboration with our commercial partners CT1 creates strong bonds and seal long term strategic alliances. Together we bring Britain’s trades the very best sealant and adhesive solutions in the construction industry.

In partnership CT1 and Travis Perkins supports trades people nationwide in every sector of the industry including roofing

contractors, joiners, window suppliers, kitchen fitters, bathroom installers, as well as specialist fit out and building companies. The construction industry is the driving force of our country and both companies recognise good trades people are the central to that.

CT1 is Proudly Made in Britain

Proudly made in Britain with British technology and British design CT1’s ‘Tribrid®’ technology provides unique adhesion and long-term sealant solutions on virtually any material in most applications without the need for additional fixings.

Travis Perkins Award Recognises CT1’s Innovative Products and Service

In an extremely competitive category, this award recognises the work and dedication of CT1’s entire team in not only supplying the best products but standing out the field of customer service to support Travis Perkin’s branch managers and staff in over 500 outlets nationwide.

Received by C-TEC CEO Jimmy Walsh he commented: “We are honoured to receive Travis Perkins’ ‘Commercial Supplier of the Year’. It proves that only do we have innovative, unequalled products we also provide an unparalleled package of sales and marketing support to our partners that helps ensure they’re at the forefront of new product innovations in Britain’s construction industry.”

“We are proud to work with fellow industry leaders like Travis Perkins and look forward to building on our joint successes and developing future opportunities as our partnership strengthens.”

CT1 Leads the Drive for Long Terms Sustainable Solutions

CT1’s Award-Winning success is built on innovation and continuous improvement. Leaders in research and development, the company was the first to bring a Hybrid Polymer to market 20 years ago and has proudly introduced the revolutionary and environmentally complaint Tribrid® sealant and adhesive technology with explosive results.

CT1 is leading the market once more with the introduction of its new Eco-Compliant Cartridges. This game changing packaging technology is manufactured from 80% recycled content and is totally 100% recyclable.

Creating long term sustainable solutions is at the very core of our products, service and relationships. We don’t simply have customers or suppliers, we build partnerships, growing together for long term mutual benefits. There is no greater benefit than a better environment for everyone.

Not only does CT1 replace several different products into just one cartridge, saving time and money, it now reduces the impact on the environment by cutting the amount of non-recycled waste being sent to landfill.

‘Hang in There’ Stronger Together

As Travis Perkins is such a strong commercial partner there was no better place than Travis Perkins Supplier Conference to launch our innovate new challenge of strength and endurance.

Following the success of our hugely popular ‘Saw in the Stone’ Challenge we launched the all new ‘Hang in There’ Challenge for 2023. To take part watch out for it arriving at Travis Perkin’s Suppler Demonstration days nationwide. To win an amazing set of Milwaukee Tools and CT1 Products all you have to do is ‘Hang in There’ longer than your workmates and industry peers.

We will be noting all leading times and inviting winners to a Grand Final at The Installer Show in the NEC Birmingham on 27-29th June 2023.

Supplying Britain Trades

CT1’s Unique Sealant and Construction Adhesive, in its new Eco-Complaint cartridges, are available now in all Travis Perkins branches nationwide and online from www.travisperkins.co.uk

CT1 – Often Copied but Never Equalled!

We Innovate – Not Imitate! www.ct1.com

ECLISSE Pocket Door Systems

Despite the pandemic, house prices grew steadily over the last few years. Yet as inflation surged to a 41 year high of 11% in late 2022, and The Bank of England base rate followed suit to reach 4.5% by March 2023, house prices have fallen. Higher inflation tends to result in slower house price growth and it can make it harder to secure a mortgage. Average house prices currently sit at £296,000, which is less than this time last year.

The Cost of Floorspace

The cost per square meter of floorspace across the country varies wildly. In 2020 Which? reported that the North East of England offered the most affordable prices at £1,568 per square meter. The East of England was the third most expensive at £3,435 per m2, whilst the South East was over £4,000 per m2 and Greater London was the most expensive at £6,219 per m2. Since then, prices have increased with latest estimates suggesting that average prices across London are £7,000 per m2

In the most affluent boroughs of London such as Kensington and Chelsea where average house prices top £1.4m, just one square meter of floorspace is worth an eye-watering £28,500. Even in Camden (with average house prices of around £800,000) it is £16,000 per m2. To make things worse in London, the comparatively small abodes offer an average internal space of just 93m2 – which means that space really is at a premium not only in terms of cost but also availability.

How Pocket Doors Work

Pocket doors slide into a cavity, or pocket in the wall. The door panel is top-hung from a track that allows the door to slide from side to side.

ECLISSE systems are made from galvanised steel and aluminium. They have been comprehensively tested for reliability and robustness making them suitable for use anywhere in the home including the bathroom.

ECLISSE offer pocket systems to suit 10 standard UK door sizes, the three standard Irish standard door sizes, plus bespoke sizes. They can be used with your choice of timber doors as well as with a wide range of fully tempered frameless glass doors, to add a touch of elegance.

Inventive Ways to Create Space and Make Better Use of Available Space

ECLISSE pocket door systems are an excellent way to create more usable space that would otherwise be taken up by the arc of the door, as well as the wall space behind. As well as enhancing the flow of the property

this freeing up of otherwise unusable space also offers opportunities for freestanding shelving or artwork. Without a door encroaching into the room, you will also be able to move furniture closer to the edges – creating more usable space in the centre which will make the room feel more spacious.

The functional nature, but creative designs, of pocket doors also makes them an excellent choice for smaller rooms such as utility rooms, ensuites or washrooms –for which you might also choose a glazed door to allow in extra light and add a touch of elegance. Additionally, anyone that works from home might consider using a pocket door to partition off a workstation or home office allowing them to create a sense of division between workspace and personal space.

Telescopic pocket doors, can be used for wider openings, and are a great way to make more inventive use of open plan space allowing areas to be divided off when required such as between a lounge and a dining room, or to partition off a room when guests are in the home allowing for personal space.

Pocket Doors Offer a Fantastic Return on Investment

Apartments and luxury flats can be very restricted in size making it vital that every square meter is utilised to its maximum potential. By installing pocket doors instead of traditional hinged doors 8% of usable space can be gained in a 100m2 layout. In Kensington and Chelsea that equates to a whopping £228,000, whilst even in North East England where property prices are cheapest it still adds up to a very bankable £12,544 – a fantastic return on the comparatively small investment of installing pocket doors.

To find out how you can make the most of your space and add refinement by using ECLISSE pocket door systems, plus how to correctly size and install them, call now to speak to one of our friendly product experts in our UK-based Customer Service Team.

0333 5770828

info@eclisse.co.uk

www.eclisse.co.uk

STERLINGOSB ZERO FOR INDUSTRIAL CHIC IN COMPACT PARIS

LOFT APARTMENT

As one of the most popular as well as romantic cities in the world, Paris boasts premium properties where consultants and clients strive to optimise the space available. An inspiring example is the “Under the Roof” project where a tired old garret has been given a new lease of life with SterlingOSB Zero from the West Fraser range.

As featured in the January edition of Grand Designs Magazine, the apartment’s compact kitchen has cupboards at wall and floor level utilising the OSB’s distinctive surface structure, exposed as part of the refurbishment’s minimalist styling.  The rugged OSB is also used for flooring and some pieces of furniture around the home, with its natural form very much to the fore in a manner which would have been approved by the great Romanian sculptor.

The project was designed by Florent Chagny Architecture for the new owner, who wanted to reimagine and upgrade the 50sqm

space which is on the top floor of an 1830s wooden building in Paris’s 5th arrondissement.

Responding to the client’s brief, the designers decided to primarily utilise two “raw industrial” materials: steel and OSB.  Key changes included the removal of some old partitions and a 1990’s spiral staircase, while the installation of contemporary rooflights and a steel framed glass screen above the lounge space introduced much needed natural light.

Florent Chagny commented, “The client wanted to give a new identity to the apartment he had just purchased and is delighted to live in a

new, contemporary stylish space with a high ceiling and much more light; important in the centre of large cities like Paris.”

Commenting on the choice of OSB as a primary material, he added: “The idea was to highlight the functionality and form of the materials

used.  By choosing an industrial wood - a raw material usually meant to be hidden - we were also seeking to express all of the small details we had created.  Architecture makes sense when design explores the different scales, and, in a way, we are paying tribute to the manufacturer’s creativity. Significantly, OSB is quite warm and it complements steel.”

As part of a comprehensive, overall carbon negative product range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G presents specifiers with precision-engineered tongue and groove boards which are typically specified for pitched or flat roof decking and timber frame

construction, as well as for flooring and other applications.

Also from an environmental viewpoint, the ‘Zero’ in the name means no formaldehyde is added during its manufacture, which is a first in the UK, encouraging its specification on improved health and safety grounds.

Available in thicknesses of 18 and 22mm, the boards are produced in 2400 x 1200mm and 2440 x 1220mm sizes with T&G joints on two edges, as well as an 18mm thick version with T&G profiles around all four edges and face dimensions of 2400mm or 2440mm by 625mm. They are strong enough for use in most load-bearing applications, while BBA certification and recognition by both NHBC Technical and Zurich Municipal are key assurances for housebuilding applications.  SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark, a quality certification which provides a benchmark for manufacturers and offers confidence to designers and end-users across the UK.

To find out more about West Fraser’s support for architects and to access useful downloads visit the architects’ page at uk.westfraser.com

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

SNUG FIT

Planning a new look for your home? It seems anything goes these days - the trend is for individual style. With many of us spending more time at home, householders are increasingly design savvy in creating a personal style to reflect their lifestyles.

“An impactful way is to be inspired, be adventurous – be you,“ says Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, a pioneer of bespoke steel frame window manufacture for almost 180 years.

Creating a cosy snug room is a great way to show individuality and very in vogue. Think home comforts. Dimmable ‘focus’ lighting; natural shades, rugs, soft sofa, Smart TV, play area or a games section, maybe a book corner for you and the kids. Add a striking colour scheme, plants, prints, patterns and textures with cushions, rugs and throws and you’ve cracked it.

As is sharing natural light throughout your home.

While the nature of a snug is to make it comfy, clever use of glazing via internal steel screens, doors and windows - made to order to your personal needs - ensure light is let in throughout the home and they look stylish, without compromising warmth and cosiness.

For example, matching combinations of Crittall’s minimal profile windows and Innervision internal glazed steel screens with sliding or hinged doors are bespoke and designed for modern living, providing a light and airy sense of space. Their elegance and clean lines, subtle detailing and excellent technical properties can transform your home’s look. They make a snug room - although small by its natureseem bigger, with the added benefit of keeping down your heating bills by using a smaller area.

They also offer open plan living and spaces with a different dimension, so you can easily move about the home, while partitioning areas create contemporary ‘zones’ for relaxing, socialising, eating, exercising or working – creating a flow throughout, without compromising light or space.

Russell Ager continues: “Using natural light to define a space is a key element within a home’s design and has a positive impact on our daily lives and well-being. Steel framed internal screens and windows allow large expanses of glass with elegantly slender frames and the slimmest of profiles.

“They admit much more light, creating a light, airy feel for any room sharing light across spaces, while reliance on artificial light is reduced.

“Advanced glazing options mean tailor-made steel framed screens maximise natural illumination without compromising your space. Cosy for comfort in the cooler weather, enhanced acoustic properties keep noise at bay.

“Slim profile steel windows, partitions and doors give an on-trend retro-look with a contemporary twist. A stunning steel-framed glazed screen will form a lightfilled area, be it a snug, home office, study, converted playroom, your bedroom or kitchen, brightening up a dark Victorian hallway or in a garden annex.

“Steel screens and windows are enjoying a big resurgence in popularity. They are beautiful, unique products, ideally suited for any style, whether it be a period home or a modern property seeking an industrial look, offering you the freedom to create a unique design.

“Crittall products are Polyester powder-coated too for minimal maintenance, and there’s a vast palette from which to select a colour to suit your chosen décor or theme. Adding that savvy splash of colour will ensure an even bigger wow factor.”

Mr Ager advises: “It’s not worth spoiling the look for the sake of a cheap installation. Ensure you install the brand it says it is - the original, genuine, make. As a top brand in the marketplace and the original steel window company, Crittall steel windows, doors and screens are expertly hand-crafted by artisans and built to last. Uniquely British made – they are often imitated but never matched.”

Crittall’s InnerVision range of glazed internal fixed screens and single or double leaf hinged doors are available for fire rated application. Providing peace of mind, they can save lives, prevent injury, protect against fire spreading by containing it, and the smoke and toxic gases emitted. The steel-framed system (InnerVisionFR) is compliant with BS476 Part 22 providing 30 minutes (FD30) integrity fire resistance.

More Crittall Windows info

Visit

Image courtesy: Lightfoot Windows (Kent)

Individual style is in and creating a snug room is a great way to show it – says Crittall Windows.

Promotion for Keylite’s John Logue

Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), part of The Keystone Group, has promoted longstanding Area Sales Manager John Logue to Business Manager (Flat Roof Systems) for the UK and Ireland.

John has been with Keylite for six years, building up customer relationships as an ASM covering Scotland, Cumbria and Lancashire. In 2019, John was made Sales & Specification Manager for these areas, and more recently, he was promoted to undertake the role of Business Manager (Flat Roof Systems) nationwide.

As part of his new remit, John has responsibility for developing Keylite’s range of Flat Roof Systems across all markets, providing support for architects, housebuilders, national contractors and roofing contractors on a daily basis.

John commented: “No day has been the same since I started my new role. From liaising with internal and external teams and helping support product development, to exploring current trends and visiting customers, I relish the variety.

“Anyone who knows me knows I am incredibly passionate about the Keylite brand and making tailored recommendations on the superb range of products that we offer, whether it’s providing technical advice for healthcare and education settings, or legislation guidance for high rise apartment buildings.

“I feel very fortune to be part of a business like Keylite; the management team has helped me carve out this new role and develop it into what I think it should be. I’m very much looking forward to continuing to grow awareness of our Flat Roof Systems and work alongside Keylite’s experienced teams to support customers with their projects.”

Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director, added: “I am delighted that John will take on the role of Business Manager for Flat Roof Systems. John’s wealth of knowledge and ability to build strong relationships with his customers and colleagues has been a driving force behind his fantastic progression at Keylite. I look forward to supporting John in his new role and working with him to strengthen our offering of Flat Roof Systems to customers.”

For more information on Keylite Roof Windows and its expansive product range, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, download the product brochure https://bit.ly/3mwfE6j, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.

Need a complete roof system?

We’ve got you covered.

KEYLITE FRAMES THE VIEW AT LUXURY HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Nestled within the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park is the five-star luxury self-catering holiday accommodation, Brecon Retreat. What was once an old barn, then a bunkhouse, is now three stunning properties featuring twenty Keylite roof windows that frame the stunning Welsh countryside.

Business and property owner, Helen Howarth set out with the aim of creating a holiday environment that would encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in nature and relaxation, embodying the values of Green Tourism every step of the way.

Helen comments: “The views from the barns are really spectacular, so we incorporated the Keylite roof windows to frame the view perfectly in every room. I really wanted my guests to be able to look out at their surroundings from the comfort of their bed – at one point I was even measuring out the imaginary bed, so I knew exactly where to position the roof windows and furniture!”

Brecon Retreat has been awarded a gold award by Green Tourism - the largest sustainable certification programme of its kind. Not only for encouraging guests to spend time in the countryside local to the Retreat, but also down to the very foundation of the properties.

The three barns have achieved a carbon free footprint thanks to a biomass log boiler and ground source heat pumps, which, in turn, have also given the properties a great thermal value.

One of the main benefits of a Keylite roof window is its Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar – something that is unique to Keylite and comes as standard on all its roof windows. One of the biggest culprits for heat loss in roof windows is not double glazing like many believe but is what happens in the gap between the frame and the roof. This ensures minimal heat is lost through the roof windows and supports the properties’ thermal value, as well as not costing anything extra in time or money on additional materials.

Brecon Beacons National Park is a dark sky reserve, meaning it’s important for anyone in the surrounding area to keep light pollution to an absolute minimum. To aid this, Helen installed Keylite blackout blinds for each of the roof windows, which not only blocks light coming in and out of the building, but also help to reduce heat loss by at least 20% thanks to the thermal fabric used as standard on all Keylite’s blackout blinds.

Helen continues: “The blackout blinds are also fully electric, meaning my guests don’t even have to get up to open the blinds and look out onto the view – it all just plays into my vision of the place perfectly.

“It’s quite a contrast from when I first saw the property. Previously, the barns had been an old bunkhouse that slept up to 24 people. It was bright yellow with green/ teal windows that you couldn’t see out of due to the poor design. More concerning the bunkhouse did not have any means of fire escape either, through any windows on the first floor, an essential issue which had to be addressed.

“I carried out the architecture and interior design myself with a lot of help from local builder, Mathew Fergusson, who I have worked with before on my own house, which won an LABC Building Excellence Award! After 2 or 3 versions of the plans, Mathew and a team of local trades got started on the vision of turning the one property into three purpose-built luxury holiday homes.

“The entire building was taken back to just four walls and went through a complete re-design. Even the outside walls were sandblasted back to the original stone, which we were shocked to find had been plastered over and scored to look like brick. The builders cleaned, rebuilt and added to the outside of the property with dry stone walling which blends everything together beautifully.

“Both the builder, Mathew, and our local builders’ merchant, B Jenkins & Sons Ltd, highly recommended Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) for their reliability, most importantly the compliance for a statutory building Fire Escape Roof Window. These had to be top-hung and opening to a 45° angle, providing a safe escape route in an emergency situation.

“The three barn conversions, named The Old Shearing Shed, Nature’s Rest and Alpaca Lookout, sleep between 2 and 4 people and all boast two floors of open-plan luxury living spaces, a private heated garden spa room and hydrotherapy spa bath. Sat on a 25-acre site, guests can even sit back and watch the resident alpacas and sheep in the small holding just outside. All the accommodation is super dog friendly too, so no one gets left behind.”

For more information about Keylite Roof Windows, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.

MILAN-BASED ALTAI GALLERY’S LONDON DEBUT AT PAUL SMITH

Running until the 27th of March, the exhibition comprises 11 masterpieces that feature throughout the ground floor of the shop. Celebrating the value of craftmanship and techniques handed down for millennia, ALTAI presents a collection of rare early 20th Century pieces that tell a story of customs, culture and migration as well as help understand the everyday traditions of people who lived a way of life long forgotten and today disappeared.

The exhibition marks the gallery’s first collaboration with a British brand, and fully reflects the similarities between ALTAI and the fashion designer’s creative approaches, where colour plays a crucial role, and unusual combinations always create unexpected experiences.

Raffaele Carrieri, co-founder of ALTAI Gallery, comments: “The idea of showing a special selection of ALTAI pieces at his London store in Mayfair came to Paul during a visit to our gallery. We welcomed his proposition with great enthusiasm, knowing that the uniqueness of our rugs and tapestries would happily marry with

Milan-based

ALTAI Gallery, renowned for their collections of antique primitive nomadic textile art and contemporary wild silk rugs, has debuted in London with an exhibition at the Paul Smith flagship store in Mayfair, No. 9 Albemarle Street.

the unconventional spaces of one of the greatest fashion designers of our time.”

The pieces on display include Filikli rugs, featuring knotted angora wool on the weft and balanced flat weave on the warp, true examples of primitive textile art; Cirpi rugs, Anatolian flat fabrics included in the broad category of Kilims (woven rugs that are not knoPed), that are made up of at least three narrow juxtaposed monochrome strips of fabric, joined together with evident seams and often featuring small embroidery details or totemic inserts, testimony to the ancient origins of these cultures; Kircil Kilims, rugs that come from a micro-region of Southeast Anatolia, near the border with Syria, and were used for the desiccation of fruits and cereals; Zakatala, long-haired rugs

woven predominantly in Eastern Anatolia and Caucasus, that were used as sleeping mats, both during the colder months, when the hairy side was preferred, and during the hotter months, when the rugs were turned over.

ALTAI’s founders are passionate about preserving nomadic textiles, rugs, and wall hangings, and focus their attention on the connection between these ancient pieces and the beginning of the avant-garde movement in the 20th Century.

The exhibition runs until 27 March 2023

Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BL

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11am –6,30pm / Sun 12-6pm

DESIGN HUB PREPARES FOR CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK

Visit

100 St

John

Street,

London,

during Clerkenwell Design

Week from May 23 to 25 to see the latest bathroom and kitchen launches from RAK Ceramics.

On display at the Design Hub are new ranges of surfaces, brassware and sanitaryware, all designed to create luxurious yet highly practical modern living spaces.

One of the striking bathroom displays at the Hub showcases the RAK Ceramics Designer Collection by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Valet. This is a range composed of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes –that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, elongated lines for the toilet bowls.

For the kitchen there is CookingRAK - a one-of-a-kind hidden induction cooking system, creating a stylish impression and professional results.

Designed to create a multi-functional kitchen space ideal for daily use, the system is integrated into the countertop, opening possibilities for users to prepare, cook and dine in the same space; a seamlessly designed kitchen top made for dining and entertaining. The technology combines the high-performance of RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs, with an innovative induction system that operates through a magnetic field. Porcelain has always been the ideal choice for kitchen countertops as they are made of a durable material resistant to heat, stain, and scratch. They are also resistant to moisture and do not easily stain, making them easier to clean.

CookingRAK is exclusively produced with RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs in 14.5mm thickness and 135.5x305 cm size. The slabs can withstand high temperatures and with a surface hardness that resists scratching and staining. They are also an ideal material for kitchen countertops as they are very hygienic, food-safe, and less likely to harbour moulds and bacteria. To conveniently locate the cooking zones on the countertop, the RAK Ceramics slabs can be customised to add special markings in six modifications that will suit any kitchen style.

Staying with surfaces, visitors to the Design Hub can also view the stunning Metamorfosi collection, a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior. Metamorfosi is a largeformat surface, available in two sizes - 120x260cm and 120x120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior

design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from.

An important destination on the Clerkenwell Design Week tour, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub at 100 St John Street, Clerkenwell is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors. The space gives visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the possibilities of choosing RAK Ceramics for their projects.

Designed to be an interactive and immersive environment to inspire creativity, the Design Hub includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. New product launches are given their debut at the Design Hub, the company’s Mega Slab Maximus surfaces are highlighted, along with inspiring bathroom displays. The Design Hub also hosts seminars and events throughout the year and offers meeting spaces for designers and architects.

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK 01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

ABODE REVEAL 5 KEY TRENDS SHAPING THE UK WASH-ZONE

material and hygiene properties, these materials are lending themselves to lifestyle-friendly wash zones, able to withstand the pressures of a modern-day kitchen.

Extremely durable, granite sinks are on the rise due to being a low maintenance option which is heat, stain and scratch resistant. Naturally providing an anti-bacterial surface for enhanced hygiene, granite sinks are available in a huge range of colours, sizes and styles with 2023 embracing darker shades of black and grey, and either undermounted or inset installation for a flush finish.

1. Style

The kitchen revels in three style trends this year with Scandinavian design, new traditional, and a confident use of colour coming out on top.

Gaining popularity in the early 20th century, the latest Scandi interiors are exploring softer, natural design elements which promote a balanced aesthetic and greater sense of wellbeing. By definition, the 2023 Scandi kitchen is founded on toptier originality such as taps with real beech wood handles, subtle painted finishes, and engineered sinks with clean, minimalist lines.

The new traditional trend is focussing on a decorative presentation of quality raw materials with straight knurled hardware becoming the next big thing in taps. Defining lever handles, spout collars and even door fronts, quality metals carefully etched with straight lines are now giving the traditional kitchen access to this popular technique, which last year saw the diamond-cut pattern represented heavily in the industrial kitchen.

Colour continues to be guided by nature, with this year’s palette welcoming a confident use of accent colours across the finishing touches in 2023. Stand out colours in subtle shades of pink-red and calming grey-putty hues will emerge this year and introduce new life to the kitchen mixer tap.

2. Sinks

The latest sinks are now being specified in a range of contemporary materials with ceramic and granite proving popular in 2023. Thanks to the sheer variety, strength in

Ceramic is answering demand in the classic kitchen with a new twist being a modern-day splash of colour in 2023. The much-loved butler sink is now equally at home in industrial-inspired kitchens. as well as more traditional farmhouse schemes offering a generous depth for soaking pans and bakeware. This year, two-bowl options remain a luxurious choice and premium manufacturers also offering one and half bowl models will be an increasingly popular way to give you a dedicated wet zone for food prep or handwashing to support hygiene.

3. Hot water taps

Experiencing huge levels of market growth, controllable 75-98º instant filtered steaming hot and cold water is now considered in 40% of all new kitchen installations with 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 models coming to the fore and demonstrating a huge range of features, benefits and styles. For example. unique switching technology delivers an extra layer of safety with key fob-style controls which must be in place to activitate hot water boilers. These magnetic

This month, Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode reveals 5 Key Kitchen Trends helping to the shape the UK wash-zone.

Pronteau Prothia 3 IN 1 Monobloc Swan Matt Black Steaming Hot Water Tap

Pronteau Industria 3 IN 1 Monobloc Matt Black & Antique Brass Steaming Hot Water Tap

devices are just one example of how the 2023 kitchen will be embracing beautifully designed brassware to fully support multi-generational households, the fastest-growing family type in the UK.

The ‘one size fits all’ chrome hot water tap is now a thing of the past as the increasing desire for customisation in the 2023 home means this must-have item is available in contemporary, traditional and on-trend industrial style designs. In fact, 2023 will definitely be the year of the hot tap as the market is extending its offer to include exciting new combinations of classic and cutting-edge designs in a range of atypical, combination finishes.

4. Workflow

Managing workflow at the sink to optimise efficient food prep will be a big part of the work zone this year, so look out for integrated accessories such as chopping boards, colanders, and flex racks so that the essential food prep tool kit is designed to fit the sink perfectly for a much better user experience. Larger style formats have become a popular choice in high utility kitchens, providing ample space to wash

generous sized pots and roasting pans, rinse fruit and vegetables, and help with essential food prep and deep cleaning. This trend will include a fresh look at pull-out taps and hand sprays which will add more convenience when rinsing and cleaning.

5. Sustainability

There’s no doubt that sustainability by design will be the beating heart of the 2023 kitchen as premium products go to the next level to play a key role in the face of inflation, higher utility bills and the global climate crisis. Hero products will include flow limited filtered water taps to enhance family health and wellness while reducing the consumption of bottled water and helping more households to go plastic-free.

Manufacturers are upping their game by creating and promoting initiatives for disposable products such as recyclable water filters to make it as convenient as possible for us all to reuse and recycle single use items. As public demand for more information about how environmentally friendly kitchen components are, 2023 will see more businesses openly discussing how they operate to deliver the best for their staff, customers and the planet. For further info, please contact Abode: call 01226 283 434, email info@abodedesigns.co.uk, visit www.abodedesigns.co.uk, www.pronteau.co.uk and www.proboil.co.uk

Pronteau HotKey® Project 4 IN 1 Monobloc Brushed Brass Steaming Hot Water Tap

Pronteau ProTrad 4 IN 1 Monobloc Antique Brass Steaming Hot Water Tap

System Sync Stainless Steel Sink & Pronteau Industria 3 IN 1 Brushed Nickel

ELICA TO BRING SHOW TRAILER AND BRAND-NEW APPLIANCES TO THE HEART OF CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK

Elica, the marketing-leading Italian designer of cooker hoods and extractor hobs, will be bringing its show trailer and a number of brand-new appliances across Europe to Brewhouse Yard in the heart of the action at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week.

The show trailer will be the first opportunity for UK designers, kitchen studios and interior designers to see LHOV, a brand-new product that integrates hob, hood and a revolutionary extractor oven in a single appliance.  The design of LHOV will complement and enhance modern kitchen design, whilst providing extraction that removes vapours and odours not only from the hob but from the oven as well. The extraction system has been discreetly hidden, while the oven is positioned under the hob at the perfect height for ergonomic use.

Among other highlights will be:

NikolaTesla Unplugged  the latest extractor hob which brings together the elegance of the hugely successful NikolaTesla Switch and the benefits of analogue control. NikolaTesla Unplugged is controlled through fixed clickrelease knobs with analogue touch and feel which provide instantaneous and intuitive access to all its features.  All elements are incorporated into a boldlined appearance, developed to intelligently separate the cooking zone from the control area

The new range of  VIRTUS  ovens and  RATIO  hobs which fuse high performance and Elica’s uniquely elegant design language.

Veritas - Elica’s brand new built-in wine coolers

The Elica show trailer will also display many more of the iconic NikolaTesla extractor hobs and of course a selection from Elica’s huge range of discrete ceiling, ultra slim wall-mounted and minimalist built-in cooker hoods able to satisfy the requirements of every plan and style of home.

COSENTINO GROUP PRESENT A

ONE-OF-A-KIND COLLECTION

Cosentino Group, a global leader in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, presents their new immersive collection Dekton® Onirika.

Onirika is the latest collection from Cosentino Group’s leading innovative ultracompact brand Dekton®, which has been designed alongside international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, creating a one-of-a-kind surfacing collection.

Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring and luxe colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus, which embody sustainability, forwardthinking innovations, and timeless elegance. Onirika represents a powerful journey where boundaries between dreams and reality become blurred.

Onrika Neural combines elegance and structure to bring an overall feeling of wellbeing into a space. With fine, pale veins crossing the marbled pattern, the design creates an eye-catching neural network. It is best suited for bright, neutral spaces with soft textures, light colours, and wooden or metallic accents.

Onirika Lucid displays many shades, reflections, and glints of colour to become an illuminative surface best combined with wood, grey and gold shades, and frosted glass. Onirika Morpheus features the same tonality as Lucid, but in Dekton®’s unique Velvet Texture finish.

Onirika Awake is a re-interpretation of the precious Paonazzo stone. It features thick veins of light greys, exquisite oxide terracotta, and a hint of subtle, inky blues. This iteration pairs beautifully with white, neutral tones, lightwood, and golds of any shade.

Onirika Trance features warm fine streaks that move between oxides and fade to reddish gold, combining perfectly with reddish oak wood and darker walnut tones. Blue furniture and warm golds bring sleekness to this vibrant colour.

Onirika Somnia boasts captivating details of warm oxide browns and whites that merge under a grid of thin lines. It is perfect teamed with warm dark woods, frosted glass and textured metal

Onirika Vigil recreates the popular Calacatta structure but with thick veins in gradients of light and dark greys, matched with a subtle touch of gold. This is a classic colour that is easy to combine with warm and cold hues, wood, metal and clean concrete. Onirika Daze features the same tonality as Vigil, but in Dekton®’s unique Velvet Texture finish.

Nina Magon said of the creation of Dekton® Onirika, “When working with the product development team, we realised we’re not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With Dekton technology, we are able to create our own colours and structures,

bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. The purpose of Onirika is to showcase the versatility of Dekton. We want all designers, architects, and people around the world to see that the product is not only a book matched worktop with a waterfall, but can also be used on walls, ceilings, facades, outdoor spaces, and more.”

Carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton®, covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, from the extraction of the raw material and the calculation of the direct and indirect emissions from its production cycle, and those derived from its use, to the end of the product’s life. Thanks to its unmatched hardness, strength and durability, Dekton® is perfect for use in both outdoor and indoor applications, such as façades, floors, wall and furniture cladding, kitchen and bathroom worktops, shower trays and washbasins. Available in various thicknesses and large format slabs, Dekton® is the perfect solution for any project.

www.cosentino.com/dekton