This month’s product news highlights SBID Accredited suppliers working to improve the negative impact of our interior environments, with the latest sustainable products and innovations in interior design. From circular production models in sanitaryware and new recycled materials for upholstery, to smart technology in the bathroom and ecological, air purifying paints.
Graphenstone’s Spring Update highlights its collection of air purifying paints
Many people’s homes will emerge from the pandemic transformed – and now you can actively clean your air with one of the world’s most certified eco paints. Three full 15 litre pots of Graphenstone’s Cradle to Cradle Gold Standard lime paint, Ecosphere Premium will absorb as much CO2 as a tree (as well as Nitrogen Oxide and Sulpher Dioxide).
Plastic free, toxin free and fully sustainable these unique paints incorporate Graphene technology to make it super strong and longer-lasting, whilst being fully breathable. This allows moisture to flow through the paint surface, which helps to reduce condensation, mould and mildew, creating a much healthier indoor environment. Graphenstone paints are now available in a range of sizes, over 1000 colours and varieties for all areas and surfaces in both interior and exterior projects.
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Aiming for a world without waste – GROHE launches Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products
To tackle resource overconsumption and waste in the bathroom sector, the global brand is taking the step away from a linear model, towards circular value creation (the economic model of the future) by launching four best-selling products as Gold-level, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified ®. After switching to CO2-neutral production, with targets to replace all plastic components in product packaging, GROHE is reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable transformation. In contrast to a linear model, the C2C concept enables GROHE to drastically reduce the use of new resources: a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products. Cradle to Cradle Certified ® products have thus been assessed for use of environmentally safe, healthy, and recyclable materials.
“There is a massive opportunity for innovation in the building sector, since it accounts for more than 50% of the worldwide material consumption”, said Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, who developed the C2C design concept together with William McDonough. “GROHE plays an important role in setting a precedent that circularity in the sanitary industry is indeed possible.”
Linwood introduces more sustainable fabrics with its range of recycled materials
Using offcuts from the fashion industry – Verde is Linwood’s new eco-friendly plain cotton collection woven with 80% recycled cotton – an exciting addition to their sustainable fabric offering. Sales Director, Warrick Gloyn says: “We are striving to produce fabrics that last, feel good and that don’t harm the earth. This is our first launch for 2021, but we are working on a new generation of recycled fabrics.”
The chemical-free cotton fabric is double brushed and comes in a comprehensive palette of 46 colours from off whites and classic neutrals to fresh pinks and blues. The durable fabric is ideal for curtains, loose covers and upholstery, and is easy to maintain. This range sits alongside the Lana wool collection made using 85% recycled yarns, as well as a leather upholstery range, Saddle II using off cuts from shoes and bags which are usually sent to landfill.
Roca transforms bathroom experiences with innovative Smart Shower technology
Roca developed a Smart Shower to revolutionise daily shower routines. The innovative shower uses smart technology to provide unique showering experiences with customisable settings and ease of use, the Smart Shower is a beneficial addition to any bathroom design. The intelligent control has a sleek, simple interface and allows up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings. They can set shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on individual needs. The interface features a colour LCD display and touch sensitive controls with soft turn dials to ensure it is extremely easy to use and control.
One of the smart benefits to the digital shower is that it can be controlled via an app. The app helps with energy and water saving, enabling users to monitor water and energy consumption to run their shower more efficiently. “It may seem like a luxury, but the Smart Shower is not just for convenience,” comments David Bromell Head of Marketing at Roca. “In addition to providing a luxe showering experience, the intuitive system will actively work to reduce water wastage, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for the bathroom.”
Sensa by Cosentino® introduces 5 new colours to its’ natural stone collection
A global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, launches five new colours for its innovative range of protected natural stone, Sensa by Cosentino®: Siberia, Platino, Vancouver, Silver Grey and Graphite Grey. These new designs in quartzite and granite have been carefully selected for both composition and resistance to stains. “With this launch, we intend to respond to market demands by adding to our portfolio soft colours and tones, different matte finishes and, above all, exclusive and distinctive materials”, says Francisco Guzmán Gutiérrez Martos, Product Manager of Sensa by Cosentino®.
The Cosentino Group collaborate with the Environmental Association, Sustenta to consolidate its vision as a climate leader through measures and transformative projects to achieve a more sustainable economic model. This commitment translated into improving waste recovery rates, the reduction of emissions and energy efficiency.
Not only natural, but supernatural: Martini Interiors introduces Essenza Supernatural
The latest addition to the Essenza collection, luxury design-oriented kitchen program by Martini Interiors, Essenza Supernatural is a kitchen composition that lays its foundations in innovation, technology and sustainability.
With the high quality of ‘Made in Italy’ craftmanship, the use of precious materials and numerous customisation possibilities always present in the brand’s DNA, Essenza Supernatural goes beyond its own limits, creating a product in which cutting-edge composition, technological and decorative solutions and attention to sustainability are the absolute masters.
In short, not only natural, but supernatural: the scheme utilises environmentally-friendly materials and innovative finishes in every detail; derived from certified forests and treated with finishes that enhance the natural grain of the wood, whilst remaining natural and non-toxic.
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Leading global kitchen and bathroom supplier GROHE has reported unprecedented demand for hygienic touchless taps in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. At a time when the pandemic has pushed the everyday necessity of hand washing into the spotlight, it would seem finding solutions to optimise hygiene in both the workplace and at home is spurring the demand.
Leading figures within the design community are also considering how hygiene will come to the fore in the interior spaces of the future. Coen van Oostrom, Founder and CEO of EDGE, a company that specialises in developing a new generation of buildings that focus on the health of people and the planet, predicts that new health measures will play a key role in a new generation of workplaces. “Together with sustainability, health will define the way we build and design homes, offices and places where people meet. Touchless products and speech-driven technology will play a key role in making healthy and safe offices. Consumers will want to minimise contact to surfaces as much as possible”.
Having specified the healthcare, hospitality and commercial sector for many years, where hygiene-optimised products are already far more commonplace, GROHE is braced for the vast changes ready to hit the mass marketplace. “With our wide range of touchless and hands-free products, we at GROHE have the right response to the increased need of hygiene in sensitive areas such as kitchens and bathrooms”, says Jonas Brennwald, CEO LIXIL Water Technology EMENA, Deputy CEO Grohe AG. “Currently, we can say that we are already experiencing a higher demand for our hygiene enhancing products – from both our private and business customers.”
In the UK market, the transition to a more hygiene-focused workplace and business environment has already been in motion since the beginning of the year. Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Category Manager at GROHE UK says: “Feedback from the commercial market in the last three months tells us that hygiene is top of the agenda for specification, with a large proportion of projects specifying more hygiene-focused products such as infra-red taps , infra-red flush plates, and shower toilets. In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in customers purchasing infra-red taps as a result. Likewise, in the kitchen, several of our tap designs which use advanced technologies to minimise physical interaction with the handle of the tap itself such as our SmartControl kitchen mixer and Zedra Touch range have also seen an increased interest. When the industry returns to a sense of normality, we expect the increasing scrutiny of hygiene in the workplace and public buildings to continue. This pandemic has encouraged all of us in some way to rethink our hygiene practises and consider new lengths to protecting ourselves and those around us.”
Why an infra-red touchless tap is more hygienic
In recent years, the property market has seen a shift to include more alternative housing settings such as grandparents living with their children and families, or groups of young professionals co-habiting together. This is when infra-red technology first began to be demanded in the residential sector and its benefits have continued to strengthen demand ever since. Infra-red taps require minimal, if any, human contact with the tap itself unlike standard taps where germs from unclean hands could linger on tap handles, unless continual thorough cleaning was carried out after each use. The GROHE Bau Cosmo E, a strong robust design made using composite polymer, uses motion sensors to detect movement, which then activates the water flow. A mixing valve on the side of the spout can be used to adjust the temperature if required and a temperature limiter can also be installed if desired. Once the user removes their hands from the basin, the sensors will detect this and stop the water flow.
About the Author
SBID Accredited Industry Partner, GROHE is a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, with every product based on the brand values of quality, technology, design and sustainability.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
This week SBID interviewed Michael Seum, VP Design at GROHE to discover more about his journey through the interior design industry; from a vision for architecture to finding his calling in product design. Michael gives us the inside scoop on his role as VP Design, the importance of motivation, and even shares his secret for inspiring and maintaining creativity!
Can you describe your current job?
As VP Design for GROHE, my job is to connect creativity with commercial for the company and be the creative horsepower and the biggest advocate of Grohe’s excellent design team. It’s my job to lead a team that focuses not just on consumer needs, but consumers’ desires and we put a lot of passion and emotion in our work.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
My background is in industrial design and I started my career with the intention of going into architecture. As a child I was always very curious and a creative nature which I was fortunate enough to have fostered by my parents. However, I have always felt an affinity for space and experience and it was actually this that brought me to product design. I have always been interested in the relation of people to an object or an experience, just like an interior designer does; in this role, I am bringing products that work within the interior space wherever there is a water experience.
Describe an average day in your job role..
Whilst there is no such thing as a truly ‘average’ day in my role, an ideal day would begin with breakfast with my children at home at 7am. I then head to the office at 8.30am where I have a cup of coffee. I’ll check my to do list and walk through the office to see my team. From 10am I jump straight into project work and meetings to make sure projects are moving. This takes most of the morning. I always eat lunch at my desk, around 1pm, for efficiency and in the early afternoon I will spend time catching up on the latest world design news and developments. The rest of the day will revolve around further project work and meetings until I leave the office at 6pm. I go to the gym religiously and believe a healthy mind is good for creativity. I then go home and recharge for the next day.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
Working with a talented team that actually operates as a team and a collective community is incredibly rewarding, especially as it shows in our work.
What are the latest plans for Grohe? Is there anything new you are working on?
We are focused on reframing the relationship we have with water. Whether you are consuming water or using it for hygiene, it’s always going to re-energise us. Without revealing too much, we’re focusing on really meaningful innovations that reframe our relationship to the precious resource of water. You will see this in the coming months, especially as we get closer to the ISH show in Frankfurt.
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
For me, the challenge is the same as the reward; keeping the team motivated. It’s not easy to get a product from a price of paper to a world-wide marketed product and sometimes that can mean working behind the scenes to break down barriers to keep the focus on the long-term design plan. I find keeping a positive mindset helps with this.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I came into the field knowing it would be different every day. But I guess it would have been nice to have known just how diverse it could be. I never expected that I would have the opportunity to work all over the world!
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
That extra hour at lunch is not a bad idea!
What has been your favourite project to work on?
The next project, always! For me, the whole reason for being a designer was to take on the challenge of the next project. I love not knowing what could be next, and then drawing inspiration from my experiences so far to make improvements on the next project.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
Instagram! There is so much digital influence on a daily basis now that consumers are seeing similar styles echoed. I find that if I want to seek new inspiration then I need to look outside of Instagram. It also surprises me how so many inspiring interior design shots are void of people when, ultimately, these spaces are designed for people.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
The people I admire most in the industry are very humble; they are the people working behind the scenes, avoiding the limelight but still producing amazing work.
What are you most looking forward to at Sleep + Eat 2018?
I like that Sleep + Eat focuses on a big design topic – the hospitality industry. This interior design sector encompasses a lot of design considerations and, whilst GROHE has a lot of expertise in the sector, I go to the show to learn.
If you were inspired by Michael’s story and want to learn more about interior design, click here.
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