RANGE REVIEW: BATHROOMS


Rob Mascari in collaboration with students from Bucks New University. The exciting collaboration was created specifically with Millennials in mind – the result was a bold interpretation of what kitchens may resemble in the future. It featured clever storage solutions and a whole host of innovative appliances. The kbb Bathroom Sets demonstrated how the industry is adapting to allow for a high-level of customisation, which reflected a recurrent theme throughout the show. Specially selected


presented their interpretation of this


‘Belief’ and ‘Look’ was created by BC Designs. Taylist Media hosted an exciting series of live podcasts with special guests every day of the show at 2pm in The Bar. Topics covered a range of engaging and informative themes, including Charging for Design and The Smart Home, and featured industry experts as guests such as BIID member Stephen Dick from Residence Interior Design and Thomas Plant, showroom manager for Porcelanosa.


Taking a virtual approach There was a wide range of technology on display at kbb Birmingham this year, not just in terms of the products but also in terms of services and even stand design. Virtual Worlds launched its latest version of the 4D Theatre. It offered visitors the chance to fully experience a kitchen or bathroom in immersive virtual reality, it’s the ultimate in “try before your buy”. Visitors could open cupboards and even turn on the shower. Synergy Bathrooms incorporate technology into their stand design and created a stunning video wall.


The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) arrived in style at this year’s show in its


www.diyweek.net


Red Routemaster bus. The team was discussing important issues around industry professionalism, training and membership benefits with installers and retailers alike. During the show, the BiKBBI ran a number of educational sessions as well as launching its unique Protected scheme and the new online training campus. The considerable efforts from


brands brief: Acquabella presented


exhibitors in creating innovative, exciting and effective stands were celebrated in kbb Birmingham’s annual Stand Design Awards. Judged by exhibition industry experts, the competition determined the best stands against various criteria. The winners were; Newform for Bathroom under 50m², Acquabella for Bathroom over 50m², 4wardrobes for Bedrooms, UKITCHEN for Kitchen under 50m² and Marazzi for Kitchen over 50m². This year there was also a special award called The David Caulfield Award for Best Stand Visitor Experience in memory of the late great David Caulfield from BA Components, which was presented to Franke. Roberto Heredia, export manager


at Acquabella, has provided an overview of the stand: “This is the fourth time we have exhibited at the show and at each one we try to improve our stand, so we’re delighted to win the stand award again. “We always try to tell a story with our stand, two years ago it was based around an architect’s studio and this year we are paying tribute to the retailers. The feedback we have received from visitors has been very good in terms of both our stand and our new products.”


VIP Treatment VIP guests enjoyed the specially designed VIP Lounge sponsored by XTone which featured bespoke tables featuring their large-format porcelain products, a guest DJ and


20 MARCH 2020 DIY WEEK 21


comfortable seating areas to relax and take some time out from the busy show floor.


kbb Birmingham 2020 Innovation Awards The third day of the show saw the winners of the 2020 Innovation Awards, sponsored by Blum, announced. The award scheme recognises


the most


forward-


thinking and technically advanced products within the KBB sector and is one of the most hotly anticipated events of the show.


The 10 shortlisted finalists were displayed in an inspiring showcase across specially designed plinths at kbb 2020 and show visitors voted for their favourites. Natufia Lab was crowned the People’s Choice Award winner for its intelligent and stylish product, the world’s and


automated


GMO certified plants. Designed for interiors, the Natufia Lab brings nature into the home and allows people to conveniently manage their own produce from the comfort of their kitchen. It also encourages more thought about the environment and sustainable manufacturing, there is no need to worry about pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. The Wirquin Neo Zero Leak Trap scooped the Judge’s Finalist prize for its cost effective and space saving solution. Wirquin Neo is a new range of zero-leak traps suitable for basin or sink applications. Designed with patented, bi-injection technology, all its washers are over-moulded onto the body to ensure that there is complete protection against leaks. The


innovative Wirquin


first fully integrated hydroponic


kitchen garden. The technology automatically maintains light, pH, temperature and water levels in addition to optimising minerals, nutrients and vitamins for non-


NEO


system prevents odours and noises by replacing the traditional valve, allowing the pipes to ventilate naturally.


Matthew Glanfield, technical team


manager from Blum commented: “At Blum we’re all about innovation


continued on page 22


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36