INDUSTRY UPDATE THE BMA COLUMN
WFF exposes silicosis specialists to state of the art worktop factories
BMA – The rise of biophilic design
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om Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), explores the rise of biophilic design within bathroom spaces
Biophilic design, incorporating nature-inspired elements like plants, living walls, natural stone, and wood finishes, is gaining momentum, particularly because of its impact on user experience and mental well-being. Fusing natural materials with modern design fosters a calming environment, offering a refreshing escape from daily stressors. Living walls, for instance, are becoming a popular feature in contemporary design. They purify the air and create a serene atmosphere. While a living wall is not always practical in a small bathroom, incorporating plants as a design feature is on the rise.
In a recent conversation with Linda Barker at InstallerSHOW 2024, she discussed the meteoric rise in the desire for ‘spa-like’ atmospheres in bathrooms. Consumers want their bathrooms, however large or small, to be a sanctuary. This is easy to achieve using sustainable materials, plants, and greenery. Indeed, she discussed how she separates areas within the bathroom with plants.
The BMA will explore the concept of biophilic design further at our Industry Conference on September 17. Oliver Heath, a leading expert in biophilic and sustainable design, will explore the significance of this trend in his keynote speech. His work demonstrates how nature-infused spaces can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, a perspective increasingly influencing modern bathroom design. Heath’s insights at the BMA conference will likely inspire attendees to embrace biophilic design further, reinforcing its importance, not just as a trend, but as a crucial component of creating spaces that nurture both the body and mind.
he medical specialists who are currently investigating UK cases of occupationally-acquired silicosis have certainly seen it from the victim’s point of view. Now they’ve seen it from the fabricator’s point of view, too. Or, at least, from the professional, HSE-compliant fabricator’s point of view. WFF’s two Preston Members – Granite House and Granite Tops – made themselves available to Dr Johanna Feary from the Royal Brompton in London, Prof. Martie van Tongeren from Manchester University and Mike Slater from the British Occupational Hygiene Society, on a fact-finding mission to see what ‘good’ looks like.
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Wet-cutting, extraction, water recycling, sludge removal, hand-finishing: everything from bridge-saws to air-handling units was explained to the experts, as they came face to face with the realities of modern manufacturing processes, and the various solutions WFF members have put in place to keep their workers the right side of the WEL. “It was hugely useful to get both sets of experts face to face,” said WFF’s Chris Pateman, who
facilitated the meeting. “Ideas came out in conversation that might never have arisen if we had stayed in our respective bubbles. “This was a really useful next step in WFF’s engagement with the academics. Despite what the newspapers might want us to believe, we are all on the same side here: nobody wants to see our workers put at risk, and everyone wants the safest-possible industry.”
For more information contact BMA on 01782 631619 or email
info@bathroom-association.org.uk
administrator@worktopfabricators.org
www.worktopfabricators.org
BKU SEPTEMBER 2024 33
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