"basins"

The Castle Basin area of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland was transformed with a £1.7 million investment, funded by the Department for Social Development and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Tobermore’s Fusion block paving and Mayfair Flags were used to create a contemporary look for the tranquil walking route.

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

The Amiata bath and basins in a bespoke Matt Black finish were chosen to appear on The Block, an Australian home renovations television show.This is a striking and contemporary bathroom, complete with open shower. Although the Amiata bath and basins have been chosen in black, plenty of natural light and reclaimed timber furnishings keeps the room light and relaxed.Supplier: Luxe by DesignPhotographer: Martin PhilbeyDesigner: Charlotte Ekas and Josh Terrett

Elegantly designed for the sophisticated modern traveler, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s 209 luxury guestrooms include 25 Suites and 40 Gold Rooms all offering exclusive touches ranging from individual balconies and Bosphorus views to a private Turkish bath in your own bathroom complete with authentic tap and basin as well as a heated pedestal - an amenity as unique as it is indulgent.Victoria + Albert's Mozzano bath is installed in a unique 'sunken' set up in the wet rooms.

Jane Valentine’s brief for this project was to create a contemporary bathroom whilst honouring the original elements of a Victorian-style home built in 1867.Beautiful white walls act as the perfect canvas for striking matt black tapware and a black framed shower screen. A bespoke vanity unit was constructed by KAM Joinery, and brings warmth and craftsmanship to the space.On choosing Victoria + Albert, Jane Valentine said: “The classical and elegant shape of both the Victoria + Albert Vetralla bath and Napoli 57 basin offered a perfect contrast to the bold black and white theme of the bathroom.”Photography: Loic Le GuillyBuild: Justyn DunnDesign: Valentine Interiors + Design

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified for their “robustness and quality” for two linked 16-storey apartment blocks on the last plot to be developed in one of Britain’s fastest-growing property hot spots - the £37 million BTR (Build To Rent) towers at Erie Basin in Salford Quays, Manchester, a stone’s throw from MediaCityUK.Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain walling features as strip curtain wall to copper-coloured rainscreen areas of the towers at Erie Basin. In addition, AA®110 curtain walling features on link bridges and as floor-to-ceiling screens facing the water. While the AA®100 system uses 50mm sightlines, the AA®110 system uses 65mm but both in this case were zone-drained. They are complemented by AA®541 open-out casement window inserts and AA®720 ultra thermally-efficient entrance doors.The Kawneer systems were installed over eight months by a team of up to 35 from approved specialist sub-contractor FK Group for main contractor GRAHAM and client Glenbrook, the privately-owned property development and investment company, who acquired the site from the Peel Group.The prominent dockside development is GRAHAM’s second project with Glenbrook, with work also underway on another £27 million BTR project in Ellesmere Street, Castlefield, Manchester, which also features Kawneer systems.

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa, offering unique accommodation alongside a unique food and wine offering.The traditional Cheshire freestanding bath has been specified in a number of rooms and suites at Babylonstoren, and is perfectly in keeping with the architectural style of the farm and the luxury on offer.Designer: Karen Roos

Hotel Esencia is a blissful, boutique hotel set on the Mayan Riviera’s most beautiful beach.The whitewashed, beachside building, originally built as a getaway for an Italian Duchess, combines sophisticated simplicity with all the luxury amenities you would expect of a five-star hotel.Imagined by an in-house design team and offering unparalleled views of the ocean, Hotel Esencia’s Beach Suites include the Barcelona bath.On choosing the Barcelona, the designer said: “We were looking for a double bath with simple lines that would integrate seamlessly with the distinctive white spaces of the hotel. Victoria + Albert’s Barcelona was the perfect choice.”Designer: Juan Carlos GutierrezArchitect: Peter SvenssonPhotography: Tanveer Badal

“The freestanding Wessex tub worked so beautifully as part of my design because the traditional nature of the tub lends itself to any aesthetic and is a showstopper of a piece no matter what style you are going for!”Dee Murphy dee@murphydeesign.com

An old cinema transformed into a boutique hotel, QT Melbourne is one of Melbourne’s hottest new destinations.Rooms are spacious, and interior design combines Parisian elegance with quirky, stylish touches. QT Corner Room has positioned the Monaco bath (specified in a striking black finish to coordinate with the rest of the hotel’s colour scheme) next to the window, with unrivalled views over Melbourne.Design: indyk architectsDesign: indyk architects

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Foxhill Manor is an 8-bedroom Grade II-listed manor house on the 400-acre Farncombe Estate in the stunning Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty. Extensively refurbished in 2014 as an exclusive-use venue for weddings, house parties and corporate retreats, twin Amalfi baths feature in the Oak Room suite. Designer Frances Cracknell of Trevillion Interiors said of the design: “We wanted the eight individual bedroom suites to be contemporary, yet sympathetic to the Arts and Crafts heritage of the original house. Each bedroom has been carefully furnished with contemporary and antique pieces and embellished with a broad art portfolio. Every piece has been individually sourced and carefully chosen."Designer Frances Cracknell of Trevillion InteriorsPhotography: © Foxhill Manor

This beautiful and bespoke art deco property is an ode to urban design. The Marlborough bath makes for a classic but contemporary addition to this stylish Australian home. Its unique positioning as part of an enclosed pavilion allows for a luxurious outdoor bathing experience.Design: mf+arquitetosPhotographer: Tom Blachford

At the Chapel is a Grade II listed boutique hotel, as well as a bakery, wine shop, café, bar and restaurant. Hidden within a 17th century coaching inn, and offering a chic retreat of just eight rooms, the current owners acquired the building in 2000 and have worked extensively since then to restore and conserve the surviving architectural features. Work to convert the listed building into boutique hotel rooms was carried out by Mackenzie Wheeler Architects and a lot of care was taken to adapt the building in such a way that as much of the original historic fabric as possible could be revealed.Of the Victoria + Albert collection, the designer involved said: “The pieces sit so comfortably next to the historic features of the listed building, while also complementing the predominantly contemporary feel of each space. Achieving this aesthetic was important to us”.Designer: Mackenzie Wheeler ArchitectsPhotography: Iain Kemp

Six Senses Ibiza Spain

This unique bathroom is typically Brazilian in design. The bathroom adjoins a spacious, well-furnished bedroom, and sits under a large skylight. A wall of green foliage acts as a backdrop for the Amalfi bath, which only adds to the clever allusion of bringing nature into this home.Both the bedroom and the bathroom play with texture and material; wood, leather, stone and foliage.Photography: Felipe AraújoDesign: mf+arquitetos

Kimpton Fitzroy London is a Grade II listed landmark building in London’s literary neighbourhood of Bloomsbury. The hotel re-opened in Spring 2018, with interiors by renowned design firm, Tara Bernerd and Partners, that restore the historic hotel to its original grandeur.In the most distinctive and desirable rooms in the hotel, four-poster beds overlook ceramic and marble bathrooms, that offer a mix of walk-in shower stalls and roll-top baths. The traditional York has been specified in these suites, chosen for its luxurious look and feel and sheer comfort.Design: Anna SpiroDesign: Anna Spiro

Adare Manor is a romantic Victorian mansion in County Limerick, Ireland, set within 840 acres of pristine Irish parkland. The hotel recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment, positioning Adare Manor as one of Ireland’s finest country hotels.Inspired by Gothic architecture, rooms and suites have been carefully designed for indulgence and relaxation, with historic art and furnishings, marble en-suite bathrooms and beautiful views from every window.The Toulouse bath in our bespoke Anthracite painted finish has been specified for a number of suites.Photography: Jack Hardy

Belmond Cadogan, one of London’s most storied hotels, has been setting the city’s standard for modern indulgence since it re-opened after a four-year renovation in March 2019.As impressive as it is comfortable, the hotel is as much an elegant retreat for luxury travellers as it is a ‘home away from home’ for locals. The building’s period details were preserved and used as the inspiration for much of the hotel’s design, whilst contemporary art and design elements bring the hotel into the 21st century.Bathrooms are marble clad and sumptuous, designed to be spaces in which guests can retreat at the end of day or prepare for the night ahead. Our ios bath has been specified within many of the Belmond Cadogan’s rooms and suites, it’s compact size still allowing for a deep, luxurious soak.Zoom

The Ravello was chosen to complement the astonishing views and majestic surroundings of New Zealand’s Matakauri Lodge; a boutique hotel with 11 luxurious rooms, all with light-filled interiors and majestic alpine and lake views. Located a stone’s through away from the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the exclusive holiday retreat was awarded ‘best room with a view’ by Fodor’s Travel Guides.The Ravello bath is the embodiment of classical elegance, which is why award-winning interior designer Virginia Fisher included it in her vision for the refurbishment of the Lodge back in 2010. The Ravello has a form that combines bold lines with smooth curves, which perfectly complements the contemporary casual scheme of Matakauri Lodge.Architect: Sumich ArchitectsInterior Design: Virginia Fisher

This elegant beach house bathroom proves that beautiful materials and traditional fittings can create a fresh, modern look that will never date.The design of this home, Bronte House, is inspired by the iconic aesthetic of the homes in Long Islands’ Hamptons. The brief was to combine coastal charm with elegance; a unique style that beach-side Sydney homes manage to showcase so perfectly.Shades of blue, grey and white form the basic colour palette throughout the bathrooms, and offer the perfect backdrop for polished chrome tapware and accessories. Decadent textures such as hand crafted ceramic tiles and marble herringbone floor tiles are paired with softer materials such as fabric blinds and a shiplap-style wooden ceiling. The result is a bathroom that feels elegant yet welcoming and functional.Our Elwick bath was included the design of this bathroom, alongside Perrin & Rowe traditional tapware.Photography: Maree Homer PhotographyDesign: Denai Kulcsar Interiors

Settled on its own private island in Venice – Isola delle Rose – just 20-minutes from St. Mark’s Square, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa provides a complimentary boat shuttle service which easily connects the island to the heart of the town.Design: Denai Kulcsar Interiors

Rosa Alpina is a boutique Alpine hotel that boasts a two Michelin-starred restaurant and a scenic setting in the Dolomites – one of the world’s most beautiful places.The original building dates to 1850 and local antiques, wood carvings and old photographs complement its wood-panelled ceilings and thick, frescoed walls. Fresh flowers and roaring fires complete a convivial vibe.The 51 spacious rooms and suites each feature a seating area and subtle cream and grey colour scheme. Newer guestrooms offer more contemporary design, with glass-encased fires and sleek timber furnishings, yet still respect local traditions with wood-panelled ceilings, fire wood baskets and ceramic stoves. The new Vetralla bath has specified within these new contemporary rooms.Photography: © Six SensesPhotography: © Six Senses

The Idle Rocks offers guests a home-from-home experience, with a simple yet welcoming design in an idyllic Cornish seafront location. The hotel has 19 rooms, all individually and uniquely designed by the hotel’s owners in a way that combines traditional coastal culture, functionality and contemporary touches.The Monaco freestanding bath has been specified throughout the hotel. Owner, Karen Richards, said of its design: “The Monaco’s elegance reflects perfectly with the coastal, contemporary design of The Idle Rocks. The minimalist design of the bath allows the views from the hotel to take centre stage”.Interior Design: Karen Richards

Halcyon House is a boutique hotel set in the stunning surroundings of Cabarita Beach in New South Wales, Australia. The hotel boasts 21 rooms, all beautifully designed by interior designer, Anna Spiro. Every detail has been considered in this picture perfect hotel. The Amiata bath sits neatly on bright geometric tiles in the luxurious Halcyon Suite, and is the perfect bath for this eclectic and ornate room.Design: Anna Spiro

Caldera House is an intimate hotel and members’ club in the beautiful Wyoming mountain resort of Jackson Hole.The interior design is truly chalet chic, with a richly-layered, bohemian feel that aims to be reminiscent of the European alpine resorts of Gstaad and St Moritz.On choosing the ios, CLB said: “It’s perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day skiing. The clean lines of the tub complement the Scandinavian style, while the color blast makes reference to the American west.”Photography: Matthew MillmanDesign: Carney Logan Burke and Commune Design

The design of this bathroom needed to reflect the client’s colourful, modern and eclectic aesthetic, whilst still allowing for a tranquil, restorative space in which to batheHandmade Moroccan concrete tiles by Popham Design in a soft green shade feel serene and natural, but also inject a pop of colour. Elsewhere in the room, design is kept minimal, modern and almost industrial in its simplicity, with a neutral colour palette and brushed nickel tapware. To visually expand the space, the layout of this bathroom was re-designed to make the room feel elongated, and draw the eye in. To complement this, the Moroccan tiles line the floor and furthest wall behind the wet room and back-to-wall Eldon bath.Of the design, designer and stylist Edwina Boase said: “The Eldon bath was perfect for this bathroom; its elegant, modern shape was echoed in the patterned tiles, lighting and tapware. The Eldon design is impactful yet economic with regards to the floor space required, which is preciously what was required for this project!”This house in its entirety was recently unveiled on Channel 4’s home renovation series ‘Ugly House to Lovely House with George Clarke’.Photography: Amazing Productions / Daniela ExleyArchitecture: Chris Dyson ArchitectsDesign: Edwina Boase

Le Fitz Roy is a chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort, bustling Val Thorens in the French Alps. Extensively renovated in December 2021, its modern makeover includes a Turkish hammam and a heated pool carved out of the mountain, a bar designed as an open space on the terrace and the ease of ski-in/ ski-out accessibility. In true chalet style, as well as slate-grey interiors there's also plenty of old-school, cosy charm too, from antique wooden skis mounted on the walls, stone and oak architecture warmed by flickering fires, and classical French cuisine in the restaurant.The traditional York roll top tub has been specified in a number of rooms which, after a long day on the pistes, is exactly where you want to come back to.Marlborough

Opened in 2018, NoMad Los Angeles is the newest hotel from the renowned Sydell Group, and the second iteration of the chic NoMad New York. Designed by French architect and designer Jacques Garcia, guest rooms were inspired by the colour palette of the lobby’s original blue and gold Italianate ceiling.European-style bathrooms have Calacatta gold marble, walk-in showers with terrazzo floors and carefully chosen vintage details. The Ravello bath was the perfect choice for such a space, with its unique sculpted shape.Design: Studio Jacques GarciaDesign: Studio Jacques Garcia

Ceylon Tea Trails comprises of five restored historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 meters in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region. The 27 rooms & suites with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine create an ambiance that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka. Each bungalow is unique and offers guests the non-hotel, private house ambiance that is the hallmark of the award-winning Tea Trails experience. Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect place to explore the lush tea fields & visit a century old factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea.Photography: Resplendent Ceylon

Grantley Hall is a dashing 17th-century stately hotel, bringing Gstaad glamour to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Offering 47 exquisite bedrooms alongside Michelin-starred dining, the hotel has recently reopened after a four-year long and multi-million pound refurbishment. Bedrooms are decorated in elegant muted tones; soft shades of cream, gold and grey; button-back velvet armchairs; marble-topped bespoke furniture; and upholstered bedheads. There are shelves of modern hardbacks, televisions hidden behind paintings, decanters of damson gin, touch-button lighting, and even a bathrobe menu. Bathrooms are marble-clad, all with a beautiful freestanding bathtub and vast walk-in shower.Bathroom design and Supplier: Ripon Interiors

The fully shrouded stainless steel wash basin V216 not only is very secure against tampering and vandalism. It has a distinctive and clean appearance with totally concealed pipework. Produced in brushed satin stainless steel to EN 1.4301, the highly functional basin is suited for use in any environment, from highly secure premises to general washrooms and workshops.

The Project HMP & YOI Doncaster houses up to 1,145 Category B inmates. Serco, who have been operating the prison since 2004, noticed that a large number of in cell WC pans and basins were being damaged, they enlisted the help of TYDE.Our specialists worked with Serco's Facility Management Team to develop bespoke Dudley Resan WC backplates, basins and basin brackets. The solution delivered has proven to be exceptionally hard-wearing whilst saving both time and money.HMP & YOI Doncaster cells were previously fitted with Armitage Shanks Portland WC pans and ceramic basins plus Mazak basin brackets. Despite the brackets being tested to 150Kg and breaking at around 200Kg, they were coupled with the expectedly fragile ceramic basins and were unable to withstand the heavy treatment to which they were being exposed. The decision was therefore taken to replace Portland WC pans with Resan models. The prison walls are robustly constructed from concrete so any replacement products needed to be easily retrofittable. In addition, when ceramic sanitaryware shatters, the resulting fragments are extremely sharp and present an obvious and significant security risk. Under the terms of the management contract, Serco loses revenue of around £300 for every night that a cell is left out of service whilst broken sanitaryware is being replaced.Our team began by talking to Serco about the breakages and the resulting operational problems. Site visits were also completed as part of the process in order to better understand the project requirements. The first problem to be addressed was the weakness of the basins and support brackets. Serco confirmed that the previously specified Portland basin had been discontinued by Armitage Shanks.In order to provide a solution, TYDE’s design team exploited state-of-the-art CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping capabilities to configure an alternative. Moulds were then produced along with a sample basin for approval. The Thomas Dudley Group includes an award-winning engineering foundry. Here, the team set about developing a new bracket to support the newly designed basin. Engineered using an exceptionally strong grade of ductile iron, this provided far greater durability than the old Mazak bracket. Whilst a WC pan from the existing Resan range provided a compatible replacement for the Portland ceramic pans, a bespoke stainless steel backplate was needed in order to comply with the installation requirements approved by Serco. Bespoke anti-swivel taps completed the package.The partnership with TYDE and the bespoke products that have been developed have enabled Serco to realise significant benefits:90% reduction in the number of basins and brackets broken95% reduction in the number of WC pans broken40% reduction in typical replacement sanitaryware installation time90% reduction in revenue lost due to cell downtimeConvenience of being able to order WC pans, basins, brackets and other products from a single source of supplySecurity of and responsiveness of supply via TYDE’s customer-driven stock agreements which provide the reassurance of knowing that a guaranteed, predetermined stock level will be maintained for every specified productTHE FUTURESerco are actively evaluating ways in which the partnership with TYDE can be extended. TYDE's market-leading concealed cisterns range which are compatible with Resan WC pans are being considered along with the potential to provide solutions across other Serco controlled institutions.Testimonial“We have developed a trusted partnership with the team at TYDE, one that has helped us achieve the goal of reducing lost revenue whilst providing a robust alternative to typical sanitaryware that proved costly to replace”Tim Wilman, FM Deputy Director Justice and Immigration UK&E, Serco

Designed by Foster and Partners and crafted by Unique Fabrications, these striking washrooms feature Corian® Vanity units where full-height backsplash panels in Glacier White Corian® flow seamlessly to the basins in matching Glacier White Corian®. Throughout the washroom project, a total of 270 basins were individually CNC cut, thermoformed and crafted by hand.

A recent upgrade to ward kitchens included the provision of stainless steel worktops, basins and base cabinets, by stainless steel specialist, GEC Anderson Limited.In a phased upgrade program, the Foundation Trust approached GEC Anderson directly to agree detailing, specifications and costings for the various ward kitchens. The scope of work included bespoke worktops, sinktops, base cabinets and wall-hung wash basins.The results are professional, hygienic and durable kitchens that will stand the test of time for the Trust.

Franke products were chosen for the transformation of the renowned Elstree film studios. The solid surface Ronda washbasins were chosen, the unique curved edge of the basins are designed with the highest quality solid surface materials. The pleasing design fits harmoniously into every washroom while providing generous basin space and the ultimate in style and design. Chris Kightley, Project Manager commented "Franke always deliver the highest quality of products and this was a key factor for such a prestigious washroom project. As well as quality their range of Miranit is highly stylish and fits perfectly in almost any washroom environment."