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Geometric shapes are rapidly overtaking curves as the latest consumer must-have for the kitchen but achieving crisp edges requires precision manufacturing, says Franke. The company maintains it has employed expert engineers to develop 'unique tooling' to ensure the uniformity and consistency of angles to make its Mythos sinks and taps collection 'pin sharp and crystal clear.' Three sink materials are available: stainless steel; Frafanicite and ceramic. Each comes in single bowl or one-and-half bowl format, available with accessories such as strainer bowls.

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The latest addition to Coram Showers' Acora range is a walk-in shower enclosure which the company says has been developed in order to offer a 'stylish, contemporary design which maximises the showering area.' The enclosure has been designed for both left and right hand installation, which makes stocking and installation much more straightforward. The walk-in enclosure can be installed in both corner and alcove situations. Coram marketing manager Charlie Wallis said: 'The biggest problem with many walk-in enclosures currently on the market is that they are difficult and complicated to fit. 'Also some have needlessly small showering areas resulting from the inclusion of a drying area. 'Our new walk-in enclosure has been specifically designed to address these issues'.

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The RF 24 is a contemporary tap featuring a blend of curves and straight lines that has been introduced by Reginox. The tap has an angular yet curving spout. Temperature and flow are controlled by a single lever set into an adjoining stainless steel block.

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Originating in Scandinavia, wetrooms continue to be popular, and shower columns are said to be a favourite with interior designers looking to add a novel feature to their bathroom creations. Shower columns from brassware supplier Crosswater can be a dramatic addition for a wetroom in an open plan space, with an array of styles and matching valves.

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A new range of mirror polished stainless steel extract canopies has been developed by Ledaire Fabrication for restaurants that have their busy kitchens on show to patrons. A recent installation has been carried out by Alpollo AC Ltd at the Bertorelli restaurant in London's Plantation Place. Ledaire's latest commercial kitchen ventilation systems are manufactured at its factory in Croydon and combine the extraction of grease-laden air, steam and fumes with a supply of air to provide a comfortable environment. Cool air can be brought into a working area through insulated sections of the hood via dampened air grilles. All systems meet the British Standard requirements and Ledaire also offer a guide to commercial kitchen ventilation systems.

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Coram Showers has expanded its retail range, Acora, with the launch of a new collection of high performance wet-room enclosures designed to protect against excessive shower spray. The range includes two designs, both finished in satin chrome that are available for corner or alcove installation.

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Bathroom product manufacturer Coram Showers will be celebrating the news that its shower enclosures are the most widely used in the trade sector, according to the BRG Consult European Bathroom Product Report. Published in June, the report looks at sales figures in 2006 and confirms that Coram Showers has the third largest share of the overall shower enclosure market, which has increased from the fifth largest in the 2005 Report. Charlie Wallis, marketing manager at Coram, said: 'Central to Coram's growth within the trade sector is the company's understanding of the UK shower enclosure and bath screen market and its awareness of the specific needs of installers. Building of this success, Coram has also recently expanded into the retail market with the launch of the Acora range.'

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Stainless steel has long been a popular finish in the kitchen and now Bristan is embracing this hardwearing material with its new Niva decorative radiator. A minimalist flat-fronted vertical panel, it features full length mounting brackets for increased heat output, and is available in various heat outputs and sizes.

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North-west based Versital UK Ltd specialists in hand-crafted surfaces and panelling, has launched its new Versital colour collection for Autumn/Winter 2007 which features shades of perlato satin and ice white, and creamy cappuccino and ganache. The collection joins an extensive palette, and offers architects and designers the freedom to create bespoke contoured surfaces, wall panelling and pillars in virtually any shade making it a popular choice for the leisure and retail industry. Imitating the intricate appearance of marble, granite and slate, Versital's collection has the unique ability to create the deep veining and marbling effect that nature intended, that can also be moulded into large sweeping curves and expanses and to almost any shape. Most popular usage is on bar tops, bath decks, vanity units, and hygienic panelling.

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Two recently released products from Armitage Venesta, claimed to be the UK's leading washroom provider, are said to ensure all hospital and healthcare washrooms can meet new standards. First, IPS Evolve boxed-out units now feature a 'pencil round radius that together with the flush fitting side panels enhances infection control. Secondly, the old style swan neck, twin lever taps are now non-compliant. HFN 30 states: 'Avoid the use of swan neck taps as they do not drain after use'. The twin lever also promotes a dead leg of water on the cold side. The thermostatic mixer and single lever with sequential operation of the new mixer tap ensures integral temperature and flow control of water as required by the new standards. A sterilisation feature, via a bridging hose , ensures that hot water is flushed through all areas of the tap killing any bacteria. The design is said to also mean that maintenance can be carried out from the front to save time and money.

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