HANSGROHE, a leading manufacturer of bathroom mixers and showers, says it is witnessing a genuine drive to achieve increasingly higher levels of sustainability among developers.

“Water is a precious resource and as a manufacturer, it is our passion to seek innovative solutions that improve the use of water and build a common agenda for quality in the UAE,” Dirk Schilmoeller, sales director Middle East for Hansgrohe, tells Gulf Construction.

Hansgrohe’s pioneering EcoSmart technology consumes up to 60 per cent less water than conventional mixers and showers without any loss of comfort, meaning consumers’ daily contribution to environment protection can begin under the shower.

“In hand with this drive for sustainable products, we are also seeing an increased demand for areas promoting health, tranquillity and simplicity in the home to relax from the daily stresses of life. The bathroom has long since progressed from being a purely functional room into a more comfortable living area,” he says.

With products such as the Raindance Rainfall 240 Air 3jet overhead shower, and the luxurious Axor ShowerHeaven, Hansgrohe strives to enhance the sense of wellbeing in the bathroom, making it a place of escape.

“Bathrooms inspired by nature, which will enhance the tranquillity of this space, will remain a strong trend in 2014. For example, designer Jean-Marie Massaud’s idea of the perfect bathroom brings the experience of a natural waterfall into the home, and this is also evident in Philippe Starck’s Organic collection for Axor, which was inspired by the silhouettes of tree branches and the human body, two shapes that blend harmoniously with different environments.”

Some of the latest products in Hansgrohe portfolio include Axor Starck Organic, part of the renowned designer Axor range, featuring unique design, low water consumption and a sensual approach to water.

The Axor range has been created in co-operation with some of the world’s most successful designers including Starck, Antonio Citterio, Massaud and Patricia Urquiola.

Commenting on business, Schilmoeller says: “In 2013 Hansgrohe has continued to build on its strong showing in 2012, when it achieved record revenues despite the lingering economic slowdown in parts of Europe.

“We have been very successful in the Middle East in particular, with a long list of high-profile project wins. We also boosted sales in the other emerging markets such as Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America.”

The company has also expanded its retail footprint during the year. “The opening of our latest showroom in Bahrain has further reinforced our commitment to the region, and has enabled us to target further developments in the expanding Middle East market. We have also opened high-profile stores in Johannesburg (South Africa), Hong Kong, Manila (Philippines), in addition to the latest Axor showroom – the Axor Duriniquindici – in Milan, one of the most important design centres in the world, located at Via Durini 15 in the Italian city.

“We also unveiled the Axor Starck Organic range in the region at the start of the year, which has proved to be popular  due to its innovative and sustainable design. On the international front, Hansgrohe also launched ShowerProducts in the Axor range in partnership with design studios Nendo and Front, which were asked to creatively re-conceptualise the shower as part of the Axor ‘WaterDream’ project,” Schilmoeller says.

Another highlight for Hansgrohe Middle East included taking part in a workshop at the Abu Dhabi Quality Forum in April, which focused on ‘Quality Standards for the Environment’. The event proved a great opportunity to meet other regional and international experts to exchange knowledge and put forward practical recommendations for a sustainable future, he says.

Projects

Hansgrohe is currently supplying products to numerous projects in the region, including the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa on The Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai. Products supplied to the luxury five-star resort include the nature-inspired Axor Massaud products, enhancing the natural elements of the hotel’s Polynesian island theme.

Axor Massaud ... nature inspired.

The company has also been involved with the Al Forsan International Sports Resort project in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as well as the prestigious King Abdullah Financial District project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where it is supplying a range of products including Axor Citterio and Metris basin mixers and Raindance hand showers.

Schilmoeller continues: “Axor continues to do very well in the region due to the strong demand for high-quality, stylish and durable products, both in the hospitality and consumer markets. Demand for haute couture and individual styling led to the launch of our custom design service, Axor Manufaktur. This service allows consumers, designers and architects to add personalised finishing touches to Axor products, including special sizes, finishes and embellishments, such as logos and initials. We believe it will be a success in the region as it lets consumers, designers and architects create something extra-special from our already extensive designer Axor range.”

Commenting about the company’s plans for next year, he says: “Hansgrohe hopes to build on the success of this year and emulate this in 2014. We will continue with our expansion in the region by targeting further project wins and new product launches. Globally, Hansgrohe plans to launch new additions to the Axor Manufaktur service, and the Hansgrohe Select range, along with further additions to the Axor range as we revisit the creative WaterDreams concept project which seeks out alternative visions for the bathroom space.”