A £19 million investment in a stunning new UK headquarters, incorporating one of Europe’s largest bathroom showrooms, has been designed with flair, imagination and the capability to accommodate future growth. This marks yet another stage in the success story of Bathroom Brands and Crosswater Holdings.
Building an Investment. Lake View House was formerly opened by Lord St John of Bletso, the Hereditary British Peer. The formal opening, marked the start of a day of celebration for employees and their families, suppliers and customers.
Lake View House is a totally new building custom designed to meet the Groups precise specifications. Set overlooking beautiful protected wetlands and lakes the building is designed with a distinctive internal bridge. The bridge runs the full width of the structure and is designed to allow teams from Crosswater and Bathroom Brands to seamlessly link in a creative environment. All 200 employees will be able to work together in a facility that combines efficiency with enjoyable working conditions that include a café, areas for relaxation, a playfully themed chill out room called the Man Cave and much more. Designed by Threefold Architects, Lake View House is situated within The Bridge Business Park in Dartford and is conveniently located at the centre of air, road and rail links, opening up products from Crosswater and Bathroom Brands to a growing international customer base. Truly a world-class building, Lake View House is eco-friendly with an impressive EPC A rating. The total floor area is 131,000 square feet and as well as working space and an astonishing and inspirational gallery showroom, the building includes a 95,000 sq. ft. warehouse that can hold 5,000 different product lines and has 2,500 picking points. Amazingly, the project was completed in just eight months.
Showcasing the Best of Bathroom Design. Within the building there is a 10.000 sq. ft. gallery showroom, where customers can see and touch products. This is not just any showroom. It is one of the largest in Europe, occupying a space as striking as the north elevation of Westminster Cathedral. Architects Coppin Dockray designed and created a gallery inspired space that fascinates with products shown in 32 beautifully decorated lifestyle settings. There is a decompression chamber before visitors enter – followed by a stunning movement-activated rainfall shower display.
Over 5800 hand blown golden glass baubles suspended at different heights add a touch of magic. Each display has been created to allow for multiple changes – essential to ensure new products are seen as soon as possible. The ambience is one of luxury, quality and innovation. Craftsmen from fields as diverse as boat building, lighting design and jewellery added their expertise, making the showroom unique within the European bathroom industry.
The new showroom will be available to retailers, architects, specifiers and designers. “People from within the industry and from the design community will be astonished” says Bathroom Brands CEO Patrick Riley “This is a true landmark within the bathroom industry. We are enormously proud of what has been achieved. This fantastic new facility which brings our staff together under one roof allows us to offer our customers an unbeatable level of support that is genuinely unparalleled.”
Crosswater began in 1998 when Chairman Dave Hance began selling kitchen taps sourced from Italy and part-funded by a loan from his mother. Not including the original base of his garage, this building will be the 4th Crosswater has moved to in its impressive growth over the past 15 years.
Now Crosswater have over 175 staff and 5,000 products. Crosswater send over 30 vehicles delivering all over the UK every day with a team of over 25 sales reps on the road and in house distribution all over the UK and Eire.
As well as moving its headquarters from its 5 units in Crossways, Dartford to one purpose-built venue of 131,000 square foot of office, warehouse and showroom space. 15,200 square foot of office over two floors, 10,000 ft showroom and 15,000 square foot of pallet space, this year Crosswater have enjoyed a Sale to support the independent retailer and launches several products this year including Dynamo, Glitter, Sparkle, Belgravia exposed shower valves, Belgravia Nickel, Gallery basins, Edge infold, Elite Mirror, KH02, 03, 04, 05 & 06.
Kelly Hoppen Collection Number Six
KH ZERO 6 is the latest addition to leading designer Kelly Hoppen MBE’s brassware collection for Crosswater. Known for her signature cool, contemporary look, the renowned interior designer has created another beautifully minimalist range that combines linear designs with gentle curves.
Kelly Hoppen MBE, who has designed five exclusive ranges for Crosswater, has fashioned three pieces in this latest KH Zero 6 collection – a monobloc basin filler, a two hole bath filler and a bath shower mixer complete with a sleek pencil handset. All feature a flat topped spout finished with a sleek slimline handle.
“The entire KH ZERO collection presents retailers with the opportunity to attract consumers who appreciate the importance of individual style and the creative input of an increasingly renowned designer,” said David Hance, Group Chairman for the Crosswater Group which includes Crosswater’s brassware and showers, Bauhaus bathroom furniture and Simpsons enclosures. “The Crosswater Kelly Hoppen MBE collection has been an overwhelming success along with a number of new products from our sister brands. The total package of compelling designs from Crosswater and Bathroom Brands that run right through our ranges has played an important part in our continued success.”
An Accessory To Luxury
Crosswater recently extended their accessories range, introducing new additions to the Belgravia Traditional collection and contemporary stainless steel Mike Pro. Belgravia accessories pick up on the elegant detail from the classic brassware range, while Mike Pro is sleek and tubular, and comes in two finishes to match the basin and shower fittings in chrome or brushed stainless plated brass. All of the accessories are high quality chromed or brushed stainless metal and have concealed fixings.
More than just a finishing touch, accessories are useful, providing space for soap, toiletries, towels and toothbrushes – and are an excellent add on sale for retailers. New accessories can also give a tired old bathroom a brand new look with minimum disruption.
“Accessories are sometimes a last minute thought when buying a bathroom,” says David Hance. “It is in the interest of retailers to present them as part of the sale – and to show how new accessories can play a major role in a cost effective facelift to revamp a tired bathroom. They add value in the functionality and design of the bathroom and are a great final touch.”
Crosswater Adds ‘Glitter’ and ‘Sparkle’ This Christmas
Crosswater have launched two brand new basin mixers from their Gallery collection, bringing a touch of hotel glamour to their offer. The chrome plated brass basin mixers are sleek and slender in shape, and are elegantly encrusted with stunning crystals to add a stylish and unique finish.
“We’re thrilled to offer something new, something dynamic and on trend to add to our eclectic collection of bathroom mixers,” explains Dave Hance. “Glitter and Sparkle are not only aesthetically pleasing and offer a unique style which injects some glamour into bathrooms, whether it be the everyday consumer or a boutique hotel, but they are smooth-operating and fully functional; the signature of a true Crosswater tap.”
Like all Crosswater mixers, Glitter and Sparkle feature soft turn ceramic disc technology, solid brass construction with hard wearing chrome plating. Both carry a 15 year Crosswater guarantee.
For more information, www.crosswater.co.uk/ www.bathroombrands.com
