Teuco at Cersaie 2010

Check out the fabulous Teuco stand at Cersaie 2010

http://bit.ly/dZuWuX

Soak - closed due to snow

Soak in Style, Reform Road, Maidenhead

We have closed the showroom due to the inclement weather.  Our intrepid team made to work on foot but no deliveries or customers so have shut down for the Christmas holiday period.

Soak will re-open on 4 January 2011.  If you wish to contact us please do so by email via our website www.soakinstyle.com if you don't already have our email.

New Soak livery on delivery van

Images from Bette, Dansani and Axor Hansgrohe

 

Check out our updated delivery van

The Duravit Happy D bath

Napoli bath from Victoria & Albert, Mastella and Roman Showers

Thanks to Creative Signs for a brilliant job.

 

Mimì Collection by Gessi | Luxury News from Luxury Insider

Mimì Collection by Gessi | Luxury News from Luxury Insider

See the Mimi collection on display in the Soak Showroom

Eco home with V&A Napoli bath

Soak supplied the product for an eco home being built in the Chilterns which included a Victoria & Albert Napoli bath

- check out the link below which takes you to the V&A website

ECO HOME ON V&A WEBSITEhttp://www.vandabaths.com/uk/inspirations.php?title=luxury-eco-home 

TEUCO ROUND SHOWER

CANCELLED ORDER

TEUCO EVOLUTION ROUND SHOWER WITH

STEAM SAUNA, RADIO + MUCH MORE

BRAND NEW AND STILL BOXED

Teuco Evolution Round Shower

SRP    £10,893.43                                SALE PRICE   £5999

Ex-Display Sale - Teuco Noovalis

EX-DISPLAY SALE

Teuco Noovalis 1900 x 900 Freestanding Bath

with 8 Jet Hydrosilence Whirlpool System inc Heater

Teuco Noovalis Freestanding Whirlpool Bath

SRP  £6966.58               SALE PRICE  £3499

AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN THE SOAK SHOWROOM 

SOLD 

Can the quality of our surroundings lift the quality of our lives?

One of the mantras on the Foster & Partners website has the following:

the quality of our surroundings can lift the quality of our lives

At Soak we like to apply this ethos to every bathroom we design.  You may be wondering about the quantum leap from Foster & Partners to bathrooms.  Foster & Partners also design products, and we can offer the Foster range from Duravit.

Foster bathroom from Duravit

Foster basin by Duravit

Is it design or is it architecture?  Whatever your opinion, it is genuine Foster.  Sensational, like all his work: The Gherkin in London (aka 30 St Mary Axe) and Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong, the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and the new German Reichstag.  The architect and designer Norman Foster has excelled himself and created a bathroom suite that pushes the boundaries, which defines the bathroom anew.  

How has he done this?   Quite simply.  

Two adjacent circles define the geometry of the whole range. 

Plus the archetype of two cupped hands scooping fresh water.  

Bathroom Foster.

So it is no surprise to see this stunning building - the Zayed National Musem in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Zayed National Museum will form part of the emerging Saadiyat Island Cultural District. 

Its design draws on the landscape and culture of the Emirates and the galleries are housed within five feather-like forms, which function as solar thermal towers and contribute to a highly progressive environmental strategy.

The Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi designed by Foster & Partners



So let Soak bring some inspiration to your new bathroom so you can have the bathroom of your dreams.

All I want for Christmas is ....

a new bathroom?

Duravit 2nd Floor bathroom

... somewhere to take a rest from the hassles of everyday life...

Amalfi bath by Victoria & Albert

... or an invigorating shower to get a fresh start to the day...

Wellness experienced from Gessi

... or perhaps you have the bathroom nightmare before Christmas ...

This is the before .. the after will be posted in January.

.. we can help with ideas, suggestions.  Soak offers a full design and installation service, or design only. 

Don't forget there is a VAT rise from 1 January 2011 to 20%, and you still have time to select and choose your new bathroom.

Stylish specialist bathrooms

Are you having trouble finding the right new bathroom?  Do you need a bathroom that is easy for you to use with no stepping into baths or showers?  Has the time come when getting in and out of a bath is a problem, or even entering your shower?  Soak can offer you a solution.

A wetroom provides the ultimate showering experience; an area free of obstacles and a practical use of space, without a hint of compromise in design. Offering both a full height screens or half height doors, the Courtier wetroom floor system from Impey guarantees versatility, independence and style. 

The Impey Aqua-Dec is a complete system that has been designed to allow the simple and cost effective creation of a wet room shower.

They have addressed the three main issues encountered when creating a wet room which are gradient, drainage and waterproofing.

• Level Access, barrier free - creates feeling of greater space even in smaller bathrooms
• Built-in gradient ensures water flows consistently to the gully
• Tilesafe ® waterproof membrane provides a truly watertight wetroom
• Efficient drainage options
• Lifetime Warranty for complete peace of mind
• Durable, extremely strong and simple to install
• Suits all types of floor construction
• Only 22mm in depth, with 17mm preformed gradient
• Flow rate 22 litres per minute
• Can be trimmed and reversed depending on size
• Saves creating manual gradients
• Adjustable gully for varying tile thicknesses
• Drain positions designed to avoid joists
• Available in many sizes 

If you need a shower area to have easy access for assisted washing these half height enclosures have been designed to provide a safe and stylish showering experience with provision for carer assistance should it be required. The doors are effortlessly opened with the help of the Impey Courtier unique rise and fall hinge system that lifts the doors 10mm from the floor or tray during operation. This not only makes movement far easier but also prolongs the life of the rubber floor seal. The doors also feature a 360° full length middle hinge to allow maximum entry space into the shower area - perfect for even the smallest bathroom.

• Stylish polished aluminium design
  
• 750mm high for carer assistance
  
• Toughened stay clean glass
  
• Easy grip handle
  
• Rounded profile for safety and comfort
  
• Rise and fall wall hinge
  
• 360º middle hinge

There is a shower seat with a back so you wash with ease and in comfort.

For those who prefer a bath Teuco offer this stylish yet practical solution.

TEUCO 383 WALK-IN BATH WITH SHOWER. 

Soak are premier dealers for Teuco and can recommend this luxurious bath named 383 which is a modern and minimalist corner bathtub with a shower combination. The 383 is ideal for any contemporary bathroom interior and has been designed to meet the requirement of entire family, from children to adults and even the elderly. 

This comfortable bathtub has a door, which opens inwards, and a long lever with a mechanical locking system to stop accidental opening. The shower enclosure is larger than your average walk-in bath with shower and you can easily access it through the door without having to climb over the side of the bath.  Inside you can move easily and comfortably, and it comes with a wide and comfortable seat. 

At long last a stunning stylish choice for the specialist bathroom. 

So come along to the Soak showroom in Reform Road, just off the A4 in Maidenhead and discuss your requirements with a helpful and knowledgeable member of staff.

Adding the feminine touch

Ever wanted a really girly bathroom?  How about these fairytale designs from Etrusca?  Powder-puff pink to neutral, although not neutral as we know it!  Retro Fifties style furniture that give a little romance back into your life.

We can offer options from Mastella that are not so feminine, and are wall-hung in keeping with the contemporary hotel look that many of us want to re-create in our bathrooms.

Le Bateau est Arrive

Bateau bath from Victoria & Albert

Victoria & Albert freestanding bath

Victoria & Albert Toulouse bath

Toulouse bath

The fabulous Toulouse bath from Victoria & Albert is a deep double-ended bateau bath that features a streamlined built-in overflow.  The beautiful clean lines of the Toulouse complement both traditional and contemporary settings, and gives the popular modern traditional look.

All V&A baths are made from its exclusive Quarrycast volcanic limestone materialand offer luxury living with a smooth finish that is comfortable to touch.

The Toulouse bath is 1700 x 800 x 640 and is available from the Soak showroom in Maidenhead.

Victoria and Albert bath

The Soak slideshow

Duravit featured in the Aqua Aurelia Hotel, Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden has been a well-known world famous spa town and an exclusive wellness oasis since Roman times. The hot springs of Baden-Baden’s bathing quarter is the centre of a spa culture, and the Aqua Aurelia Suite Hotel offer the guest a very personal hideaway from everyday life.

New building in prominent surroundings
The name of the new Suite Hotel is reminiscent of the “Aquae Aureliae”, the settlement that stood there during the time of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius, who ordered the expansion of the luxurious bathing facilities at the start of the 3^rd century AD. Constructed on historical ground, the façade of the new hotel building with its classical tones makes reference to the historical backdrop, the neighbouring dome of the Friedrichsbad and the Neue Schloss, the former residence of the Margraves of Baden. The carefully designed building slips discreetly into the highly traditional surroundings. With a state-of-the-art conference area and direct access to the bathing and sauna landscape of the Caracalla Spa and the wellness lounge opened in 2009, the residence offers wellness and conference guests alike luxurious accommodation in one of its 47 suites.

The suites open onto balconies and terraces offering views of the picturesque old town and Baden-Baden’s parks. The splendid backdrop can also be enjoyed from within the “Aqua Aurelia” from the large picture windows. Architect Rainer Bender who, as one of the owners of the hotel, was also responsible for the entire planning and construction management.

The concept flourishes...
In each of the large suites, ranging in size from 34 to 65 square metres – not to mention the Presidential Suite with a resounding 185 square metres – the guest luxuriates in fully-air conditioned and spacious rooms that are flooded in light. Every detail speaks of luxury. With a variety of creative ideas, Bender has realised his key planning vision, namely to evoke the magic of the Roman past in conjunction with modern extravagance. How did he do this?

Reminiscences of the Roman past
“The materials play a key role”, says the architect. Only authentic materials have been used – natural stone, mineral glazes, Murano glass tiles, natural wood parquet flooring. The form of the unusual chairs is reminiscent of Roman klines, which were used for dining whilst reclining. The selection of colours, namely warm tones with a high percentage of red and yellow, is also reminiscent of ancient Rome and its legendary frescoes.

The bathrooms in the suites also pay impressive homage to the Roman past; all have different designs with incredibly luxurious furnishings and dimensions. Details such as white mosaic tiles or gold-leaf inserts are inspired by the ancient art of mosaic. The design of the snail shower is a more subtle expression of Bender’s return to the origins. The use of this open, organic shower form in some of the bathrooms goes hand in hand with a deliberate renunciation of hinges and modern glass partitions.

Return to authenticity
Particularly in the bathroom where the element water is at home, it was important for the architecture to create a coherent archaic and yet extravagant impression. Duravit products were chosen for the sanitary ceramics. Various ranges from the Duravit range make their own contribution to the exquisite bathroom furnishings in “Aqua Aurelia”; also ensuring a sophisticated design in barrier-free bathrooms.

In some of the bathrooms, the theme of authenticity is used in the large, natural-stone countertops in the washing area. The water flows in a natural stream from the taps into the surface-mounted “washing bowls”. It’s not surprising that the ideas of Philippe Starck also come into their own in the bathroom world created by Rainer Bender; in the console basin from the Edition Starck 1. However, Starck’s creations are also shaped by the encounter with the authentic, the elementary. They clearly communicate this back-to-the-roots philosophy, namely the respect for the element water, the return to archaic form, the reinterpretation of original forms such as the bathing bucket and Starck’s playful interpretation of these. The observer is reminded of Roman times; the magic of the Romans has returned.

http://www.aquaaurelia.de/

Axor Citterio

A well-designed bathroom always needs a well-thought out professionally designed plan. Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe, also offers customers and partners professional planning help with inspirations and technical tips. A brochure has been published for the complimenting products from the successful Axor Citterio collection. This brochure shows versatile and innovative room solutions and contains suggestions to create the bathroom area.

Great Versatility and fresh Stimuli
The additions to the Axor Citterio bathroom collection offer even more choices.

Three new single-handle washbasin mixer taps, a new shower head, a new shower pipe and an elegant solution for the bidet expand the original collection. 

Antonio Citterio, for whom the room is always the starting point of his product design, is also providing fresh stimuli for bathroom design with his enhanced Axor Citterio room concept. A new bathroom ambiance had been developed, which transforms the bathroom into a place of well-being and recreation and, once more, emphasises the creativity and spatial competence of the internationally renowned architect and the Axor brand.

From Inspiration to Bathroom Planning
The Axor Citterio professional brochure illustrates the inspiring suggestions of Antonio Citterio in clear and concise form and provides solutions for smaller applications: the design suggestions range from the discussion about the benefits of the products, to tips for the right complementary products through to spatial planning for smaller bathrooms.

Technical details, such as scaled drawings for the products, mounting lists
and material descriptions on the different bathroom suggestions, round off
the informative character of the brochure. 

Check out the Axor Citterio collection on display in the Soak showroom.

New furniture collection from Duravit

Duravit Ketho
KETHO - the latest furniture collection from Duravit

As modern life places greater demands upon us, we, in turn, also start to demand more. These demands also extend to the bathroom, which we expect to be attractive and inviting, but of course also functional. Designed by Christian Werner, the new Ketho range of bathroom furniture is embodied by clear forms, well thought-out functionality and comfortable quality. The innovative ergonomic handles features throughout the range giving flexibility to suit any modern bathroom.
The Ketho furniture range is robust and durable in every respect. All items of furniture feature comprehensive melamine resin protection and bonded, waterproof edges. The integrated SoftClose function with silicon end dampers ensure doors always close smoothly and quietly and, in so doing, spare both the user’s fingers and the material. The illuminated mirrors and mirror cabinets are tested and certified in accordance with the IP 44 international safety standard. This means the products are splash-proof and can be fitted closer to baths and showers – making full use of the available space. They are easy to operate via infrared sensor, and an integrated 3-way switch means the lights can also be operated via other switches, and, for example, fitted next to the bathroom door. Every detail of the furniture range aims to ensure that the user can identify with and enjoy it and throughout the lifetime of the bathroom.
This solves a tricky problem for the designer. According to Werner, “We tend to keep a bathroom even longer than the kitchen and longer than any sofa or dining table. This means there is a strong need for certainty. The certainty of knowing that we won’t get tired of looking at it. For this reason, Ketho furniture doesn’t shout out ‘hello, here I am’ but, with its clear contours, succinct proportions and fine colours, it makes an elegant contribution to the harmony of the room as a whole.
Ketho includes everything from a small wall shelf and flexible mobile storage unit to practical cabinets, both tall and low, that offer a generous amount of storage space. The vanity units prove particularly versatile: five different vanity units are available in widths ranging from 40 to 120 cm (15 ¾” to 47 ¼”) for combination with the Starck 3 furniture washbasins. The range also includes options measuring 80 and 100 cm (31 ½” and 39 3/8”) wide for the D-Code furniture washbasins. If console and built-in basins are required, a vanity unit with a fully integrated console provides the ultimate solution. Thanks to its dual function, this piece provides the perfect platform for designing individual washing areas with wash bowls, console basins or built-in washbasins. With or without the integrated console, vanity washbasins always offer a choice of one or two drawers. Mirrors and mirrored cabinets in matching widths add the finishing touch to the range. With their individually adjustable glass shelves, the mirrored cabinets in particular offer valuable storage space. For those who prefer their cabinets with handles, these are enclosed and can be easily screw-mounted.
Born in Berlin, Werner is one of the most successful furniture designers in recent years. His high-profile work includes a range of storage furniture for Ligne Roset and sofas for Rolf Benz. Recently, the designer developed an interest in fashion design and developed the ZOE shoe, a completely new and sensual design for platform wedges. When he turned his attention to the bathroom, sensuality was again top of his agenda. “Today, people are no longer uptight about personal hygiene. Personal hygiene has become a pleasurable focus of attention and so, in turn, has the bathroom. It has become a sensory space for regeneration, somewhere that we enjoy spending time,” said Werner. With this as his starting point, he started to “think furniture into the bathroom” and searched for a lasting aesthetic that would embody his theory – in a succinct way.
A variety of décors highlight Ketho’s refined form: white aluminium, white matt, basalt matt, and graphite matt add subtlety, whereas garnet red creates a powerful blaze of colour. The matt structure of the surfaces makes them pleasant to the touch, a property that is mirrored in the design of the bath panelling. Overall, Ketho offers consistent design throughout, creating an attractive, balanced appearance.

V&A open London Showroom at Chelsea Harbour

New London showroom for Victoria & Albert

British bath specialists Victoria & Albert have opened a new specification showroom in the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre.  Located in the North Dome of the centre at 2/21, the new showroom is a first for the brand outside its Shropshire headquarters and is a valuable resource for retailers, architects, and designers.

On display in the new showroom are the Napoli, Ravello, ios and Amalfi Premium Range bath and basin collections, the elegant Marlborough bath in a traditional setting and the new Tubo collection of luxury bath fillers. The showroom has the first display of the Ravello bath complete with matching Ravello 60 basin in London.

The showroom is just part of Victoria & Albert’s long term commitment to building its brand and increasing market share in the luxury bathing sector, particularly in high end hotel and residential refurbishments. It includes a seating area for meetings and training sessions and will also be used to showcase future new products.  Enquiries from architects, interior designers and other visitors will be referred to Victoria & Albert’s nearest Premium Dealer.  Products are not sold directly from the showroom.

Marlborough bath on display in V&A Showroom at Chelsea Harbour

The showroom is open on weekdays from 9.00am to 5.30pm and we welcome all visitors looking for a design led approach to bathing. 

V&A Napoli bath on display in the Soak Showroom

 See the Victoria & Albert iconic Napoli bath on display in our showroom.

8 Stunning Contemporary Bathroom Designs by Mastella Design | ChicTip.com - Interior Design Blog -Interior Design Ideas, Tips & Inspiration

8 Stunning Contemporary Bathroom Designs by Mastella Design | ChicTip.com - Interior Design Blog -Interior Design Ideas, Tips & Inspiration

See Mastella on display in the Soak Showroom

Stunning Contemporary Bathroom Designs by Teuco | ChicTip.com - Interior Design Blog -Interior Design Ideas, Tips & Inspiration

Stunning Contemporary Bathroom Designs by Teuco | ChicTip.com - Interior Design Blog -Interior Design Ideas, Tips & Inspiration

See the Teuco Noovalis on display in the Soak showroom!

baths, baths baths!

For those who are lucky enough to have the space there has been a switch to free-standing baths, and Soak offer a wide range to choose from.  The bath can be a real focal point in your bathroom, and adds a feeling of indulgence.

  

Firstly, think about what sort of look you want to achieve - do you prefer a traditional look with a roll top bath with claw feet, or a contemporary twist on the bath with wooden feet?

Or you may prefer a more contemporary look from square designs

See the 2nd Floor bath on display in the Soak showroom

 

to more curvy organic shapes you can completely relax in

Urquiola bath from Axor Hansgrohe - see it in the Soak showroom

Happy D bath from Duravit - see it in the Soak showroom

V&As Amalfi - a modern take on the slipper bath
Softly contoured sides descend gracefully to the floor uncluttered by waste pipe work and an extended
backrest provides full head support; essential for those long luxurious soaks

We always recommend you sit in a bath before you buy - you want to ensure it's comfortable - it's no good having a statement bath if it's not comfortable enough to have a good soak in!  Baths are now made in a variety of materials, you are no longer restricted to just the traditional shape, as mineral cast and LG Hi-mac mean all sorts of shapes are available.

For inset baths think about what to surround the bath - you can chose from stone, wood, mosaic or tiles, as well as sculptured panels.  Good design helps you achieve the look you want, and our in-house Design Team will be happy to offer advice and show you what really works, and know to allow for access in case of any problems.

Many baths now come without tapholes, as more and more people want to achieve a clean look and either have freestanding taps, wall-mounted taps or a bath filler where the water flows in through the overflow.

And of course let's not forget the spa options of hydrotherapy and chromatherapy.

CATALANO MUSE WINS ANOTHER DESIGN AWARD!

Catalano ‘Muse’ Collection Wins GOOD DESIGN Award

The Muse Collection from Catalano has won the prestigious GOOD DESIGN AWARD, bestowed by the Chicago Athenaeum to those products that exhibit excellence in design.  Presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, these awards are the world’s most prestigious global awards for new product design and graphics.  Manufacturers from over 40 nations submit products which showcase the latest advances in design, innovation, sustainability, creativity, branding, ecologically responsible design, human factors, materials, technology, graphic arts, packaging and universal design.

The Muse Collection won the Grand Design Award in 2008 and Catalano is exclusive to Soak in the Maidenhead area.

The Muse range features wall-hung and free-standing basins designed by Matteo Thun for Ceramica Catalano. The delicate-looking, but sturdy wall-hung basin with chrome legs is absolutely stunning and will add the wow factor to any bathrooms. The Muse pedestal basins and wall-hung basins are available in high-gloss white and black, and a high-design silver, creating a very strong visual impact in the bathroom.

Catalano's Muse wall-hung WC is on display in the Soak showroom, along with other ranges from Ceramica Catalano.  Come in and see at Reform Road, Maidenhead, SL6 8BT.