Hotel Design- September 2008

bath trends Metallic finishes brighten bathroom fixtures ncorporating distinctive metal surfaces and products in luxury lodgings is a growing trend. Stainless steel and copper bath and spa products are ever more visible in hotels and resorts. Stainless steel bath fixtures have been around for 50 years, used largely in prisons and other institutions. Yet today, stainless steel is one of the most interesting and fun metal finishes for residential and lodging applications. Diamond Spas specializes in the custom fabrication of bath fixtures: bathtubs; whirlpool/air massage tubs; shower pans; countertop and pedestal lavatories; swim spas; and cold plunge pools. (see photos, below, for a sampling of the firm’s offerings.) A variety of custom designs in multiple shapes is available—from circular and elliptical to rectangular—with a combination of styles and finish combinations of bam- I Peter Schor Dynamic Results pschor@dynamicresultsinc.com boo, stainless steel and copper. Stainless steel and copper are fabricated from recycled sheet metal, qualifying them as environmentally friendly building products. The recyclable percentage of stainless steel metal comprises 60-80 percent. The copper sheet used in fabrication is produced from 90-95percent recycled copper. The warm-up time for stainless steel and copper baths is brief once hot water flows in the baths. And, stainless steel is fairly easy to maintain. The proper maintenance of copper finishes that come in contact with water really depends on what a client is looking for. Copper is considered a “living metal finish.” It constantly reacts to its environment. The reaction sparks vivid color combinations ranging from pinks to greens to browns. The copper will not change evenly, either. For some clients, this is exactly what they desire in their fixture. They prefer the variations of copper. This kind of copper upkeep is easy. Most manufacturers recommend using a mild dishwashing soap and soft sponge to clean the copper. For those who prefer their fixtures to shine, maintenance is more involved. A copper cookware cleanser will easily polish the copper. This new-penny appearance involves a polish every week or two. Neo-Metro, manufacturer of stainless steel plumbing fixtures, offers toilets, basins, tubs, tiles, urinals and showers in a commercial stainless steel-looking finish. Its console units come in a combination of stainless steel with fashionable color finishes. Another source for stainless steel bath fixtures is Julien, which manufactures bathroom consoles, lavatories and vanities. SOURCE LIST BEGINS ON PAGE 122 Peter Schor is a writer, lecturer, trainer and consultant. 22 Hotel Design | SEPTEMBER 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel Design- September 2008

Hotel Design - September 2008 Contents First Word Design Pulse News Briefs Boho Chic in South Beach Bath Trends Waterworks Photography 101 Illuminations First Looks Caribbean Cool Updating History On the Wall Call for Entries Technology Trendlines Form & Function Designer Viewpoint Under the Texan Sun Brand Outlook Call for Submissions Bringing Outside In Facelifts Portfolio People Watch Good Life Up Close & Personal Source List Ad Index Signature Projects

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.