Brem Radiators

 Brem are an Italian company who design and manufacture high quality steel radiators and towel rails.

Their literature states "Radiators for Architecture" and their products are quite literally an architect's dream.

Visually they look like fabulous pieces of art, available in a multitude of sizes, finishes, and colours.

Technically they operate at low temperature of 50 degrees C, ensuring uniform heat. The larger surface areas conducts heat in a very efficient manner through both convection and irradiation. Although most of the radiators are plumbed to the central heating system, electrical versions are also available. Remote valves and digital thermostats are also options on certain models.

Why we like them is because of their fantastic range of designs and extensive colour choice available in high gloss and sable finishes.There are also textured pieces available.

Lame Up

I recently had the opportunity to visit their Italian factory, where I could see the manufacturing and design processes at work.
Invisible welds and expert painting ensure the radiators look superb as a finished product.

The Paco is an interesting design. A combination of heating and storage.

Cross

Paco

The "So-Flex" takes the notion of a radiator and towel rail further than many will have encountered. Designed by Gabriella Almagioni, it is a stylish radiator with an upturned corner of steel that. Available in sizes ranging from 77cm high to 2-20, it looks particularly stunning in the 19 Sable colours that include dark copper, ivory, mouse grey and oxide orange.

"Lame-Up" looks very much like a modern totem pole. Designed by Davide Brembilla, Rectangular tubes of differing heights are grouped together as 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 pieces and erected on a colour co-ordinated stand.

S Barra

Vision

Where space is at a premium then the "Sbarra" is perfect. At only 8cm per unit, it can be manufactured as a 1,2 or 3 bar radiator. Remote valves, electrical model and fantastic choice of colours add to the versatility of this high output and energy efficient system.



"Vision", designed by Luigi Brembilla is a 3 dimensional towel heater which as well as being available in differing sizes and colours, can be square or horizontal.

This unit can be plumbed or available as an electrical version. The valves are located at the back so as not to affect the aesthetic visual design.

There are designs which incorporate lighting and mirrors.

If you want more information, and to see some of the range on show, go visit their UK stockist.

Reassuringly Expensive

Sometimes you just have to splash out to get what you really want. While the jury may be undecided on what counts as "luxury" in terms of interior design, one thing is pretty clear - you get what you pay.

Not only do Farrow and Ball have some of the hottest colours, but their paint is gorgeous. As you dip your brush in the tin, you can feel the quality of a thickly pigmented paint which just makes you feel like an artist. The quality and coverage are incomparable to the cheap own branded paints, and even some popular names. Three coats of paint will normally give you that luxurious colour - I usually just finish off the tin. From the elegant Bone, to the unusual Smoked Trout and ever popular Pointing there will be a shade that will work in every room.

 It's no secret we love our bathroom furniture, and it doesen't get much classier than Burgbad, well there is Fiora- but that's saved for another blog!

In fact bathroom furniture is having a great time right now. The old boutique hotel bland style of white and limestone with the obligatory chrome  is being replaced by some pretty decadent pieces. Quirky tiles, funky fronts, gold, copper, chandeliers, silk finish fronts, swarovski - it's all there.

And don't get me started on the radiators! Brem, K8, Tubes Radiatori - just wow! You can clearly see the passion our European neighbours have when it comes to design.
We love Brem Lame, utterly stylish and very architectural as well as being efficient.

 No one quite does sectional furniture quite like Roche Bobois. A great range of patterns and designs, let your imagination run riot here. We love the simplicity of style, with a great 70's hippy vibe which we are sure to see more in future.

Griferias Maier have an absolutely stunning range of taps being released, including these swarovski embellished. Now the difference between cheap and luxury =quality.

Yep, you get what you pay.

Bologna Water Design , Tubes and Zucchetti

 A 16th century palace becomes the backdrop to a creative  experience that forms the Bologna Water Design Show. Entering the building in search of the Italian radiator company Tubes Radiatori felt rather like entering a theatre in the middle of a Shakespear play while all the Acts were happening at once, and having no idea what it was about, but wanting to stay.

In one room a short animated film was being shown to a captive audience of young children sitting in rows of Starck chairs.

Tubes Kangeri

 A pixar styled animated figure nodded its head against a watery coloured background, while the earth felt rain and a shadow pulled a shower curtain across. The only colour was a bright yellow rubber style duck.

There was something mesmerising about the sequence which led me to watch it a second time.

Then I realised this was a short promotional film to advertise a showerhead by the Italian company Zucchetti . 

Zucchetti Kos

While fresh mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes, and stuffed fresh figs were served with the obligatory and delicious Prosecco in the architects room - Tubes radiators blended in with the half plastered walls and Hansgrohe Axor.

In other rooms water being used to create patterns was in evidence as well as designs for open pools such as found in many open spaces, or public water fountains as found in "Kiosk"

Tubes

Tubes Scaletta

Ofcourse like many things that look simple on the surface, there is very likely some skilled and great creative forces involved, and this exhibition was a great example of just such an abundance of  talent.


While each room seemed impossible at first to reconcile with another, somehow the Acts all fell into a natural order and the overall experience of taking part in such a theatrical exhibition was well worth the extra glass or two of Prosecco.


Here is to great design, enjoy.

For more info on Tubes Radiatori contact www.radiatinginteriors.co.uk
Related posts Tubes Radiatori  Cersaie Bologna and More  

Cersaie 2014 Bologna and more

Bologna has long been known as a centre of culture.  Historical buildings, well preserved architecture and  great transportation links all add up to this city being a destination for creative fairs and tourism. Little wonder it was voted European Capital of Culture in 2000.

Cersaie is a firm fixture in the ceramics world calendar. Major suppliers showcasing what is new and bold in the world of porcelain, ceramics, glass, designer walls, bathrooms and fittings. There was certainly a lot to see.

Glass glazed ceramic tiles and funky displays of lava basins made appealing and interesting displays. There was certainly a fair amount of lava products on show. Whether the material was used as wall tiles , or cast as basins or worksurfaces, this was certainly an interesting product.

I really liked the  bricks on show. Whether they were porcelain or designer brick, there was something really appealing about them. Not only were there different sizes and shapes- but some really exciting colourways and suggestions for patterns.

I'm quite into the designer brick- and very excited one supplier. Something a little bit different.

We saw at Decorex a few years ago a bit of gold/ brass displayed in bathroom hardware, this year a bit more in Bologna. It's a resurgent market, impressed to see some really good partnerships hardware and sanitaryware.

How can you not love these radiators by Ridea Schema Bird. There is Wolly, Schema Cat and Schema Bird- who incidentally was tweeting through Cersaie 2014 . Who says radiators need be boring.

We tend to think of heating in this country as being wall mounted boring white, or portable grey blowing hot air.

There are alternatives, and some imagination and great designs.

Excited was I by Cordivari, Italian style fantastico, shown here.
Fiore, a Spanish company with electric and water heaters and again great designs.


My journey continued to visit Tubes Radiatori. So here I am in a 16th century palace Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini in via D'Azeglio in Bologna, it's the Bologna Water Design festival. The building itself is beautiful, courtyard, vaulted ceilings- a place to stay and explore. That's where we found ourselves looking for Tubes. We found them, but the journey much more more interesting.

The international partnership between Turkish Ceramics, The Architect's Journal and 6 of the best architecture practices around was a highlight. The Architect's Journal teamed up with Turkish Ceramics, who represent 37 Turkish ceramic manufacturers, to create a design challenge called "Kiosk". The word kiosk is derived from the Turkish "kosk" which translates as small communal space. And of course the brief included an aspect of water as well as the use of Turkish ceramics in the design.

 The clue was probably in the introduction by AJ's acting editor Rory Olcayto, "Kicking the Bottle". Water is beneficial for health and millions is spent on bottled water. Why not tackle the problem of readily accessible free water in a unique and environmentally friendly way. How could a water fountain be exhibited and used in 21st century London and by incorporating Turkish ceramics into the design.

The wow factory definitely kicked in. How different could six architectural practices view something that's mostly sole purpose was to distribute water? How different indeed. The architects in question were Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Adam Architecture, Hopkins Architects, Eric Parry Architects, Studio Weave and Zaha Hadid. Each practice had its own unique take from single fountains that could refill water bottles and offer water to a dog, to elaborate fountains.

For more info re Italian radiator products contact Radiating Interiors

Related post Bologna Water Festival 

More Cool Designs on Heating

There is a definite chill in the air heralding the start of autumn and the inevitable switch on of central heating. If you are thinking of upgrading or replacing your heating appliances here are some stylish  designs that you might like.

 I have written before about a company called I- Radium and their infra red technology. Essentialy where conventional heating appliances warm the air, infra red warms objects and people. "Gigi" shown here is 80cm high and available in 6 different wood shades.
Excellent for little used rooms and for quick warmth.

Brem is another Italian company with a stunning portfolio of radiator designs working predominately with the top end of the market.

Stunning "Lame"  is shown here.
There are over 80 gloss, satin and metallic colours available over a very extensive range of modern designs.

K8 Radiatori use steel and aluminium in their ranges. "Bamboo Evolution" is comprised of irregular tubes which can be wall mounted or as shown here, to create a feature in a room.

K8 also do a fabulous wall mirror which is not also a heater but has an integrated lighting system.

With all heating requirements it is prudent to speak with the installer so they can best help judge size and output required.

Tubes Radiatori are another Italian company who have a fabulous range. This one called "Add-On" lets you do exactly that. It is a sectional radiator which allows you to build on components so that the design and size are custom made. Cunningly their systems allow for the valves to be remote from the unit, therefore improving the overall aesthetic look.

 If you have any queries, or would like to find out more about any of these suppliers contact Radiating Interiors

Sexy Ceramics

For research purposes, of course, I have HAD to watch the scene in "Ghost" where actress Demi Moore is at a pottery wheel.  Ok, actor Patrick Swyaze is in that scene too.  She is trying to form a vase, he appears - then the whole thing falls apart. Yes, men are that much of a distraction, especially if a hot ghost is in this scene.

The wheel keeps turning, the lump of clay with two pairs of hands and a lot of water turns into something memorable...will leave that to your imagination.

Poetry in motion.  Pottery in Greek is also Ceramic. It's been around for thousands of years through Europe and Asia - really anywhere clay could be found.   And  for thousands of years people have used their imagination to turn this lump of clay into something valuable - well maybe not as valuable as love, but you get my drift.

Of course there are floor tiles, wall tiles, outside tiles, bathroom furniture. There are different ratings, different glazes, different

 organics added, different firing temperatures....that is another blog.


But you want this link