
Located in Guildford, Surrey, Dryden Court is the latest luxury development from Runnymede Homes. It’s anticipated that the future owners of the four townhouses, which are four and five-bedroom, might be looking to downsize or move out of London to the suburbs. As such there will be a demand for quality fittings and finishes, guaranteed component performance, and unforgettable visual impact. It is these factors that have driven the bathroom specification decisions for this striking construction project.
Laurence Manning, Operations Director at Runnymede Homes, says that achieving outstanding bathroom aesthetics and best-in-class component functionality is essential for developments such as Dryden Court. “Boutique projects such as the four impressive Dryden Court townhouses set their own levels of client expectation. This means only incorporating holistic design standards and premier product solutions that match the visionary excellence we have set for Dryden Court.
“It is for such reasons that we have specified Hansgrohe’s range of products for the townhouse bathrooms. We know our clients will be delighted with the distinctive designs we have developed for each of the bathrooms, including the concealed shower solutions that complement our exacting standards when it comes to looks and performance.”
A critical element to the delivery of a concealed showering answer where pipework is hidden away, is the use of Hansgrohe’s recently launched iBox universal 2 base.
For installers, a number of key factors come into play when looking at such installation projects. Issues such as speed of completion, simplicity, flexibility, and safety are at the forefront of Hansgrohe's mind when developing the technical aspects that the iBox universal 2 addresses.
The iBox universal 2’s built-in flexibility helps overcome awkward fitting scenarios, while new recyclable construction materials deliver real sustainability advantages. Using this product means that installers no longer have to trim components and can enjoy the inclusion of both pre-mounted seals and pre-installed function blocks.
Hayden Ansell from House Heating, who is leading the bathroom installation project at Dryden Court, says: “I have used the original iBox base for some time and install around 30-40 per year. However, the updated version is even more straightforward to install and fit correctly. And you only need two tools – a screwdriver and an Allen key.
“One improvement on the iBox universal 2 I really appreciate is the built-in spirit level which is included to make it easy to ensure you have got it horizontal before you finally tighten any screws. This definitely saves time on installation and guarantees accuracy.”
The integrated circular spirit level makes the first alignment of the iBox universal 2 simple, with alignment indicators located on the expanded polypropylene box, and pictorial representation to support easy installation. A cleaning cap also protects the concealed unit from dust and damage during installation and transport.
The fixing plate can be tilted by 5mm increments, so it is straight vertically as well. Installers can use the spirit level on the top guides to factor in discrepancies in the wall, before using an Allen key to tighten. The pipes can then be cut to size and installed for water delivery at the sides, top and bottom.
Hayden further comments: “Another excellent flexibility feature on the iBox universal 2 is the fact that you can move the sliding sleeve forward and backwards to suit the depth of the wall, and without the need to trim it once in place. I just adjust the front section to where I need it, add a backer board, and push it back in.
“Finally, the new iBox universal 2 also includes a fixed waterproof membrane, which can simply be attached to the wall before tiling. Again, this speeds up my install and ensures a watertight finish without any hassle. Also, in the event of an internal valve issue affecting the shower performance, the iBox universal 2 makes it extremely easy to access and change the valve if needed.”
In addition to the iBox universal 2 base plate, all the concealed showers solutions at Dryden Court are installed with Hansgrohe’s finish sets such as the ShowerSelect Comfort Q, Raindance E Overhead Shower, and either the Croma Select E or the Vernis Blend hand shower solutions.
Hayden says: “Everything is straightforward and simple. Once the iBox universal 2 is fitted, all that remains is to second fix one of Hansgrohe’s new finish sets once tiling is complete and the concealed shower is in. No pipes are visible, and clients are delighted with streamlined aesthetic that definitely has a wow factor.
“The iBox universal 2 is a real step forward for installers, supporting on-the-job speed, flexibility, and safety.”
As one of the most frequented rooms in any property, the bathroom should combine functionality standards and appealing aesthetics so that it is a welcoming and relaxing haven for homeowners.
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