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FEBRUA RY 2019 | 19 Plumbing Products 15th-century Italian technique known as acquaforte, artisans etch textural patterns into the surface, creating a sense of movement across the stone. The etched patterns are then brought to life using a champagne-gold metallic finish. This labour-intensive handcrafted process, wrought on natural stone, makes each Kensho sink unique, and a stunning statement piece for the bath. With approximately 3.8-million Canadians living with disabilities, Blanco Canada launched a single bowl sink series catered specifically for kitchens that follow the principals of universal design. "Designing for accessibility and the concept of aging-in-place incorporates long-term universal design elements that provide flexibility for families, couples, and individuals with a diverse range of ages and abilities, allowing them to truly engage with their built environment," says Edyta Drutis, director of marketing. Kitchen designers recognize the sink space as an important part of the kitchen's working triangle, which is formed by the sink, stove, and refrigerator. An effective, accessible kitchen maximizes independence and manoeuvrability within this space, while also keeping it conveniently compact. "Blanco is proud to introduce two new ADA/CSA [Americans with Disabilities Act/Canadian Standards Association] B651 compliant sink models that feature a reduced bowl depth for wheelchair accessibility," she says. "The Blanco Precis Single 25 ADA/CSA is made in Canada from our revolutionary granite composite material Silgranit and can be installed as either a drop-in or undermount. This sink model is available in three popular Silgranit colours – Anthracite, Cinder and Metallic Gray." Due to its completely touchless design, Bradley Corporation's all-in-one WashBar reduces germ touchpoints in restrooms. "The clean+rinse+dry design of the WashBar inherently keeps hands from touching restroom surfaces that tend to accumulate germs," says Kris Alderson, senior marketing manager. "In less than two years, the WashBar's innovative no-touch design has earned over a dozen industry design awards and has been selected for a number of high-profile installations in all types of industries." The WashBar is available with two basin designs that do not support microbial growth. This includes the Verge basin made of Evero Natural Quartz and the OmniDeck made of Terreon Solid Surface. "Both Evero and Terreon are non- porous materials, and come as cast-formed, one-piece units featuring seamless construction made without cracks or crevices that harbor germs and dirt," says Alderson. To stop germs and bacterial growth in the fixture between uses, the WashBar is programmed to purge water every 24 hours for five seconds, if the unit hasn't been activated within that time. In effect, stagnant water is drained from the piping system and flushed with water to reduce and prevent growth of bacteria, such as Legionella. The WashBar also features a one-gallon soap container that requires fewer refills. When the low-level LED indicator illuminates, the soap container is replaced with a new full container, which minimizes germ contamination associ- ated with refills. Brizo Kitchen & Bath Company has introduced a new level of innovative luxury, unveiling the first-of-its-kind Vettis Concrete faucet. Years in the making, the single-handle faucet is a feat of engineering and craftsmanship, innovative in both design and material. As part of this exclusive, limited edition product unveiling, only 500 of the Vettis Concrete faucets will be available for purchase. Meticulously handcrafted by expert sculptor Christopher Shannon in his small studio in Victoria, B.C., the faucet blends the finest quality of raw materials and an exquisite geometric form to create architectonic harmony, while the sui generis nature of hand-poured concrete gives each faucet a distinct texture, colour, and style. "The Vettis Bath Collection inspiration is equivalent to strength found in nature. In its most iconic form – the single handle faucet – we introduce concrete. The distinctive sound of water flowing, grounded in the strength and beauty of concrete, reminds me of the quiet moments in nature, just before dawn, waiting for the world to wake up," says T.J. Eads, Brizo Kitchen & Bath industrial designer. The faucet is made from authentic, ultra-high performance, fibre-reinforced concrete, while a carefully titrated infusion of pure charcoal gives the faucet its signature hue. The concrete formulation showcases natural variations, giving each faucet its own esthetic characteristics – slightly evolving over time and each as stunning as it is unique. IPEX Inc. – providers of plumbing and mechanical applications used in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional projects – continues to have success with the AquaRise line of products. "This is a hot and cold potable water [CPVC] piping system available in half-inch to four-inch diametres," says Darin Johnson, product manager – AquaRise. "Unlike metal piping that may pit, scale, and degrade over time, AquaRise's rugged thicker walls and excellent corrosion resistance ensures years of consistent flow and maintenance-free performance, even in demanding hot water recirculation applications," he explains. The Kensho sink from Kohler. The WashBar from Bradley Corporation. The Vettis Concrete faucet from Brizo Kitchen & Bath Company.

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