Striking, Art Deco inspired bathrooms with Fibo
The latest finishes for Fibo’s waterproof wall panels offer complete design freedom with no compromise on budget or schedule.
Paid feature by Fibo
There is an important balance to be struck between aesthetics, practicality and cost when it comes to selecting products for a commercial bathroom refurbishment. Here, Nicola Lewis, Marketing Manager at Fibo explains how the latest finishes for Fibo’s waterproof wall panels offer complete design freedom with no compromise on budget or schedule.
Bathroom trends have fluctuated over time, but there are always those clients who seek more ambitious designs, with colour schemes to complement brand colours, or designs that bring outdoor textures such as wood and stone into washrooms for a harmonious touch.
Materials that can contribute to a more hygienic, low maintenance environment are now also higher on building owners’ lists of considerations. Interior designers are therefore always on the lookout for products that meet aesthetic and budgetary requirements with added longevity benefits.
Fibo waterproof wall panels
Fibo’s high-quality waterproof wall panels are a beautiful bathroom solution, manufactured from a strong layered plywood core that is sealed between decorative high-pressure laminate and enhanced moisture barrier to the reverse.
By utilising Fibo panels, its Aqualock tongue and groove fixing system combined with a quality sealant, means there’s no requirement for grout to create a watertight seal. Not only does this significantly reduce installation times, but means the panels are significantly easier to clean as they completely eradicate the associated grout-germ trap, keeping panels looking fresh for longer. What’s more, the panels are covered by Fibo’s market leading 25-year guarantee, that stipulates once panels are correctly installed they will remain watertight, and will not crack, delaminate, or fade – real reassurance for clients where longevity is crucial.
Match any vision
With over 80 different colour, design and texture options available, every taste and budget is catered for.
These designs range from wood, stone and concrete texture appearances, opulent marble designs, and even bold matt or gloss colour surfaces that range from dark Midnight Blue’s to warm peach tones.
If the client wants to retain the classic look and feel of tiles, Fibo can also cater to this with a unique tile effect offering. The only manufacturer in Europe with the technology to do so, Fibo uses a routering method to provide a range of tile effect sizes with 3D ‘lookalike’ groutlines in white or grey, providing panels that look and feel exactly like tiles.
Fibo also regularly updates its collection to ensure all trends are covered. Recently, it has launched the first design from its new Urban Collection, which encompasses a gorgeous Metro Brick finish.
Utilising the aforementioned routering method, the Metro Brick range features a 3D tile-effect pattern that mimics the effect of staggered 30x10cm brickwork. Inspired by the art deco movement of the 19th Century, this design brings the metro chic appearance from New York Subways and the London Underground indoors.
The design is available in five lasting neutral finishes; Svalbard, a matt light grey; Aberdeen, a dark, matt-finish grey; London, a glossy warm grey; Denver White, a gloss white finish; and White Silk, a white silk décor.
Less downtime
Of course, practicality is a consideration when considering the redesign of a commercial washroom.
Remodelling these areas can often mean a lot of downtime for building owners – and this is typically because of the tiling aspect. Often seen as the most problematic part of a refit, tiling requires ample wall preparation, cutting, placing and fixing tiles, grouting, and of course, the waiting period for everything to set properly. What’s more, there’s also the wait for specialist labour, which can hold up the project even further.
This is where Fibo wall panels are a truly viable solution, due to the incredible ease of installation offered. The Aqualock system is a ‘click’ system that only requires a polymer sealant among the seam, which then slots together for a virtually invisible join, providing an installation that is five times faster than tiles. What’s more, the panels can simply be cut to size using standard carpentry equipment, eliminating the requirement for specialist tools and labour. By utilising Fibo panels, its Aqualock tongue and groove fixing system combined with a quality sealant, means there’s no requirement for grout to create a watertight seal.
The panels themselves can be placed on a wall that is simply clean and dry, without extensive preparation – even over existing tiles. Not only does this aid the installation times but will provide ample cost savings on disposing of waste. Work can continue on schedule with ease, which will be of great benefit to clients who require as little disruption as possible.
Fibo recognises that commercial interior designers have a multitude of factors to consider, and provides a range of flexible, stunning options to suit. To find out more about Fibo’s extensive bathroom and kitchen collections, visit www.fibo.co.uk
