Having decided on the Duravit Vero model sink, my next decision is the size. This evening I mocked up two templates in cardboard of the two sink sizes I am considering to see how each would feel in the space (450w x 350d and 500w x 470d). Ive decided to go with the smaller one which is more shallow, and will just about fit like the existing sink without projecting too far past the window surround. The next size up just seems too large for the small space.
The first patent of 1946 is shown at top, followed by the re-design in 1952, which was also produced in Camberwell before Dualit expanded to a larger factory on Old Kent Road. The last image of course is my toaster in its new home.
An excerpt from the history is here:
Max Gort-Barten the founder of Dualit was born in Germany in 1914. Max's father was also an inventor and the family produced acetate wallets in a factory behind their house. Max found himself in England as WWII broke out. After 5 years in the army, he bought a factory in Camberwell with the intention of manufacturing one of his many inventions. His first successful product was the flip-sided toaster, patented in 1946 After doing a bit of research I was able to find out that the original Dualit factory, which no longer stands, was on nearby Picton Street. Remarkably, the British Queen pub visible in the foreground of these old photos, with its sign panel, and projecting Rooster sign stating 'Courage' still exists. For fun I tried to find the same view on Google Maps and came up with the below.
Works are now finally complete in terms of linking up new water mains to each flat, but the contractor still needs to finish up work inside the common parts. Despite now having an individual designated line of pipework direct to each flat, the water pressure unfortunately remains largely the same as I had expected (hence my vote against the works in the first place!). The cold water pressure is slightly stronger in fairness, but the hot water is the same because there isnt a hot water storage tank, but an instant hot water heater which can only heat water so fast. Ah well... at least I know that the next chunk of money I spend on the flat will have a more noticeable and satisfying impact when I eventually get the kitchen countertop sorted out!
I want the basins in the flat to match so I've decided to go with a Duravit Vero sink in the bathroom to match the one I recently installed in the toilet room, but in a slightly bigger size.
I've also decided to buy the base cabinet directly from Duravit rather than have one made up. Although the mushroom colour and wood veneer finishes pictured are nice Im going to stick with a classic white gloss rather than bring in another colour and finish. I learnt recently with my kitchen floorboard installation experience that English carpenters aren't always particularly precise and this way there is one less item for them to mess up!
I thought Id use this lovely etching print of a meteor shower instead of another boring shower head!
Although the shower head is fixed into the wall, I still need a hose for the spray wand (which yes, Ive decided is essential for hosing down and cleaning the tub). At least some decisions are easy. Sign me up for the smooth plastic-metal hose (top image), which looks 100% better and is easier to clean without all those ribs to hold limescale. Sorted.
The next thing to decide is whether to go for a rain shower head (top image) or a standard wall mounted shower head. The rain shower looks much better aesthetically, but uses more water, while the wall mounted shower head will likely have better pressure.
If I go with a rain shower head the next question is the length of the arm, and in this case Id definitely go for the longer one so you arent standing with your nose against the tiled wall.
If I go with the wall mount, there is then the question of single vs multiple modes of operation, presumably 4 modes (middle image) are better than one (bottom), although the single mode looks better! To be honest once I choose the preferred setting I'd be unlikely to change it, but in the end Id probably go for the 4 mode.
Alas, Im still not 100% on the basic type yet so am still trying to decide. Any opinions? What I do know however is that I do not need a LED illuminated colour changing shower head - Yikes! Who buys this stuff?!
In essence there are 2 types of shower systems available - one where the pipework is concealed (See top shower image), and one where it is exposed (See bottom shower image). In the spirit of less cleaning and polishing of brassware (and because I dont feel like paying £1500+ for the gorgeous 'shower pipe' from Hansgrohe in my post from February 23rd), Im opting for a concealed pipework option but this means I will need to fur out the back wall of the WC by around 120mm, which will affect my basin choices and setting out.
