While the Italians are renowned for their flair and passion for high-design, the Germans pride themselves on quality and technical innovation. From car manufacturing to architecture, the precision, detail and thought that goes into their work is evident from the final result and this dedication for excellence has ensured German product is sought after all around the world.

Launching from Alape’s new Public Spaces range, the ‘A1’ washstand concept allows Architects and Specifiers the freedom and creativity to explore endless design possibilities for a result that is individually suited to each project.

Dornbracht based in Iserlohn Germany, is an internationally active manufacturer of high-quality design fixtures and accessories for the bathroom and kitchen. The company regularly wins international design prizes for its products and since 1996 has been characterised by sustained commitment to culture. The publication “Dornbracht – the SPIRIT of WATER” has appeared in a bathroom and kitchen edition since 1996, and documents the self-image of Dornbracht as a company with cultural relevance and refers to the spectrum of the Dornbracht brand.

Duravit has re-freshed its versatile and popular Multibox mirror cabinet range. An innovative, soft-edged design brings the appearance of 'Multibox New' bang up to date plus four new built-in models have been introduced perfect for compact spaces and for use in combination with shallow basins.

The PuraVida collection from Hansgrohe has soft flowing lines and a striking dual-colour finish combining pure white with classic chrome. Wash basin mixers have a lightness of design with softly curved edges and the spray direction can be tilted backwards and forwards to minimise splash back on the basin. The rectangular overhead shower with curved corners is ergonomically designed to fit the human form delivering a shoulder-shaped cone of water that hits the body and creates less splashing, while the generously sized hand shower features new whirling finger massage jets and a new feature invented by Hansgrohe called EasyClick - this is perfect for all the family as a simple push of the button is all that is required to change the spray mode.

Launched at the recent ISH exhibition DIGA is an exciting new approach to shower enclosure design. The product features 2 foldaway panels which hinge through 180 degrees from the wall enabling them to fold away either internally or externally. When in use the panels close together with a full height magnetic seal ensuring watertight showering.

Manufactured from high-quality materials, each component of GROHE products has been thoroughly tested to ensure a lifetime of performance, comfort and design perfection. Not only do they undergo several quality controls before leaving the factory, new products are life-tested before launch and always exceed the highest international standards in quality and reliability; they are also tested against competitor products by independent institutions.

The “next” collection for 2010 is a new modern kitchen classic featuring a streamlined cubic shape, new innovative materials and door designs all with the promise of making great design affordable.

The collection includes next125 and the handleless nextline range, which rival premium brands for the finish and the fixtures, but offered at a mid-market price.

New from Siemens is a built-in double multi-function oven designed to make all culinary tasks as convenient and enjoyable as possible.

The elegant iQ500 model is smart and sensitive with hi-precision electronic sensors to guarantee accurate temperature control for all functions including 3D hot air and surface grill cooking (full width and centre), hot air grilling, intensive hot air and conventional heat.

The ATELIER CORNER SOLUTION is available from HSK now. Made from 8mm toughened safety glass and complimented by chrome on brass handles and hinges. The door is outward opening and operates on two rising butt hinges. The square chrome profiles enhance the look of this enclosure. Equally at home on an HSK tray or as a wet floor option. Standard sizes are available (1000,1200 & 1400) with an 800 or 900 Door. Made to measure also available.

This stunning new sink, now on display in the recently-opened Showroom at BLANCO’s new Radlett HQ, is one of two which have won awards from the internationally renowned Industrie Forum Design Hannover, adding to the growing list of award-winning sinks which demonstrate.

If you want to outshine your peers, then the new über-glossy acrylic door by Pronorm is the last word in style.

Contemporary kitchen furniture manufacturer Prornom has its finger firmly on the trend pulse with the launch of its new high gloss acrylic door on the Proline 128 range. It’s available on the three top selling monochromatic colours of White, Black and Magnolia which is a new slightly pinkier version of the company’s popular Vanilla tone.