Industrial styling for a residential sensibility

There is an undeniable attraction to the simplicity of industrial design that makes it ideal for residential applications where the goal is for a pared-back aesthetic.

Nowhere is this more evident than in contemporary tapware design where sleek lines complement lustrous materials in bathrooms and kitchens.

It is this desire for design purity that has informed the Valvola range by Studio Adalini for Quadro Design, says Sean Paterson, Director of SA Plumbing Supply.

“Conceived as a reworking of the ‘wing-nut’ style gas ball valve so prevalent within industrial settings, Valvola represents a contemporary reimagining of this iconic and instantly recognisable form.

“Valvola is a collaboration between manufacturer Quadro Design and Studio Adalini—their second project together—and has been designed to offer maximum flexibility through the free combination of individual elements, of which there are 25,” says Sean.

The Valvola range comprises a variety of wall- and basin/rim-mounted mixers, spouts and hand showers, all of which can be combined to create a cohesive yet individual aesthetic.

“Crafted in AISI316L stainless steel, the range also features four finishes for further customisation—brushed stainless steel and three PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) finishes: black, light gold and rose gold. The mixers are also available with black handles and stainless steel flanges for a two-tone look.

“The PVD method is an innovative process in which the coloured coating is bonded to the base metal using a vacuum chamber and in such a way that enables the intrinsic characteristics of stainless steel of durability, hypoallergenicity, resistance to acid solvents and salt corrosion to remain intact. Because the colour is bonded to the stainless steel at a molecular level it stands out without being overwhelming, which means it’s not going to wear or fade over time.

“Meanwhile, behind the wall or beneath the basin, Valvola features the same engineering as other Quadro Design ranges, which not only expedites installation but also makes it easier to replace or update your bathroom look without costly replacement of connectors and fixtures,” says Sean.

Established in 1951, Shipwright Agencies began life as a manufacturers’ representative within the marine industry. In the 1990s, this third generation family-owned company diversified into the plumbing sector and, today, has a continuing policy of representing specialist manufacturers of quality products for the plumbing and marine industries, says Sean.

“A downturn in the marine sector at the end of the ‘90s was the catalyst for the move into residential plumbing supplies distribution, with the decision made to specialise in niche products that had a point of difference to the norm—such as having a focus on the accessibility market through manufacturers such as Hewi and Goman.

“In early 2014 Shipwright Agencies Ltd created a new brand—SA Plumbing Supply Ltd—to convey a name that had greater relevance to the plumbing industry.

Learn more about Valvola and SA Plumbing products.