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Low spout architecture and octagonal details define the Rook Bath Collection from Brizo. The shower options in the line include a ceiling-mount shower- head as well as multi-function H2OKi- netic Hydrati 2/1 shower, H2OKinetic wall-mount showerhead and H2OKi- netic handshower. Circle No. 159 on Product Card Cal-Green compliant StyleTherm, California Faucets' advanced thermo- static technology, features a two-outlet diverter allowing it to stay within 2.0 gpm water efficiency, and operate up to two applications independently. The Cal-Green version still allows exact tem- perature dial-in and full volume control. Circle No. 160 on Product Card VOLA's collection of in-shower spa products, distributed by Hastings Tile & Bath, were created in collaboration with Aarhus Arkitekterne. Designed to be used 'cold' for a cleansing, invigorat- ing shower, they can be combined with standard shower mixers to be used as both hot and cold. Circle No. 161 on Product Card The Perrin & Rowe Deco Therm Shower Package, available from Rohl, is part of the new Deco Bath Collection that takes its inspiration from the Art Deco movement in London during the late 1920s. This shower package is com- plemented with either lever handles or cross handles. Circle No. 162 on Product Card Guardian Glass North America ShowerGuard glass features patented ion-beam technology that permanently seals the glass surface with an invisible, protective coating. The result is shower glass that maintains its appearance long term, the firm notes. ShowerGuard includes a lifetime warranty. Circle No. 163 on Product Card TOTO's Aero Rain Shower features AeroJet+ technology, which increases each droplet's volume for a drenching experience while saving water. The aerated water falls in short, pulsating intervals, providing the feeling of more water than is being used, according to the company. Circle No. 164 on Product Card New from Delta Faucet, the Zura bath collection marries rounded, rectangu- lar and triangular elements to create a contemporary look in the bath. The pendant raincan showerhead features H2Okinetic Technology, creating a feeling of more water without using more water, the company notes. Circle No. 165 on Product Card Antonio Citterio has again collaborated with Hansgrohe, this time on the Axor Citterio E collection of bath faucets and shower components. Easy volume and temperature control is an important feature of the entire collection. Circle No. 166 on Product Card the footprint of a typical bathtub. But in the Midwest and other parts of the country, this footprint grows to as large as 59"x59" he notes. But not everyone sees everything getting bigger. Bishop believes smaller living trends are becoming more common. "If this continues, the challenge will be to deliver an experience that feels large in tighter quarters," he says. OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE With a desire for a spacious feel, a move toward tile that is meant to be seen and the need for more accessibility, the demand for glass enclosures, espe- cially the frameless variety, is on an upswing, manufacturers say. "In addition to offering clean lines, no-step showers benefit the growing senior population by making use easier and safer for people with physical challenges," says Sarah Wansack, interiors segment product manager for Guardian Glass North America in Auburn Hills, MI. That, combined with the desire to maximize natural light, has impacted the rise in popularity of large, frameless glass shower enclosures, she says. Sears adds, "Bathrooms have been very compartmentalized and people are looking for open spaces." One way to open up this space is to replace the enclosure with a single glass panel that deflects the water, he says. "A luxury heavy glass enclosure opens up the space, keeps water contained and helps show off the elaborate tile or marble within," says Weyman. And since no two spaces are the same, the need for custom-fit glass units remain vital, he adds. Even in smaller spaces, heavy glass adjust- able units are growing significantly, and he notes, "These products offer the frameless clean lines and heavy glass, with some standard sizing that serves more of the value-priced market." Clear glass dominates, but there is also demand for frosted styles like Basco's Silk glass, says Weyman. Low-iron glass, which reduces the green edging found in larger panels of glass, is also on the rise, he notes. Frameless enclosures are trending in both small and oversized models, according to Richard Caplan, director of marketing at Aston in Dallas, TX. These frameless models require thicker glass, he states, and that means they also need strong, tested hardware material, like stainless steel. Caplan also sees the demand for frosted glass trending upwards. Frameless enclosures also aid in accessibility. "Enclosure choices may include barrier-free entries and/or showers without a door," notes Mike Reffner, senior manager, bath category, for the wholesale business unit at Moen in North Olmsted, OH. "These showers provide ease of entry for consumers of any age or ability." Lea Mendoza, senior product designer for TOTO USA in Morrow, GA, says there has also been an increase in "aging-in-place" amenities. In addition to the low-threshold entry, these include grab bars and shower benches. "As designers work with these clients, they should work to make showering both a peaceful escape and an easy and convenient experience." September 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 47