The shortlist for the kbb Birmingham Innovation Awards have been announced, with entries described as pushing the boundaries of design for the KBB sector.
The awards – in partnership with Blum – are now in their sixth year, and celebrate innovating design across three categories: the People’s Choice Award, the Judges Choice Award and the Sustainability Award.
Judges this year included our very own managing editor Andrew Davies, founder of Kia Designs Kia Stanford and Blum ergonomics expert Amanda Hughes.
The shortlisted entries are as follows:
Woodio Washbasin, by Woodio UK
Said to be the world’s first collection of 100% waterproof solid wood composite washbasins, designed for use in commercial interior spaces. The basins are created from a mixture of wood chips and resin, in a production process that involves no heat. At the end of the product’s life, Woodio says its washbasins can be incinerated to generate biomass, so that none of the product goes to waste.
Space-Plug Evolution, by Space-Plug Limited
Described by the company as “the most radical change in kitchen cabinetry” of the past 50 years, Space Plug Evolution incorporates two small pegs into its cabinetry fixings solution to make smaller lighter cabinets. Space Plug says its evidence suggests the product can be used to fit units up to five times faster than previously, and also makes the job of fitters easier and more accurate.
Expand 2 Fit Furniture, by Rassam Innovations
The product is intended to be a unique way of expanding storage structures such as wardrobes, kitchen units and cabinets, which is said to be able to fit any space up to the millimetre. The storage’s carcass, door and shelves can be expanded easily in one or two dimensions, and then locked without the need to measure and cut anything. Rassam says that any novice DIY-er can assemble and shrink the storage without the need for specialist tools.
LHOV, by Elica
Claiming to have established a new category of household appliances, LHOV is an integrated hob, hood and oven. The extractor works to remove vapours from both the hob, and inside the oven itself. Elica says that the product makes best use of a kitchen’s space and is also set to reshape the cooking experience entirely.
BORA QVac, by Bora
This built-in vacuum sealer can be flush-mounted on worktops, or surface-mounted on top of them, allowing users to vacuum seal food for cooking, marinating or to preserve food for longer. Bora says that the product can also be used for resealing bottles, and that vaccum sealing food in the fridge or freezer can help to avoid freezer burn.
Junior PM, by Samsung
Building on Samsung’s Less Microfibre Cycle, this product is an external washing machine filter designed to reduce plastic microfibre emissions during laundry. It is said to work with Samsung’s existing washing machines, but also with any other market brand of washing appliance, as it connects to the external drainpipe.
Hidealoo, by Hidealoo
This is a steel mechanism that is said to work with any standard wall-hung ceramic toilet and allows them to be rotated up to 90 degrees, meaning the WC can be hidden within a cabinet or cavity space. The design is said to free up floor space in compact bathrooms, and also help to provide discreet toilet facilities.
Reform Composite Stone, by Ca’ Pietra
Available in three formats and up to 12 colourways, the collection is a blend of recycled stone materials made in a carbon-neutral factory and is also said to use up to 60% recycled content. Ca’ Pietra says Reform tiles can be used within the home, and in outdoor spaces and can be used on both walls and floors.
ENVi Electric Shower, by Triton Showers
This shower uses a unique full-colour digital control panel, which makes it easy to adjust temperature, set a timer and monitor water and energy usage, designed to encourage more sustainable showering habits. Each shower can host up to six user profiles, allowing for a truly personalised experience for families, which users able to see their costs-per-shower over time.
Novi Designer Lighting Collection, by Novy
Available in three sizes and variations, each product in the collection is fully recyclable and comes with touch-free gesture control, allowing users to adjust the lighting in their kitchen with a wave of their hand. The product is said to combat germs on light switches and also offers users with the ability to change to different coloured lighting hues instantly.
The list of finalists will be announced live at this year’s kbb Birmingham show, on March 6 2024.