Bentley Systems, Incorporated recently announced that Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has signed an agreement to acquire Flow State Solutions, an industry leader in geothermal simulation software. The move further solidifies Seequent’s position as the most comprehensive subsurface software provider for the geothermal industry.
Flow State Solutions’ geothermal reservoir, wellbore, and surface network simulation software helps project developers and operators better understand geothermal resources for asset development and optimisation and improved well performance. Combining Flow State Solutions’ Volsung portfolio with Seequent’s capabilities creates the most robust end-to-end solution for reservoir analysis available. Detailed models of the subsurface built in Leapfrog Energy can be utilised in Flow State Solutions’ simulation environment to build a full picture of a geothermal asset.
Geothermal industry leaders are already utilising both solutions to better understand their resources. Simon Webbison, Vice President, Exploration and Resource Management, Ormat Technologies Inc., said, “Ormat Technologies is one of the largest and most active geothermal companies globally, and we are delighted to see the combination of Seequent and Flow State Solutions software capabilities through this acquisition. We already use both companies’ software to better understand our geothermal assets and predict performance, and we are looking forward to working with the joint team to continue driving our success.
Graham Grant, CEO, Seequent, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Flow State Solutions team to Seequent. Geothermal has the potential to help solve the world’s biggest energy challenges. With this acquisition, Seequent’s best-in-class subsurface analysis software enables a full understanding of geothermal asset performance.”
Flow State Solutions co-founder Jonathon Clearwater, who joins Seequent as Technical Domain Expert, Reservoir Engineering, said, “We are excited to join Seequent’s energy team. By combining Seequent’s expertise and our technical capability in geothermal modeling, we are looking forward to making a significant contribution to the renewable energy transition through improved management of natural resources.”
As demand for intelligent solutions in the region accelerates to build more connected, resilient, and sustainable cities, Grundfos has launched its new NK and NKE range in Asia-Pacific. The new long-coupled end-suction pumps feature industry-leading energy efficiency, with the premium NKE range utilising smart technology to bring ease of use, monitoring capabilities, and greater connectivity.
Being one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of climate risks (1), Asian countries are increasingly focusing their sustainability efforts on the built environment, as this sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of total energy consumption and energy-related carbon emissions (2). Smart cities leveraging intelligent technology for their operations are now on the rise, as they can achieve more efficient use of resources such as energy and water.
As multi-purpose pumps that play a role in a variety of different applications in areas including cooling and heating in commercial buildings, Grundfos introduced the new and improved NK and NKE range to complement its strong portfolio of energy-efficient water solutions, providing customers with a holistic range of highly efficient solutions at every level.
Achieving tomorrow’s efficiency demands today
The new NK and NKE range offer industry-leading energy efficiency as standard. All pumps are built to IE3 as a minimum, which reduces energy consumption and operation costs and exceeds all current regulatory requirements. For even greater control and efficiency, the premium NKE range is able to operate up to the highest IE5 efficiency, achieved through intelligent features such as an integrated permanent magnet MGE motor with variable frequency drive, and built-in pressure sensor.
These features work together in detecting and adjusting water pressure and flow intuitively, ensuring optimum conditions 24/7. With these intelligent components built directly into the solution, NKE removes the need to install any external components such as controllers, frequency converters, and sensors, which can add further complexity and costs to the process.
Intelligent control and monitoring at your fingertips
Combining cloud connectivity and digitalisation, the NKE range also allows for remote monitoring and access over the system, enabling intelligent control right at your fingertips. This makes NKE compatible with today’s building automation and building management systems. Users can monitor, control, and schedule water use from their smartphone with the Grundfos GO REMOTE app, available for both iOS and Android operating systems.
With the ability to manage tasks anytime when in range, NKE reduces the need for manpower, lowering operating costs. Users can also easily access pump diagnostics, and create and email reports on-site from the app. This ensures any operational issues can be quickly addressed, reducing unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs, and ultimately extending the lifespan of their end-suction pumps.
Designed and built to last
In addition to their advanced efficiency and intelligent upgrades, the new NK and NKE range also include significant technical improvements to maximise reliability and durability, enabling the pumps to be installed, operated, and maintained more easily. Notably, Grundfos utilised a single manufacturing process which eliminates misalignment, producing longer-lasting seals and bearings.
The pumps also boast improved hydraulics, which supports the overall efficiency in water flow conditions. The new pump design allows users to easily access the mechanical seal without the removal or disruption of other components. Other improvements include greater noise reduction and an increased temperature range.
Kenth Hvid Nielsen, Regional Managing Director, APAC, Commercial Buildings, Grundfos, said, “Rapid urbanisation, demographic shifts, and climate change in Asia-Pacific are key drivers for the need for smarter and more sustainable solutions to build more resilient future cities. As the first company in the water solutions sector to receive full validation of our 2050 net-zero target from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we are proud to launch the new NK and NKE range, which not only contributes to the region’s development of smart cities but also aligns with Grundfos’ climate commitments. With the new offering, we look forward to delivering more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective pump solutions with shorter lead times and locally supported services across Asia Pacific.”
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), one of the world leaders in lighting, recently announced the launch of a new product category with Philips Hue Secure smart cameras, sensors, and app features to help secure your home. Philips Hue Secure allows you to monitor your home in real-time, and it offers instant motion alerts and unique light and sound alarms to help deter intruders. The new Security Center in the Philips Hue app offers even more advanced features when users subscribe to a plan. Other updates include Philips Hue Festavia string lights for both indoors and outdoors and the launch of Matter for all Philips Hue users.
Keep an eye on your home with Philips Hue Secure cameras
Philips Hue Secure cameras feature a clear 1080p HD video feed with night vision to help you monitor your home in real-time and trigger instant motion notifications. You can help deter intruders by triggering the unique combination of Philips Hue lights and sound alarms, or you can activate two-way talk to tell a delivery person to leave the package or just say “Hi!” to a friendly face.
Philips Hue cameras feature end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring any video clips, snapshots, and live views remain private. Specifically, the capability to recognize whether a notification is triggered by a person, a pet or a package runs on the camera itself instead of the cloud, which means end-to-end encryption is always enabled.
Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, Philips Hue Secure cameras are available in both a battery and wired version, as well as in the colours black or white. The Secure wired camera can be used with a convenient desktop stand, giving you optimal flexibility to place it around the home. Both cameras can also be placed outside with the Secure camera mount with ground spike and can be easily connected to Philips Hue’s existing low-voltage outdoor system.
Specifically developed for outdoor use, the Philips Hue Secure floodlight camera brings the best of the Philips Hue system together. It allows you to keep an eye on the backyard, patio, or driveway, and — when you trigger a light alarm from the Philips Hue app — the floodlight immediately illuminates a large area in any colour, such as bright white or even red. For all Philips Hue Secure cameras, a low-voltage outdoor charging cable and anti-drop cable are available.
Get alerted when doors and windows open with contact sensors
The Philips Hue Secure contact sensor — which can be used on doors, windows, cabinets, and more and is available in the colours black or white — sends real-time notifications when the contact sensor is opened or closed. For example, you can program your front door contact sensor to turn on your hallway lights and send a notification, so you can immediately check for potential intruders. You can also use the contact sensor to simply automate your lights anywhere else in the home: for example, you can program your lights to turn on and off when you open and close a cabinet or bathroom door.
All-new Security Center in the Philips Hue app
The Philips Hue app now features the new Security Center to control your smart home security system. When you receive a notification, you can tap it to open the app. From the Take action screen, you can manually trigger an alarm that flashes your lights, sound the siren on your Secure camera, or call the local authorities or a trusted contact.
Using the Philips Hue app, you can personalise your camera settings. Create Blackout zones, which make certain areas of the video feed private, or Activity zones, which prevent areas from sending notifications — particularly useful for busy sidewalks in front of the house. Users can arm and disarm the system, set up special armed states for whether they are home or away, review a timeline of events, and more.
“As the world leader in smart lighting, we know that light plays a major role when it comes to security. After previously having introduced innovations like Philips Hue motion sensors and the Mimic presence automation, we’re now extending with a full suite of solutions for home security in day-to-day life. By integrating our smart lighting system with cameras, contact sensors, and app features, we offer a unique security solution through light to help users secure their homes. And it doesn’t end here, as we will continue to build and innovate to unlock the potential of lighting and security for our users,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.
How to access Philips Hue Secure
Philips Hue Secure starter kits and bundles conveniently combine a variety of products to start experiencing the new Philips Hue Secure system. The Philips Hue Bridge is required for the full suite of Philips Hue Secure products and their advanced features, such as the contact sensor, floodlight camera, light and sound alarms, automation, and more.
In order to ensure the privacy and security of the Philips Hue smart home security system, it’s essential for users to have a Philips Hue account. Philips Hue accounts give users immediate access to their Philips Hue system and security features (even when they are away). Accounts also allow the administrators of a Philips Hue system to control individual member permissions in the app. Administrators can restrict members to only control the lighting, to control the lighting and arm/disarm the security system, or to have full control over the lights and security system.
Additional security features, which include access to Activity zones and detecting if a person, package, animal, or vehicle triggered the alert, can be unlocked with a paid plan. The Basic plan provides access to 30 days of video history, while the Plus plan offers 60 days of video history.
What else is new from Philips Hue
A new generation of the popular Philips Hue Festavia string lights will launch — and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Besides creating a cozy indoor atmosphere for holidays and special occasions, any barbecue or backyard party can now be decorated with a gradient of colourful light. The new string lights come in three varieties: 100 LEDs along an 8-metre cord, 250 LEDs along a 20-metre cord, and 500 LEDs along a 40-metre cord. Three new light effects, specially made for Festavia, will be available in the Philips Hue app: Prism, Glisten, and Opal. These effects will also be available for first-generation Festavia string lights, while the Prism effect will be available for all Philips Hue colour-capable lights.
The new Philips Hue MR16 smart bulb (pictured right at the top) lets you bring Philips Hue smart lighting to conventional spotlights anywhere in the home. The bulb works on the same 12 V low voltage as standard MR16 bulbs, making them compatible with most transformers. Featuring a bi-pin base and standard width, these bulbs fit perfectly both in size and style into most existing fixtures.
Lastly, all Philips Hue users can benefit from the interoperability of Matter via a software update to the Philips Hue Bridge available in September 2023. With the launch of this update, users will see a simplified experience when connecting their Philips Hue system with other Matter-compatible smart home devices and apps.
Habitap, an integrated and customisable smart living management system, announced recently a strategic partnership with JLL to curate a super-app – COMPASS SG, powered by Habitap, to provide a best-in-class smart building experience with a range of smart functionalities for JLL’s clients. As part of the partnership, JLL has already rolled out in one commercial building in Singapore and will progressively implement it in more buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023.
The COMPASS SG app is fully customisable based on each client’s individual needs and allows for a fully integrated, connected tenant experience programme that combines technology, tenant experience and community features. In addition, this app includes a real-time access control management portal that allows tenants to track important building information through a user-friendly, intuitive dashboard.
Various visitor access options are also available to allow tenants to manage their visitors more efficiently. For example, they can register through facial recognition, HID Mobile Access or a QR code sent to them before their visit and or via a kiosk powered by Habitap. Other features include wayfinding, electronic lockers, and car park management tools, all aiming to revolutionise how tenants manage access and security within their properties.
To further streamline building operations, the app provides access to real-time data, giving greater security and control over their facilities. With the app, tenants can also apply for building services such as permits, renovation work, air-con extension and season parking. Circulars, push notifications, and emergency broadcasts can also be sent through the app, ensuring a better reach of information. Furthermore, the smart concierge feature, facility booking, and Building Management System integration feature automate administrative tasks for the clients so they can focus on running their businesses.
Additionally, the community functions of the app enable tenants to easily offer promotions and news to their customers, as well as a more efficient way for users to sign up for upcoming events and redemption of vouchers, therefore allowing for better capability to drive promotions and to engage the community. JLL also has a series of curated activities, focusing on environment, social and wellness that will be broadcasted via this app for tenants to participate.
Commenting on the partnership, Founder and CEO of Habitap, Franklin Tang, said, “We are thrilled to partner with JLL – a trusted global name in the commercial real estate industry. Habitap’s goal has always been focused on helping organisations transform through vision and technology to ultimately enable people to experience a Smart Living lifestyle. Our partnership with JLL reflects this shared commitment and puts us at the forefront of defining the future of smart buildings. With COMPASS SG, JLL’s clients can experience an unparalleled Smart Building experience that promises to seamlessly integrate technology with our lifestyles.”
Echoing Franklin’s sentiments, Executive Director of JLL, Derek Soh said, “We are excited to be working with Habitap, whose commitment to delivering experiential real estate solutions mirrors our own. Our partnership with Habitap is a testament to our dedication to providing the best-in-class, innovative solutions that drive our clients’ experiences to the next level.”
Both Habitap and JLL aim to work together to empower their clients and tenants with technology that is of global standards and eventually roll out COMPASS SG to more properties in Singapore.
Since its inception, King Living has continuously set the benchmark for contemporary furniture that celebrates the authentic Australian lifestyle for a worldwide audience. Deeply rooted in quality craftsmanship and inspiring design heritage, the renowned brand is thrilled to announce the launch of the 1977 Sofa – a modern reimagining of the beloved inaugural King Living sofa, “The Award”, which made its debut in 1977.
The 1977 Sofa fuses classic design elements with innovative craftsmanship and elegant silhouettes, paying homage to the refined simplicity of its past while embracing the trends and advancements of the present. A true embodiment of timeless design, the 1977 Sofa is thoughtfully crafted to enrich your sensory experience through a masterful combination of exceptional materials and structural composition.
“At King Living, we are continuously advancing and evolving,” shares David King, founder of King Living. “The 1977 is a testament to our history-making design. Through our long-lasting, deep relationships with our customers and our extensive understanding of the changing landscape, the 1977 is a showcase of our commitment to innovation and our strength in Australian design.”
“When we first launched the inaugural sofa, we could have never imagined that so many years on, it would still have the same design relevance it did nearly 50 years ago.”
Presenting organic contours and gentle curves, the 1977 Sofa delivers heightened sensations of softness and infinite relaxation. The sofa is developed with graduated comfort layers made from varying densities of CFC-free high-resilience foams and fibres, while the seating offers endless support and unrivalled comfort.
Designed for flexible living, modularity is at the core of the 1977 Sofa design. Modules can be combined and rearranged into endless configurations, adapting to evolving lifestyles and space requirements, while the King Living patented connecting system allows users to combine modules seamlessly and securely.
Entering the landscape with an ultra-compelling starting price of S$4,290 for a three-module package – check the web store and showrooms for seasonal promotions), the 1977 Sofa is poised to capture the hearts of youthful design enthusiasts seeking both style and substance. Reinterpreted for the 21st century, the reimagined sofa speaks to modernity and modularity, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression.
The sofa modules will be available in two fabric collections developed exclusively for 1977 to cater to individual preferences. Tailored covers can be easily removed and machine washed at home for convenience or replaced for a fresh, seasonal look, offering limitless customisation options and minimising waste in the process.
As with all King Living furniture, the brand’s commitment to sustainability is embedded into the design. The 1977 Sofa is packaged with zero polyurethane materials and shipped efficiently, keeping carbon miles low. Engineered for longevity, the 1977 Sofa features a strong recyclable steel frame and a steel suspension system that extends the lifespan of its components. This exceptionally structured frame works harmoniously with the Postureflex® Seating System, providing ultimate support and durability.
Backed by the King 25-Year Steel Frame Warranty, this sofa is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and Australian design excellence.
The first fully electric construction machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have arrived in Singapore and were formally launched for the Southeast Asia market at a gala event on 7 June 2023 on Sentosa island. More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the landmark moment and see the exciting new technology up close. At the launch event for the first electric construction machines in Singapore were senior leaders from the country’s most important building and construction companies, as well as Volvo CE dealers from across the Southeast Asia region, and Volvo CE leadership from Asia. Tomas Kuta, President Region Asia for Volvo CE, kicked off the launch by sharing insight on the sustainability goals of Volvo CE.
“Our company wants to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, and as part of that and our commitment to science-based targets, we want to reduce emissions from our product line by 30% by 2030, as well as reducing emissions from our own operations by 50% in the same timeframe. For the Singapore construction equipment market – change starts here. Singapore is a natural market for electric construction machines with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and safety in its construction industry. We are launching our first electric machines in Southeast Asia, and we believe it will act as a launchpad for further sales, both in Singapore and the wider regional market.”
Volvo CE aims to have 35% of the machines it sells powered by electromobility by 2030. It already has the widest range of electrically powered construction machinery available today. To begin in Singapore, the company has launched three models: the ECR25 Electric compact excavator, the L25 Electric compact wheel loader, and the EC55 Electric excavator.
Jenny Egermark, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. at The Embassy of Sweden in Singapore, was among the VIPs at the event, and she paid tribute to Volvo CE’s ongoing drive for change: “I am delighted to see Volvo’s innovative Swedish construction machines launching in Singapore. They are excellent additions to Singapore’s robust construction industry. Both Sweden and Singapore have ambitious goals toward sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, and the launch of Volvo’s first electric construction machines brings us one step closer to achieving these common goals.”
EVs head off-road
Electric construction machines have the power to change the way construction sites and material handling industries are run. They offer the same productivity benefits as diesel equivalents but with less noise, fewer vibrations, and no exhaust fumes. They can help industries meet sustainability requirements or regulations. It also allows companies to use the machines in new locations, such as indoors, or in other sensitive environments.
In Singapore, the country has set ambitious targets to enable sustainability across the building and construction value chain through its Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP). This includes introducing mandatory sustainable construction practices. Using electric machines on construction projects will go some way toward helping contractors meet their sustainability objectives.
AM Muralidharan, Head of Productivity & Retail Development Asia, said: “Using Volvo CE electric machines offers all kinds of advantages to owners. Of course, it will boost the sustainability of their own operations, but it’s also about creating a nicer environment for the operator and others on site. The lack of engine noise and fumes removes a lot of the distraction that can come from working around equipment and allows much better focus on the job at hand. It’s also kinder to the local community.”
Technical details
The ECR25 Electric compact excavator is a 2.6-2.8 t capacity machine with a 22.3 kN breakout force. It is equipped with an onboard charger for general charging, an external quick charger (optional for indoor/outdoor specifications), and a 20-kWh battery array, allowing for 3 to 4 hours of work per charge.
The machine is equipped with an excavation bucket (0.074 m 3 ) with a quick coupler, a standard arm, spare piping, and a ROPS standard canopy. There is very little noise, resulting in a very low environmental impact on the operator, surrounding workers, and neighbours. Operator comfort is further improved because there are no fumes from the electric operating system. And unlike a diesel excavator, the ECR25 Electric consumes almost no energy while idling thanks to an inbuilt stop/start system, so it only consumes energy during the minutes it works. It has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent but also delivers more continuous motor power.
The L25 Electric compact wheel loader features a 2.1 t payload, a maximum speed of 20kph, outstanding lifting height and 100% parallel movements. The machine comes with a 40kWh battery pack and is expected to deliver 6 to 8 hours of work per charge. Again, operator comfort is enhanced by near-silent operation, and there’s an automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customisable work modes. Like its electric sibling, the ECR25 Electric, the L25 Electric has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent, but then has a higher static tipping load too.
The EC55 Electric excavator is a 5.5-t electric machine built at the Volvo CE facility in China, which is currently the world’s largest market for e-mobility equipment. The EC55 Electric is based on its diesel-powered counterpart, the EC55D, but delivers even better performance and controllability, as well as quiet operations and zero emissions. Power comes from two lithium battery packs of 400 V that work continuously for 4 to 6 hours per charge.
SALTO Systems, a provider of electronic smart control solutions, unveiled its new Southeast Asia regional headquarters, and XSperience centre in Singapore earlier in June 2023. Since 2001, SALTO has been synonymous with innovative solutions, including stand-alone, cloud-based, and mobile applications. SALTO electronic locking products have helped partners across the Asia Pacific region from Singapore to Australia, China, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan to Spain, Germany and the USA to create keyless smart building projects that set new standards in security, manageability, flexibility and design that bring real-world benefits to virtually any type of door.
In Singapore alone, SALTO has helped serve over 500 prominent clients across the hospitality, working spaces, education facilities and commercial industries. The 800 sq ft XSperience centre, as part of the larger 3,000 sq ft headquarters premise, will serve as an interactive focus point for business partners and end-users to experience SALTO Systems’ next-generation intelligent building management and electronic-locking technology first-hand.
“The XSperience Centre is a testament to our recognition of the importance of the Southeast Asian region. We believe that product experience is key to navigating Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity. What matters most is creating a positive experience for our end-users – one that transcends language and culture. This is one of the key reasons for the development of our XSperience centre,” said Mr Adrian Tan, Business Unit Lead, Singapore, SALTO Systems.
SALTO Systems recognises Singapore as an excellent launchpad for the Southeast Asian region, attributed to its conducive business environment, excellent infrastructure, human resources, and strategic interconnectivity between the various SEA economies. With regional partners within this new XSperience centre, customers can learn more about access control technology and smart building management solutions from industry experts.
Visitors will also be able to experience the wide range of ground-breaking access control solutions built by SALTO Systems and its group of security technology companies, which are shaping the next generation of intelligent buildings and electronic-locking technology.
SALTO Systems aims to lead the replacement of mechanical keys with electronic ones globally, with offices in over 40 countries, more than seven million access points and 40 million daily users worldwide. SALTO Systems’ new headquarters can be found at Level 12, Bugis Junction Tower, Singapore.
Satoshi Konagai, Leader of LIXIL Water Technologies in the APAC region, shares insights regarding LIXIL’s strategic approach to delivering diverse yet consumer-centric designs that captivate while paving the way for future innovation.
The Asia Pacific region holds significant importance in the realm of water technology, especially in post-pandemic times when hygiene and cleanliness at home are increasingly valued. LIXIL, a leading company in this sector, recognises the region’s demand for innovative bathroom and kitchen solutions that fill various needs. Here’s how the brand is spearheading the development of its water technology business in the Asian Pacific region by focusing on delivering high-quality products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Discover how LIXIL’s unwavering focus drives its design prowess and fuels a transformative wave in the world of water technology.
Q: What is the role of LIXIL’s water technology business in the company’s overall mission, and why is the Asia Pacific region significant to this?
A: LIXIL is a purpose-driven company that is committed to making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We make pioneering water and housing products and solutions that solve everyday, real-life challenges that touch the lives of over one billion people across the world. Our water technology business makes up about 60 percent of LIXIL’s nearly US$12 billion global revenue. Consumers trust in our brands and solutions to create better homes, bathrooms and kitchens. Through our focus on consumer-centric design, quality and innovation, we have developed numerous industry-leading products and technologies that deliver an exceptional consumer experience with superior hygiene and comfort.
Q: How important is the APAC region to LIXIL’s water technology business, and what unique challenges and opportunities does it present?
A: LIXIL has a presence across the Asia Pacific region, which is an important market for us. The solid regional fundamentals with thriving economies, growing consumer spending and rapid urbanisation is driving demand for bathroom and kitchen solutions that suit local preferences and lifestyles. LIXIL meets these diverse consumer needs through a multi-brand, multi-category portfolio approach with our power brands, American Standard, GROHE and INAX.
For example, our American Standard brand appeals to first-time homeowners, young families and growing households looking for dependable, well-designed products. With complete bathroom solutions in modern aesthetics, our designer and architect business partners can plan in confidence for their projects.
On the other hand, we note a growing trend for personal wellness – physical and mental –which has become much more important after the pandemic. Consumers are increasingly looking to transform their bathrooms from a functional area into relaxation or wellness spaces, where they can retreat to relax, rejuvenate or recharge from their busy lives.
To meet this need, we have developed the GROHE SPA sub-brand, as a premium solution that transforms the bathroom into an oasis of well-being. With modular configurations and personalised shower settings, GROHE SPA offers consumers unique flexibility and freedom to create their own showering experience. This new water experience encompasses all the senses: from calming sounds with different water volumes and spray types, to visual beauty with carefully selected colours and finishes, providing unique tactile experiences with different materials, activating their sense of smell with relaxing and healing scents of essential oils.
By engaging all five senses, GROHE SPA products promote holistic well-being and enable consumers to create their own personalised home oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. We plan to officially launch GROHE SPA in the region towards end-2023.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the demand for water technology products and services in APAC? How is LIXIL adapting to meet these changing needs?
A: The pandemic has had a mixed impact on the demand for bathroom and kitchen products and services in the Asia Pacific region. While the pandemic has led to a temporary slowdown in some sectors, such as property development and hospitality, it has also led to an increased demand for products that prioritise hygiene and safety at critical touchpoints in the home, office and in public.
LIXIL has responded by developing new products and technologies that focus on hygiene and safety such as touchless faucets and soap dispensers, as well as smart toilets with automatic cleaning, disinfection functions and anti-bacterial technologies.
For example, to ensure hygiene and sanitation in public places, our American Standard HygieneCleanTM system includes innovations such Double VortexTM flushing design for efficient flushing while conserving water, Aqua CeramicTM anti-stain technology and ComfortCleanTM antibacterial technology.
Q: Can you discuss any new products or technologies that LIXIL is currently developing or plans to release in the near future?
A: In our consumer-centric observation and research, we note that the bathroom and kitchen industry in the region is recovering, driven not only by economic recovery but also by consumer needs, which are shifting along three macro trends:
The first trend is around health and well-being, where consumers are spending more time at home. More attention to physical and mental health and well-being. They increasingly view the bathroom as a spa or wellness area. Secondly, sustainability has become a key word for our industry, especially for the hospitality segment. Consumers are demanding brands and products that help the planet without compromising the customer experience. Finally, we observe that rapid urbanisation is placing pressure on transforming the one-function room into a multi-functional living space. This creates an urgent need to reimagine and plan innovative solutions for better homes.
These macro trends are influencing consumers to seek out fittings and fixtures that act as smart, intuitive helpers that simplify everyday routines – as the borders of the bathroom and bedroom, as well as the kitchen and living room, are dissolving. We have the responsibility to offer bathroom solutions with our industry partners that address these macro trends that influence consumer needs and contribute to improving property value.
In addition to the GROHE Spa regional launch, we also have an active pipeline of new products for 2023, including the new American Standard LOVEN collection, which is a complete bathroom solution designed with full-sized features in a compact footprint. It is very suitable for urban apartments and condominiums.
Q: How does LIXIL ensure that its products are both high-quality and affordable for APAC consumers?
A: The LIXIL brand portfolio includes American Standard, GROHE and INAX with a range of products and solutions from entry-level to luxury offerings. We strive to make our products and solutions accessible to as many consumers as possible
Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we practise the Japanese manufacturing principle of Monozukuri – this focuses on manufacturing excellence and quality. We have also invested in a global manufacturing network and a resilient supply chain, including plants located in Asia Pacific.
This setup helps us respond effectively to changes in consumer demand, provide dependable aftersales support and spare parts availability. These important investments are to provide consumers and our industry partners with the assurance of high-quality products and solutions that are durable, dependable and contribute to improving property value.
Q: How important is collaboration with others in the water technology space? How does LIXIL approach partnerships and collaborations?
A: Partnerships and collaborations are important ways for LIXIL and our partners to address industry-wide and increasingly global issues around hygiene, sanitation and clean water.
In March this year, we updated our environmental strategy that outlines how LIXIL will tackle key environmental issues – climate change mitigation and adaptation, water sustainability, and contributing to the realisation of a circular economy.
With the updated Environment Strategy, we want to reduce our CO2 targets by evaluating our total emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3, protect water – one of the most precious resources – and focus on circular solutions that can have a positive impact on our planet; aiming at waste reduction from our facilities, resource efficiency, circularity throughout our products along the value chain.
We see like-minded industry partners, governments and NGOs pursuing some or all of the same goals. This creates mutual understanding and fertile ground for partnerships and collaborations to happen with different stakeholders.
A recent example is where LIXIL, together with many other government organisations, manufacturers, and civil society partners such as World Health Organization and the International Water Association, founded “A Global Pledge to Protect Drinking Water from Lead” at the UN 2023 Water Conference. In this movement, LIXIL works collaboratively with our partners to protect public health and safety and reduce lead exposure from drinking water and achieve lead-free drinking water by 2040.
In addition to addressing social and environmental issues, we also collaborate with other brands to improve the design of products for our customers. GROHE SPA recently partnered with Caesarstone, a global company known for producing high-end engineered surfaces, to create faucet handles with their durable quartz designs, offering a curated range of customised options for architects and designers. The Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections can be paired with Caesarstone countertops for a cohesive bathroom design.
Q: What is LIXIL’s vision for the future of water technology, and how does your team plan to stay at the forefront of innovation in this space?
A: As the three macro trends continue to impact our industry, we will need to develop new solutions backed by innovations to address issues that impact end-consumers and our industry partners. We continue to focus on being consumer-centric to better meet consumers’ diverse needs.
We consciously embed consumer-centric thinking in our research, design and manufacturing processes to meet the diverse needs of consumers across all markets. Applying this approach throughout our business creates relevant, purpose-driven products and we are excited to develop solutions that improve the quality of life and solve real-life challenges faced by consumers in their daily lives.
About Satoshi Konagai
Satoshi Konagai is the Leader for LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) Asia Pacific. He is responsible for leading, developing, and accelerating LIXIL’s water technology business across Asia Pacific, a region poised as LIXIL’s future growth engine.
Satoshi joined LIXIL in 2016 where he was instrumental in establishing Asia Regional Logistics, and developing warehouse functions to build the foundation of operations in the company. He also led end-to-end supply chain initiatives such as manufacturing relocation and synergy creation value chain development. Apart from this, he also supported the Asia CEO to drive strategic initiatives across markets.
Satoshi has skilfully unleashed synergies in LIXIL by removing structural barriers and bringing together businesses and people around a common purpose to further accelerate LIXIL’s growth. He has worked with over 200 members across regions to establish synergy functions and also streamlined operations under Monozukuri.
With over two decades of consulting and management experience in multinational organisations, Satoshi held senior positions at BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG) and UBS Securities Japan, Investment Banking Division. He has a master’s degree from IMD Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Keio University.
HERA Bathroom recently unveiled its highly anticipated Experience Center, located in Grantral Mall and Complex on Macpherson Road. The 2,800-square-foot space is a major milestone for this made-in-Singapore brand focused on compact urban spaces that have grown at a breakneck pace since its establishment in 2017. Visitors can soak in the wide range of modular bathroom solutions, conceptualised for end consumers and designers alike. Additionally, they can play at being spatial designers to create their dream bathrooms through nifty features.
At the heart of the HERA Bathroom Experience Center is an empty space that projects life-size bathroom CAD file floor plans with the click of a mouse, allowing homeowners to design their bathrooms physically. Mix and match from the extensive selection of products to create more than 1,000 combinations. These include bathtubs to waterproof vanity cabinets, mirrors, basins and taps in a wide array of colours. This immersive experience promises to reduce the stress of renovations by letting homeowners mock up their bathroom fittings and furniture to easily envision what it will look like.
Customers who have purchased Build-to-Order (BTO) HDB apartments will have it even easier. Running along the length of one side of the Experience Center are booths, two of which are built to BTO bathroom specifications. A third is sized to HDB Executive Condominium dimensions, and the fourth and last one is to a standard condominium unit. Multi-award-winning designer Cris Cheng of Etcetera Design is responsible for the design of the Experience Center. It embodies the spirit of a workshop, where concrete walls are complemented with metal racks and industrial-style track lights. In the middle is a large communal table where customers can sit and discuss the creation of their bathroom designs.
HERA Bathroom prides itself on offering modular bathroom solutions for compact urban spaces, especially BTO apartments. It is the brainchild of Singaporean entrepreneur Lew Eeling, who aspires to give modern women the opportunity to design their own private sanctuary that they can start their day in and return to after a long day. She conceived the brand after spotting a lack of bathroom amenities catered to female consumers. Undeterred by her lack of training in design, she boldly went on to conceptualise the products it carries today.
Eeling’s decision to go down this road was made on the back of her producing OEM bathroom fittings for award-winning brands across Europe and Asia, through her firm Eilumina Resources founded in 2009 in China. With direct access to manufacturing capabilities, it allows her control over the entire process, from production to logistics and on-site installation. It also means she has complete visibility over the quality of the materials used to create HERA Bathroom’s products, ensuring consistency in the high standards she imposes and offers to the markets.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eeling took the opportunity to accelerate the business as people turned inwards and focused on turning their homes into wellness havens. In particular, she promoted her signature product, the “HDB bathtub”, a standalone tub small enough to fit into a HDB bathroom, without compromising on comfort and style. More importantly, it fulfils HDB’s conditions and does not require a permit to install. Easily set up in 30 minutes with no hacking required, it brought a piece of affordable luxury to the market, allowing HERA Bathroom to occupy its own niche in the over-saturated sanitaryware industry.
“We have come up with a creative space that democratises bathroom design. The HERA Bathroom Experience Center is the first of its kind that allows customers to be designers for a day. We encourage them to mix and match from our complete and comprehensive range of signature bathtubs and modular products. Ultimately, we want to be their partners in helping them come up with their dream bathrooms,” said Eeling.
One of the biggest threats to concrete longevity is corrosion. Under static conditions, reinforced concrete is at very low risk for corrosion. However, when adding cracking, chloride exposure from seawater or deicing salts, and long-term carbonation to the equation, the vicious cycle begins. Corrosion causes reinforcing metal to expand, pushing on the concrete cover and causing it to spall off, subjecting the reinforcement to additional corrosives and deterioration.
For this reason, corrosion-inhibiting admixtures are often used in the construction of concrete buildings in harsh environments like seacoasts or regions that use heavy deicing salts. MCI®-2005 is one such admixture that meets the corrosion inhibitor requirements under ASTM C1582 and promotes greater concrete longevity.
MCI®-2005 stands out from the crowd as the only corrosion-inhibiting concrete admixture that is also a USDA-certified, biobased product. MCI®-2005 contains 67% USDA-certified biobased content and is therefore a great way to earn credits toward LEED certification through the use of renewable materials. It is also a good choice for US federal agencies and their contractors seeking to meet minimum biobased content purchasing requirements, or for projects seeking to meet Estidama Pearl and BREEAM green building rating requirements in other parts of the world.
