The Good Design Tick, a symbol synonymous with design excellence, has been awarded annually as part of the prestigious Australian Good Design Awards program since 1958. It recognizes the efforts of those who strive to create better products, experiences, and a brighter future in Australia and globally.

On Friday, September 8th, Stormtech was announced as one of this year’s winners during a ceremony attended by over 1000 esteemed guests from the industry. As a passionate family-owned business that has risen to prominence in the field of high-quality drainage, Stormtech is now a favoured choice among architects and designers. Their latest product, the Wave Grate, exemplifies why the brand is an industry leader.

Designed by Stormtech’s Troy Creighton and Peter Tucker, the innovative Wave Grate was awarded the prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category. The jury’s statement praised the product, stating, “The Wave Grate is a stylish and functional product that has clearly embraced a new approach to manufacturing and design. Achieving a patented design is highly commendable and a clear reflection of its innovation. Well done on a beautiful and seamlessly integrated design!”

Manufactured in Australia using locally sourced and treated aluminium, the Wave Grate cleverly conceals drainage channels for seamless integration. The product combines exceptional functionality with a simple and unassuming design, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence. Stormtech Managing Director, Troy Creighton, emphasized the importance of simplicity, quality, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics in the product’s development, resulting in well-deserved recognition in the Product Design category.

Dr Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia and Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards stated, “To be recognized with an Australian Good Design Award tells the world this project not only represents design excellence but also surpasses the criteria for design innovation and design impact.”

The 2023 Awards marked 65 years of Good Design since the founding of the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA), the organization behind the awards. This year’s award-winning projects showcased design as a powerful tool for problem-solving, celebrating the impact of design on the world.

Stormtech stood among other winners across 11 Design Disciplines, covering over 35 Categories and Subcategories, embodying the essence of good design and the ethos of the Australian Good Design Awards. They exemplify the transformative power of design in finding innovative, customer-centric solutions to local and global challenges.

For more information

Stormtech

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Rather than being an isolated product, tiling from a practical perspective makes up only one portion of drainage and waterproofing, complementary to substrates, waterproofing membranes, sanitary ware, tap ware and the drainage itself.

A failure to address all of these components as a system can lead to the leakage of water into floor spaces or wall cavities, causing incredible amounts of damage before any physical evidence of such reveals itself. Aside from their aesthetics, the primary purpose of tiling is to direct water to a drain to prevent pooling, which can subsequently lead to both leakage and becoming a slip hazard.

Foresight is necessary if tiles are to perform as required, with proposed layouts ensuring those involved understand how any tiling decision will subsequently impact drain selection and the grading required over the site. Of course, other elements within the same system also impact how tiling is approached. For instance, a decision between linear and traditional circular drains can have a drastic impact on time and difficulty of a tiling job. While traditional drains require multi-directional grading to ensure adequate water egression, linear drains are designed to need only a single gradient fall.

Aside from their aesthetics, the primary purpose of tiling is to direct water to a drain to prevent pooling, which can subsequently lead to both leakage and becoming a slip hazard.

Potential problems associated with tiling jobs

Inadequate planning can lead to a number of possible mistakes associated with tiling jobs. The majority of tiling problems can be linked back to installation issues. Without suitable planning
and preparation, tiles or grout can crack, and tiles themselves can shift in position. The tiling around a central floor waste can also prove to be an eyesore, particularly around circular drains. Ultimately, these issues can not only prove to be ugly to look at, but also potentially compromising for the integrity of a system’s waterproofing.

Without an intact waterproofing system, structural timbers can rot and the added moisture can warp any other timber elements present, while the presence of stagnant water also promotes the growth of mould and mildew. Given that the worst of the damage is typically hidden until it has passed the point of no return, investing in high quality products and construction from the outset is imperative to prevent any surprises.

Tiles must also be chosen with slip resistance in mind. Slip resistance standards for pedestrian areas are outlined by AS/NZS 4586, and specify the friction level that any surface material needs to comply with for adequate slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions. Conditions are often inexpensively tested with a ‘wet pendulum slip test’, although there are three other tests also available to measure the slip resistance level of a floor material. However, while materials may pass the minimum recommended slip resistance, which takes into account “some degree of wear and contamination in service”, the Standard acknowledges that abnormally high traffic may create wear that is beyond the scope of the Standard. Choosing higher quality compliant products is the best way to ensure a system’s longevity and prevent accidents.

Long-lasting Waterproofing

There is little room for error when it comes to waterproofing. However, the potential for mistakes can be minimised with proper planning and suitable material specification. Tiling must work in tandem with a number of other elements, such as membranes, substrates and drainage. Stormtech’s linear drains are designed to make any tiling job easier and reduce the risk of system failure further down the track.

Given that surface area of a drain is less important than the peripheral length available to capture water, tiling is simpler with linear drains, requiring only a single direction of grading rather than multiple. Furthermore, linear drains reduce any unattractive tile cuts around a central circular waste.

Stormtech’s “GRATE GRIP” Slip Resistance Dimple Finish holds the highest possible wet pendulum test rating, and the second highest oil-wet inclining platform test rating. Combined with new slip resistant flooring materials and a suitable gradient to prevent water from pooling, the chance of any slip-related incidents occurring can be minimised.

For more information

Stormtech

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Drainage is a core component of any wet area, and Studio RD has a wide range to suit any project. With over 15 years of experience within the Australian bathroom & plumbing industries, Director Tom Barnhurst has the knowledge and experience to produce the best bathroom product, as well as drainage systems and solutions for balconies, pools, driveways, and anywhere else in the home.

Studio RD have partnered with an independent stainless steel factory based in metropolitan Melbourne who not only provide a wide range of stainless steel products including channel grates & point drains but also guarantee that the products are 100% manufactured in Australia and use the best 316 grade stainless steel.

Although choosing the right drainage system is always essential, it can sometimes be difficult to get an aesthetically-pleasing look that compliments your dream bathroom design, or that of any other wet area. That’s why Studio RD’s products are available in stainless steel and matt black, as well as a range of other finishes to suit any space.

Tom Barnhurst, the Director of Studio RD and R.D Agencies has a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 15 years within the Australian bathroom & plumbing industry. Our mission at Studio RD is to constantly strive to ensure we deliver top quality products and leading customer service.

For more information

Studio RD

The post Custom drainage: explore the possibilities appeared first on Completehome.

Increasingly, bathrooms are becoming havens of solitude, a place where one can unwind, relax and take time just for oneself. Australia’s leading manufacturer of designer drainage, Stormtech creates efficient drainage solutions by delivering levelled drainage for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Drainage is an essential element to any bathroom or wet area, however more often than not, design and aesthetic considerations go unanswered.

Stormtech’s innovative drainage systems allow for level-entry into showers, with the narrow profile system ideal for modern bathroom designs. Seamlessly integrating a balance of touch and technology, Stormtech linear drainage solutions offer a sophisticated and elegant design statement. Offering flexibility and tailored solutions, the linear drainage systems are a modular system that ensures complete design freedom and personalisation.

With no compromise on quality, Stormtech manufactures their products in marine grade stainless steel, while also offering cost efficient installation possibilities across any project. The option for custom design means that whatever your taste, the linear system from Stormtech will provide both function and elegance to any bathroom.

To complement the current trend in home design that uses metallic or bronze tones in kitchen and bathroom hardware, Stormtech offers now its different grate designs in 3 metallic colours – Sunlit Brass, Blazing Copper and Rustic Bronze – to offer more creative options to designers, specifiers and consumers. These coloured finishes will add an elegant touch to any design.

For more information

Stormtech

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Linear drain systems are one of the most essential components of the bathroom, playing a vital role in ensuring adequate drainage in internal and external locations. But linear drain systems are also popular for another reason – enhancing the look of bathroom interior design.

Popular in shower recesses, especially in designs using frameless screens and no step downs,  linear stainless steel grates are an aesthetically appealing solution to the traditional grated drain and are available as a modular system with stainless steel, PVC channel, or made to measure system.

The Tile Insert Linear drain is specifically designed to seamlessly blend the drainage system with any solid floor surface. The recently MND series, created in collaboration with Marc Newson, represents a new decorative solution for wet areas such as bathrooms, balconies, courtyards, thresholds, pools, paved areas and driveways.

Used in bathrooms, showers, thresholds, paved areas, driveways, pools and pool surrounds, Stormtech grates and drains are known for sleek design, innovation and practicality. All Stormtech products are Australian Made and WaterMarked certified, with Stormtech offering the only linear drainage product in the world with Global GreenTag certification.

For more information

Website: www.stormtech.com.au/

Phone:  02 4423 1989

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In the past, we’ve used step down or raised barriers in door frames and transition spaces to prevent the movement of water. Stopping water from following you indoors from the verandah or out of the shower is a must. But with Threshold drainage, this prevention can be managed easily, accessibly and without unsightly trip-hazards.

Here’s our top three reasons to invest in Threshold drainage in your home

1. Prevents the spread of water

Prolonged exposure to water and ponding can lead to damage to your home. It can even damage the structural integrity of a building, as well as creating perfect opportunities for mould and vermin.

While a traditional door frame or step down doorway prevent some of the spread of water, Threshold drainage creates a more effective solution. Acting as both a barrier and active water conduit, Threshold drainage is the perfect choice for protecting your home from water damage.

2. Accessibility

With many people in our society having accessibility issues – from elderly grandparents to friends and family members with disabilities, trip hazards and step doorways are simply not an option. Let alone the fact that these outmoded systems also serve as trip hazards for everyone.

Threshold drainage ensures your home and outdoor area will become more accessible (and more friendly) for everyone. Removing any raised barriers, and instead creating a smooth and seamless transition between spaces, the Threshold drainage system is perfect for ensuring your home is accessible for everyone,

3. Sleek and contemporary style

With these practical benefits, it’s clear that Threshold drainage is a fantastic choice for any new home or renovation. The fact that it’s aesthetically pleasing is simply an added bonus. The look and style of Threshold drainage is perfect for today’s home designs – with emphasis on seamless design between spaces, itll bring your home into the 21st century.

A combination of accessible design, functionality and aesthetically pleasing style – Threshold drainage is a change everyone can enjoy.

Written by Lauren Farquhar

For more information

Stormtech

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1. A hobless shower is essential for people who are elderly and confined to a wheelchair, and don’t want to shower with a carer. A shower without a hob requires a linear drainage grate that is built into the floor and sits flush with the surface. This design ensures optimum mobility and improved safety for the user.

2. Drains aren’t just functional they can be beautiful, too. Stormtech has collaborated with internationally renowned designer Marc Newson to incorporate Newson’s signature tessellated hexagonal pattern into its grates. The pattern is available in five finishes — satin stainless steel, satin black, white, pearl brass and blue – will appeal to the design conscious.

3. Stormwater drainage grates are vital in areas of high waterfall as they prevent flooding. Even in standard residential areas, they prevent contaminants from entering the stormwater water catchment area and stop leaves and other debris from clogging pipes and waterways.

4. A waterproof LED strip can be fitted to any Stormtech grate to provide a luxurious ambiance and additional lighting in outdoor areas. This custom addition can add an element of interest in your backyard and also help illuminate features for safety such as dips in your driveway.

5. Installing drains on your balcony can prevent pools of rainwater from gathering on the surface, as well as dripping on to your downstairs neighbour’s balcony. The narrow profile of slimline balcony drains blends seamlessly with designed contours, and ensures they don’t look out of place.

For more information check out the Stormtech website.

Written by Danielle Kirk

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