James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK’s leading independent materials distributors, was instrumental in a recent project for global hand dryer manufacturer Excel Dryer (Excel).
Here they provided HIMACS to solid surface fabricator, Qubicle, for a bespoke basin unit to house Excel’s latest drying innovation, XLERATORsync®.
Balancing style with substance
Excel is one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of fast-drying, ultra-hygienic and low energy consumption hand dryers; renowned for developing innovative systems which deliver best-in-class solutions.
XLERATORsync® is its latest offering, incorporating Excel’s proprietary 10 second drying technology with built in HEPA filtration and fully-integrated wash troughs. Eliminating 99.999% of bacteria and viruses, it’s one of the most hygienic, functional, attractive and sustainable solutions on the market.
Launched in the US in 2017, Excel planned to introduce XLERATORsync® to the UK in 2022, but found they needed a more adaptable design for the UK market. It was essential to have a product that could be installed as a trough, separate basins (both under-mount and top-mount) and, most importantly, retrofitted into existing vanity tops.
So, in order to develop a visually appealing yet high-performance unit, Excel invited a handful of the UK’s leading commercial fabricators to create a new basin to complement the dryers.
Fabricating success
Excel’s approach to the project was highly original as, usually, a design is presented to the fabricator to price, build and install rather than create.
The process yielded some interesting ideas, highlighting the imagination and creativity of the participants, with Qubicle, a solid surface fabricator from Bolton, emerging as the victor.
Their design, a slanted recess ending with a vertical stop, was deliberately designed to absorb and dissipate the dryer’s powerful airflow, preventing splashback and reducing airborne droplets. This guaranteed maximum hygiene and removed potential slip hazards from on-floor water.
HIMACS for high-performance
Design complete, Qubicle aimed to source a best-fit material to deliver on the project requirements as well as embody the uncompromising quality expected from Excel’s products.
Consulting with long-time materials partner Lathams, its specification team suggested renowned solid surface brand, HIMACS, recommending Terrazzo Grigio, one of its most sought-after colours, for the prototype XLERATORsync®.
HIMACS’ strong performance qualities immediately appealed to the fabricators, who were particularly impressed with the surface’s exceptionally smooth finish. Already a popular choice for commercial washrooms, it’s non-porous, low-maintenance and high resistance to damage, scratching and abrasions meant it could deliver the uncompromising hygiene levels required.
Ultimate flexibility
The Qubicle-designed XLERATORsync® was also developed to adapt to a variety of specification needs, either fabricated as long troughs or individual, stand-alone basins.
Not only that, they can also be under-mounted as well as retrofitted, making them a long-term and low-waste option.
Available in 20 of HIMACS’ most popular patterns, ranging from natural stone and marble to intense pinks and inky blacks, XLERATORsync® system prices begin at £2,000 and are bespoke to individual project requirements.
Commenting on the selection process, Jim Mackenzie, UK and Ireland Specification and Project Manager at LX Hausys Europe GmbH, HIMACS’ parent company, says, “The beauty of Qubicle’s design is its simplicity. Not only does it look great, it meets a whole host of other washroom-specific requirements. It’s particularly exciting that, as the design and materials used have been so well received, Excel is now bringing the product Stateside to potentially replace the existing XLERATORsync® design!”
Mark Robinson, Solid Surface Sales Manager at Lathams concludes, “It’s great to be involved in a project which showcases the skill of the fabricator, all too often the unsung hero behind the delivery of exceptional outcomes. For a brief like this, HIMACS was the obvious choice, as it’s well-suited to the demands of the busy setting of a commercial washroom, as well as embodying so many of the same principles which guide Excel’s approach to business.”
To find out more about Excel Dryer’s XLERATORsync® click here.
To find out more about QUBICLE click here.
To find out more about James Latham and its extensive collection of HIMACS solid surfaces click here.
