Glamping Suppliers: Bathrooms

Kinedo Cubicles - Ideal for Log Cabins

Norfolk based MRC Modular manufactures modular structures and buildings for the education and sports sectors; building bespoke classrooms, sports halls and even whole primary schools. The company recognised the trend for staycations some years ago and diversified their range into log cabins for camping and glamping sites.

Local tourist destination, Woodlakes Holiday Park, purchased 120 high spec log cabins each offering 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living area. Requiring a showering solution that would work well in a wooden structure, MRC chose to install two models from Kinedo’s range of all-in-one cubicle packages. The Kineprime, in both quad and recessed format, was installed in the standard cabins, whilst the walk-in Kinemagic Serenity, complete with grab bars and fold down seat, was specified for the cabins with inclusive facilities.

The cubicles feature internal glass panels and the clever assembly of these interior panels with the shower tray and exterior panels and door ensures the whole unit is watertight without using silicone. Tiles, grout and silicone can be adversely affected over time by the expansion and contraction of wood whilst the Kinedo cubicle naturally moves with the wood.

Andy Lancaster, General Manager at MRC uses his own production team – including an in-house plumber - to install the cubicles. The team was trained on the assembly line by Kinedo’s technical sales engineers to ensure quality of installation. Andy is not only impressed with the speed of installation, but also the ease;

“Because it is so straightforward to install the cubicles our production operatives are now able to install the cubicles without the plumber if he is busy elsewhere. We’re very happy with the quality of the finished product; they not only look good but they are very practical for us as a company as they are delivered as one package, including the shower valve, head and handset. We don’t have to deal with several suppliers and coordinate deliveries which saves us time and ultimately money.”

The owner of MRC Modular also refurbishes domestic properties and is considering the use of cubicles in future projects. With the introduction of new tanking regulations in 2018 which states that ‘all substrates should be waterproofed before tiling’ there is now more work and cost involved in bathroom renovations. All wet areas must be protected ‘with a suitable proprietary tanking membrane system’ – this is usually in the form of a liquid which can be rollered on to the area to stop water permeating through to cause damp and damage.

For installers the potential consequences of bypassing the new regulation could be costly as they will potentially be liable for repairs; not just for the tiled wet area, but in adjoining rooms that are affected by damp caused by a leaky shower.

Kinedo cubicles, however, are unaffected by the new regulation because they form a watertight area via the integrated glass panels which eliminates the need for pre-tanking the area before installation.

Innovative Solutions with Shower Shacks

The English Shepherds Hut Company has been making Shepherd Huts since 2010. The business has always been passionate about its work, driven by its founder Craig Nield, who has nearly 40 years of experience in the construction engineering industry. It has always created designs that innovate whilst paying homage to the traditional historic origins of the humble Shepherds Hut. They also pride themselves on working closely with their clients, offering a design service that is second to none.

This close working relationship with their clients is fundamental to the business’ ability to constantly innovate. The last few years have seen an increasing number of clients wanting a highly stylish but also cost-effective range of outdoor bathrooms and shelters for camping and glamping. This led the team to devise and design the innovative Shower Shack range.

Craig and the team worked in conjunction with various types of end users from luxury campsites right through to festival and sporting event organisers to refine the designs. The result was a complete range of stylish pop-up outdoor showers, toilets, kitchen and social spaces for camping and glamping. A key requirement from the focus groups was that the pop-up buildings can be easily installed in any outdoor setting. Another requirement was that all products in the range were both budget and environmentally friendly which the team took into account at every step of the design and build process.

Craig Nield said: “We wanted to create something that our customers really wanted and needed and so by working with them we have been able to create a range of products that has created massive interest from business owners and fantastic feedback from users. Our toilet range includes both flushing and composting toilets for off-grid sites which has massively helped those sites who want to expand into new areas.”

Installation of new equipment can be an issue for many sites but again the innovative approach and thoughtful design of the shower shacks has solved most issues.

Dan from Shower Shacks adds: “We will provide you with a handy guide showing you exactly what you need. The Shower Shack can be quickly assembled on site by our friendly team of experts. All that is required on site is a suitable hardstanding, water supply and gas bottle, and our team will provide you with all the instructions to prepare your site prior to the delivery and install. The Shower and Lav Shacks are also removable, making them ideal for campsites that are seasonal or temporary, and can be stored away during the colder months of the year”.

Since launching, the range has created massive interest at shows and events across the UK and can now be seen at campsites and venues across the UK. Private individuals have also shown interest, especially in The Shelter Shack which makes the perfect social space in the garden for cooking, dining and entertaining.

The business is not standing still but is continually innovating and working with its clients to create and build products that not just solve their needs but do so in a highly stylish way that makes even taking a shower a unique and memorable occasion.

To find out more, visit their website at showershacks.co.uk.