Multifamily developers and their AEC project teams are adopting new kitchen + bath products and systems for the first time, according to early results from our inaugural MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction Kitchen+Bath Survey 2022.
To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey. To be qualified to participate, your company must be actively involved in multifamily design, development, or construction, and you must give your name, company name, and email, at the end of the survey.
NEW SPECS: FROM 'HANDS-FREE FAUCETS' TO 'MOBILE KITCHEN ISLANDS'
We asked: "What new Kitchen + Bath amenity (or amenities) have you used for the first time in the last 12-24 months? Please specify (including brand and model, if applicable.)"
More than half of the initial respondents said they had taken the plunge, despite the long-standing belief that the construction industry is reluctant to try anything new, Among the kitchen + bath products they had greenlighted for the first time in their multifamily projects:
- Hands-free faucets
- Lighted mirrors
- Trough-drain ADA shower pans
- Radiant-heated ceiling panels
- Under-counter wine/beverage coolers
- Rain shower bath faucets
- ADA-compliant shower panels
- Icemakers (not in refrigerator)
- Pull-out trash/recycling cabinets
- Standalone tubs
- Under-counter microwaves
- Soaking tubs (for penthouse applications)
- Panel shower systems
- Steam showers
- Mobile kitchen islands
FIRST-TIME KITCHEN PRODUCTS
Respondents got brand specific in detailing what new products they were using for the first time. One reported using Foremost Lagoon semi-frameless sliding shower doors, which come in 60-inch wide X 76-inch high configuration with a silver look.
Induction cooktops, which are gaining popularity among multifamily specifiers who want to go all-electric in their projects, were also mentioned.
The Frigidaire Gallery Series slide-in induction range with front controls earned praise from this respondent: "Creates a clean, modern look for a minimal cost increase."
Quartz countertops were a new adoption for one respondent. Here's an example:
Pulldown spring faucets – which are growing in popularity among renters and condo owners for their ease of use – were the choice of one respondent. American Standard is one manufacturer of such devices.
Yet another respondent liked the "low-flow accelerator" aspect of faucets from manufacturer Brizo.
Samsung appliances were a new choice for one specifier. Here's an example of the manufacturer's appliance line.
In a separate report, on supply chain problems caused by the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine – "Specifiers ask: Where are all the refrigerators?" – multifamily developers and AEC teams bemoaned the difficulty of getting deliveries not only of refrigerators and other appliances, but also cabinetry.
One respondent was happy to be able to obtain cabinets from manufacturer Advanta.
FIRST-TIME BATHROOM PRODUCTS
Moving into the bath area, respondents said they were specifying new faucets and tub/shower systems.
"Black matte on plumbing fixtures" was the preferred style of one specifier. Here's an example:
One respondent expressed satisfaction with the choice of this shower base, from Mincey Marble.
Tub/shower surrounds from Aquawall were noted by this respondent: "Panel system for tub and shower surrounds that offer a tiled look.:
WASHER/DRYER COMBO FROM BEKO
Beko appliances won kudos from a survey respondent. Here's a Beko washer/dryer installation.
TAKE THE SURVEY, ENTER FOR A CHANCE AT A $50 DEBIT CARD
Join these early respondents and let us know what kitchen + bath products you're using for the first time, which ones you're having trouble getting, and what K+B products you're using on a regular basis – all valuable information to serve the $106 billion U.S. Multifamily design and construction sector.
To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey.
Related Stories
| Nov 14, 2011
303 East 33rd Street building achieves LEED-NC
The 165,000 sf 12-story residential building is the first green development to be LEED certified in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan.
| Oct 17, 2011
Austin's newest urban apartment complex under construction
Complex sits on a four-acre waterfront site along Lady Bird Lake with spectacular city and lake views, and is slated to open spring 2013.
| Oct 12, 2011
FMI’s Construction Outlook: Third Quarter 2011 Report
Construction Market Forecast: The general economy is seeing mixed signs.
| Oct 6, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: NEXT Living EcoSuite showcased
Tridel teams up with Cisco and Control4 to unveil the future of green condo living in Canada.
| Sep 29, 2011
Kohler supports 2011 Solar Decathlon competition teams
Modular Architecture > In a quest to create the ultimate ‘green’ house, 20 collegiate teams compete in Washington D.C. Mall.
| Sep 23, 2011
$5M pledge renewed for Habitat for Humanity
The five-year commitment, which will run through 2015, includes $5 million of donated interior and exterior locks and keys for homes built with Habitat for Humanity homeowner partners and volunteers.
| Sep 23, 2011
Under 40 Leadership Summit
Building Design+Construction’s Under 40 Leadership Summit takes place October 26-28, 2011 Hotel at the Monteleone in New Orleans. Discounted hotel rate deadline: October 2, 2011.
| Sep 20, 2011
Jeanne Gang wins MacArthur Fellowship
Jeanne Gang, a 2011 MacArthur Fellowship winner described by the foundation as "an architect challenging the aesthetic and technical possibilities of the art form in a wide range of structures."
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.