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Background
Founded in Ireland in 1952, Flair have built a trusted reputation as a specialist in the production of quality shower enclosures and bath screens. Under new ownership in 2015 Flair set out on a journey to reinvigorate this valued brand through innovation in design and craftsmanship. Flair collaborated with Design Partners to conceive and produce the ORO range of premium shower enclosures for European markets in 2017.

Research
Our goal was to inspire customers through meaningful design and innovation. Through extensive qualitative research with customers and retailers we gained a deep understanding of user needs and expectations. We tuned into how people live and the daily rituals around the bathroom. Target customers are aged between 35-55 years and most likely have a young family. This means a busy life where the shower can play an important role to kick start the day or unwind before bed. For many the bathroom is a sanctuary for relaxation but also a functional room that must withstand the daily usage of a busy family. In addition to the end customers we wanted to understand the requirements of trade installers. What flexibility they valued in the range and how to ensure the products could be installed easily and securely. We wanted the range to be loved and recommended by the trade as key influencers in the customer journey.

Innovation and Craftsmanship
Through research we identified several areas where innovation could enhance the customer experience and provide a quality product to stand the test of time. A key touchpoint on any shower enclosure is the door experience. We wanted to create a premium door experience imbued with quality and luxury. The welcome point for the user. For ORO we’ve crafted a unique handle design that is sensual to touch yet extremely robust and solid. The elegant form was originally hand crafted to feel seductive in-hand. Then digitally remastered to control precise manufacturing in polished chrome. Our design process seamlessly bridges handcrafting with advanced digital design to deliver precision with a human touch. The sliding doors glide on patented magnetic guides and silent bearings to provide a smooth and effortless experience. An integrated dampener system cushions the door at the extent of opening and closing giving a refined stop.

Every detail in the range is carefully considered and engineered to optimise the user experience. The door hinges are flush mounted with countersink fasteners on the inside of the shower so the user can easily wipe clean the glass without obstruction. Ultra-clear door seals are used throughout the range to prevent water leakage without compromising the aesthetic. All mechanical details are cleverly concealed to reduce visual clutter. Each enclosure is constructed from 8mm toughened glass with hydrophobic coating to resist lime scale and grime build up. The 2.0 meter glass panels are secured with minimal yet robust aluminium wall extrusions that are designed to recede and accentuate the tall glass structure.

A full suite of mounting fixtures and elegant stabilising bars are included in the range to provide flexible and secure installation. Wall extrusions and stabilising bars can be easily adjusted at installation to allow for variations in wall construction.

Iteration and Refinement
Throughout the two year design and development process there has been tight collaboration between design, engineering and manufacturing to prototype, test, refine and produce this signature range. Delivering meaningful innovations that are tested and proven through a rigorous R&D process.

ORO is a suite of frameless shower enclosures designed to enhance the bathroom experience and stand the test of time.