AYO 2019-2020

Designers: Ronán O' Grady, Cathal Loughnane, Eoin McNally, Diarmuid MacMahon, Flair Showers Ltd., Co. Cavan, Ireland
Manufacturers: Flair Showers Ltd., Co. Cavan, Ireland

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 have been collaborating with Design Partners to develop a unique design language which is distinctive across their range.

Design and Innovation
Our goal was to empower our customers by offering them choice through flexibility. Engaging in extensive qualitative research with customers and retailers the designers gained a deep understanding of user needs and expectations. We wanted to be able to fulfil these needs and expectations by offering a modular wetroom solution where a customer could decide what components they need and what configuration they want to design to make up their unique showering space. As such, all AYO components and sub-assemblies are sold separately and are designed so they can function both independently or be assembled together to function co-operatively.

In addition to the end customers, we wanted to understand the requirements of trade installers. With so many interchangeable parts, it was important to take into account the flexibility the trade installers required 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.

Each wetroom configuration stands at 2m high with a choice of 8 or 10mm toughened safety glass that has been treated with a hydrophobic coating to resist limescale and grime build-up. A full suite of mounting fixtures and elegant stabilizing bars in a choice of colors are included in the range to provide flexibility and secure installation.

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

AYO is a suite of wetroom solutions designed to enhance the bathroom experience and stand the test of time.