Artfully integrating into today’s modern hospitality environments, Sans Hands faucets use electromagnetism to streamline the hand washing process and reduce the spread of disease and bacteria.
By Brielle Bryan
Driven by growing concern over germs and bacteria on restroom surfaces, more hospitality environments are turning to hands-free, automated faucet technology. Sonoma Forge, located in Sonoma County, California, combines craftsmanship and skilled metalwork with its unique line of designer faucets, tub fillers, shower systems and coordinated bath accessories.
Sans Hands, Sonoma Forge’s sensor faucet technology, offers an improvement over outdated infrared technology with its invisible sensors. Sans Hands incorporates an electromagnetic proximity sensor, and is packaged in stylish designs that perfectly fit today’s modern industrial style.
“Rather than relying on old, unreliable infrared technology, Sans Hands allows users to skip the frustration of frantic hand waving and enjoy the stylishly unique bathroom décor,” said Erik Ambjor, president of Sonoma Forge.
Sans Hands faucets use the basic principle of electromagnetism. Simply speaking, the components include a spout, a low-voltage current from an electrical source — either battery or plug-in — and an electronic brain supplying an electromagnetic field to the spout. When a user approaches the faucet, the electromagnetic field is interrupted, which opens and closes the valve.
Sans Hands faucets are handcrafted and assembled by skilled artisans. They also come in wall-and-deck-mount configurations and are available in a wide array of finishes. A suite of coordinating bath accessories, including decorative hardware, towel bars, tissue holders, mirror mounts and more complete the industrial look. The refreshing design options offer homeowners a decidedly masculine sense of style that enhances any setting, whether urban loft, country villa or boutique hotel.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Forge
In today’s competitive luxury condo market, interior designers are separating their projects from the pack by drawing inspiration from an unlikely source — hotels and restaurants.
Jeffrey Beers, an internationally-acclaimed interior architect famed for designing countless award-winning hospitality projects, recently tapped his experience to create restaurant-style kitchens fit for an executive chef at his newest residential project, 277 Fifth Avenue, in NYC.
“Cooking is like a dance,” says Beers, which is why the kitchens at 277 were carefully considered so meals can to be prepared fluidly. The gourmet kitchens are highly efficient, with single-slab marble backsplashes that feature niche shelf cut outs; sleek white-oak cabinets with thoughtfully placed shelves; and large millwork pantries with soft-close features.
Photo courtesy Pentagram
Il Castelfalfi, the much anticipated five-star property in the heart of Tuscany, has opened its doors for guests traveling from across the world. The new estate is situated on Toscana Resort Castelfalfi’s 2,700 acre hotel and across from its first hotel, the 4-star La Tabaccaia. Once a ghost town, the 800 year old medieval village is now a one-of-a-kind embodiment of the Italian lifestyle nestled in the hills of Montaione and the ideal destination for vacationers seeking relaxation, endless activities, and accessibility to the popular sites in nearby Pisa and Florence.
Boasting 120-rooms, this “destination within a destination” adds an elegant flair to the breathtaking Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, whose grounds are three times the size of another European favorite, Monaco. Il Castelfalfi blends seamlessly into the Tuscan landscape and conveys the true spirit of its surroundings, marrying age-old tradition with modernity that respects the past and the importance of a sustainable future through its eco-friendly amenities.
Il Castelfalfi’s additional features include two elegant bars: Il Giglio Blu, overlooking the outdoor swimming pool, and Ecrù, in the hotel’s lobby and perfect for relaxation while tasting classic drinks or special recipes.
Fine dining includes La Via del Sale, featuring authentic Italian cuisine that combines the freshest ingredients, handmade pastas and local recipes from Executive Chef Francesco Ferretti and an extensive wine collection. In addition, La Spa, a 10,000+ square foot indoor wellness center includes an indoor-outdoor pool, treatment rooms, a relaxation area and tea room and a variety of areas designed for relaxation and rejuvenation including a sauna, bio sauna and steam bath. More than 2,000 square feet of meetings space and a 2,000+ square foot gym also entice.
Visiting guests are also welcome to experience the Toscana Resort Castelfalfi’s existing amenities, including the 27-hole Golf Club Castelfalfi, regarded as one of the most challenging in Italy, tennis courts, on-property cooking school, The Medieval Borgo (village) that is home to a dozen local shops, two additional restaurants, and activities such as truffle hunting and tasting the estate-produced wine.
The nightly room rates, starting at 320 euros, make this destination an accessible oasis, with a variety of accommodations from classic rooms to spacious suites, which either feature a terrace or private garden.
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is much more than just a place for guests to rest their head. It’s a gateway to Italy for your readers. We’re happy to provide additional information, hi-res images or commentary from hotel executives.