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."
![Frigidaire Gallery 30-inch front-control range](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Frigidaire%20Gallery%2030%2522%20front%20control%20.png)
Quartz countertops were a new adoption for one respondent. Here's an example:
![Caesarstone quartz in Modern, Traditional, and Farmhouse kitchen designs. Photo: Caesarstone](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Caesarstone%20Quartz%20-%20Mod%20Trad%20Farmhouse.png)
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.
![American Standard pulldown faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Amer%20Standard%20pulldown%20faucet_1.png)
Yet another respondent liked the "low-flow accelerator" aspect of faucets from manufacturer Brizo.
![Brizo low-flow faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brizo%20faucets.png)
Samsung appliances were a new choice for one specifier. Here's an example of the manufacturer's appliance line.
![Samsung Front Control 51 dBA Dishwasher with Hybrid Interior in Stainless Steel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Samsung%20Front%20Control%2051%20dBA%20Dishwasher%20with%20Hybrid%20Interior%20in%20Stainless%20Steel_0.png)
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.
![Advanta cabinets](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Advanta%20cabinets.png)
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:
![Olympia L-7400-BN two-handle bathroom faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Olympia%27s%20L-6000-MB%20Lifestyle%20single-handle%20lavatory%20faucet%20in%20matte%20black_0.png)
One respondent expressed satisfaction with the choice of this shower base, from Mincey Marble.
![Mincey Marble shower base](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mincey%20Marble%20shower%20base.png)
Tub/shower surrounds from Aquawall were noted by this respondent: "Panel system for tub and shower surrounds that offer a tiled look.:
![Aquawalls tub surround](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aquawalls%20tub%20surround.png)
WASHER/DRYER COMBO FROM BEKO
Beko appliances won kudos from a survey respondent. Here's a Beko washer/dryer installation.
![Beko washer/dryer laundry combo unit](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beko%20laundry_0.png)
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
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2023
Survey of apartment residents shows support for property-provided smart home devices for security, energy savings
Multifamily housing residents receive broadband services faster if they are provided by the property management rather than acquiring such service on their own.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2023
A prefab multifamily housing project will deliver 200 new apartments near downtown Denver
In Denver, Mortenson, a Colorado-based builder, developer, and engineering services provider, along with joint venture partner Pinnacle Partners, has broken ground on Revival on Platte, a multifamily housing project. The 234,156-sf development will feature 200 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments on eight floors, with two levels of parking.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2023
Hurricane Ian aftermath expected to prompt building code reform in Florida
Hurricane Ian struck the Southwest Florida coastline last fall with winds exceeding 150 mph, flooding cities, and devastating structures across the state. A construction risk management expert believes the projected economic damage, as high as $75 billion, will prompt the state to beef up building codes and reform land use rules.
| Apr 28, 2023
$1 billion mixed-use multifamily development will add 1,200 units to South Florida market
A giant $1 billion residential project, The District in Davie, will bring 1.6 million sf of new Class A residential apartments to the hot South Florida market. Located near Ft. Lauderdale and greater Miami, the development will include 36,000 sf of restaurants and retail space. The development will also provide 1.1 million sf of access controlled onsite parking with 2,650 parking spaces.
Mixed-Use | Apr 27, 2023
New Jersey turns a brownfield site into Steel Tech, a 3.3-acre mixed-use development
In Jersey City, N.J., a 3.3-acre redevelopment project called Steel Tech will turn a brownfield site into a mixed-use residential high-rise building, a community center, two public plazas, and a business incubator facility. Steel Tech received site plan approval in recent weeks.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 27, 2023
Watch: Specifying materials in multifamily housing projects
A trio of multifamily housing experts discusses trends in materials in their latest developments. Topics include the need to balance aesthetics and durability, the advantages of textured materials, and the benefits of biophilia.
Concrete Technology | Apr 24, 2023
A housing complex outside Paris is touted as the world’s first fully recycled concrete building
Outside Paris, Holcim, a Swiss-based provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions, and Seqens, a social housing provider in France, are partnering to build Recygénie—a 220-unit housing complex, including 70 social housing units. Holcim is calling the project the world’s first fully recycled concrete building.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 21, 2023
Arlington County, Va., eliminates single-family-only zoning
Arlington County, a Washington, D.C., community that took shape in the 1950s, when single-family homes were the rule in suburbia, recently became one of the first locations on the East Coast to eliminate single-family-only zoning.
Green | Apr 21, 2023
Top 10 green building projects for 2023
The Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex in Boston and the Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis are among the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards honorees for 2023.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 20, 2023
A solution for sharing solar energy with multifamily tenants
Allume Energy’s SolShare sees lower-income renters as its primary beneficiaries.