High-end installer, Chris Halifax, makes it personal with Schlüter
Pictured is Chris Halifax (right) being presented the Best Technical Installation award, Behind The Tiles Awards 2023, by Martin Chappell (left) from Schlüter-Systems.
Chris Halifax of CTH Creations has carved himself a reputation for his incredible attention to detail and quest for perfection in all his work. He regularly shares project updates on his social media, attracting thousands of followers. In his own words, Chris creates ‘unique and one-off bathroom designs which turn dreams into reality with the highest of standards.’
And for all things tile protection, Chris’s go-to supplier is Schlüter-Systems – the largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone in the world. The key advantage of specifying Schlüter-Systems is the opportunity to utilise the wealth of experience gained by the UK team over the last 30 years, providing integrated system solutions for the bathroom designer and installer, developer, architect and specifier.
Having completed various stunning bathrooms over the years, Chris recently turned his attention to his own home, an 1840s, two-bedroom cottage in Holmfirth. Chris doubled the size of the property with an extension, which included a luxury en-suite, to the side and rear. After already working with Schlüter-Systems products for around three years, Chris had no hesitation in using them in his own home: ‘I always install the highest quality products and have found Schlüter products extremely reliable and easy to work with. I find that the premium quality of Schlüter products is worth every penny.’
Treating his own en-suite as a chance to showcase his fine work and expertise, Chris fitted various Schlüter products, including Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT. Installed throughout the entire floor area, including the shower, the DITRA-HEAT Peel & Stick version was used for speedy installation and the elimination of cold spots. Two areas of the walls, where the towel rails and robe hooks are placed, are heated so that the family can enjoy super warm towels!
After a few years in the making, Chris concludes that his new en-suite is ‘our dream come true. A lot of planning, designing and effort has gone into every detail. Next up is the main bathroom that will feature even more exciting ideas and will push my own skill levels and boundaries. Schlüter is key to my work.’
Although any electric underfloor heating system costs money to run, Chris recommends finding a running schedule for when the occupants are most likely to be in the space. ‘In reality, people are not in the bathroom all of the time. I run my system from 5.30am to 9am in the morning when we’re getting up and ready and then from 6pm to 11pm in the evening too. I have the temperature set at 19°C and it costs me around £20 a week to run. With the Schlüter thermostats, I can see the cost and energy output so there are no surprises with my energy bills.’
For added stunning touches, the modern LED-technology Schlüter-LIPROTEC was used in the form of prefabricated niches, with Chris adding an extra LED strip so that both shelves were illuminated. Chris also created a feature by running LIPROTEC around the bottom of the walls.
Chris continues to use Schlüter as ‘it’s important that the products are top quality, but the people in a business are also important. I’ve always had fantastic support from the Schlüter team. They are knowledgeable, easy to get on with and can’t do enough to help me if I have any questions.’
For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/.