Hitting home: Schlüter installer upgrades his private en-suite

Category: Residential | Location: Holmfirth
Focus: DITRA-HEAT, KERDI, LIPROTEC

Bathroom wall with four LED-lit wall niches, robes and towels

From professional, to personal: creating the dream come true en-suite

Chris Halifax, founder of CTH Creations, has built a strong reputation for his attention to detail in every project he undertakes. He regularly shares updates on social media, which has gained him thousands of followers who admire his craftsmanship. Chris describes his work as creating “unique, one-off designs that transform dreams into reality with the highest standards.” With a large portfolio of high-quality bathrooms, last year, Chris shifted his focus to his own home – an 1840s two-bedroom cottage in Holmfirth. By adding an extension to the side and rear, he doubled the home`s size and included a luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Bathroom corner with LED-lit wal niches, towels, robes, washbasin and mirrors ©Chris Halifax

A beautiful new en-suite is now just a few feet away from the comfort of Chris' bed. It features several wall niches that have been lit up using Schlüter-LIPROTEC as well as indirect lighting at ground level.

A close up of a shower area with indirect lighting at the bottom of the wall ©Chris Halifax

A close up of the finished shower area with indirect LIPROTEC lighting at the bottom of the wall.

Shower area with large format marble tiles and LED-lit wall niches ©Chris Halifax

Large format marble tiles were Chris’ choice when it came to decorating his en-suite.

Shower area with installed orange uncoupling mat ©Chris Halifax

The entire floor area is also heated, maximising comfort throughout.

Bathroom construction site with building substrate, orange uncoupling mat and wall niches ©Chris Halifax

The heated wall pre cable installation, with LIPROTEC profiles being prepared in the wall niches.

Bathroom construction site with building substrate, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables ©Chris Halifax

Chris used the KERDI waterproofing system and the KERDI-BOARD substrate to both shape and protect his bathroom walls. The detail and precision of the installation is exceptional.

Bathroom construction site with LED-lit wall niches, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables on the wall ©Chris Halifax

DITRA-HEAT has been used along the wall to create a towel and robe drying area, as well as incorporating heat all round.

Bathroom construction site with LED-lit wall niches, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables ©Chris Halifax

Chris has incorporated two lit up niches for storage and decorative purposes, fabricated with KERDI-BOARD and LIPROTEC.

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Bathroom corner with LED-lit wal niches, towels, robes, washbasin and mirrors
A close up of a shower area with indirect lighting at the bottom of the wall
Shower area with large format marble tiles and LED-lit wall niches
Shower area with installed orange uncoupling mat
Bathroom construction site with building substrate, orange uncoupling mat and wall niches
Bathroom construction site with building substrate, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables
Bathroom construction site with LED-lit wall niches, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables on the wall
Bathroom construction site with LED-lit wall niches, orange uncoupling mat and heating cables

Trusted quality, seamless installation, and smart comfort – why Chris chooses Schlüter for every project

I always go for the best quality products, and Schlüter’s reliability and ease of installation stands out to me. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but the premium quality is absolutely worth it.

Chris Halifax, CTH Creations

Having used Schlüter-Systems products for over three years, Chris didn’t think twice when choosing them again for his own personal project. In his new en-suite, he incorporated a range of Schlüter products, including Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT surface heating throughout the entire floor and shower area, eliminating any cold spots. He also installed heated towel rails and robe hooks on two wall sections, adding the extra comfort of warm towels and robes. For ease and efficiency, Chris opted for the Peel & Stick version of DITRA-HEAT, which he says is “super easy to install and saves time.” This self-adhesive membrane simplifies installation by eliminating the need for additional adhesive, offering a cleaner, faster setup - ideal for renovation projects or tight timelines.

While electric underfloor heating can be costly to run, Chris recommends setting a schedule for when the space is actually being used. “You’re not in the bathroom all day, so I run mine from 5:30 am to 9 am in the morning and again from 6 pm to 11 pm in the evening. I keep the temperature at 19°C, and it costs me around £20 a week. With the Schlüter thermostats, I can monitor energy use and cost, so there are no surprises on the bills.”

To ensure the en-suite was fully protected, Chris used the Schlüter-KERDI waterproofing system, which creates a reliable waterproof barrier beneath the tiles – essential for long-lasting performance and peace of mind in moisture-prone areas. He incorporated Schlüter’s modern LED lighting technology with the LIPROTEC system, using prefabricated KERDI-BOARD niches fitted with extra LED strips to illuminate both shelves. He also created a striking effect by running LIPROTEC lighting around the base of the walls.

When it comes to project decisions, products matter – but people do, too

When asked why he consistently chooses Schlüter products, Chris says, “Quality is key, of course, but the people behind the brand matter just as much.” After several years of planning and work, Chris calls the en-suite “our dream come true. Every detail has been carefully designed and executed.” Looking ahead, he’s excited to tackle the main bathroom next, promising even more innovative ideas that will challenge and expand his skills.

The Schlüter team has always given me excellent support – they’re knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to help whenever I have questions.

Chris Halifax, Schlüter Registered Installer

About CTH Creations

Chris Halifax founded CTH Creations in 2019 and has since built a strong reputation for his attention to detail and pursuit for perfection in every project. He regularly shares project updates on his social media, attracting thousands of followers. In his own words, Chris creates ‘unique, one-of-a-kind bathroom designs which turn dreams into reality with the highest of standards.’ In 2024, Chris becomes a Schlüter Registered Installer, making Schlüter-Systems his trusted supplier for all products beneath the tiles. 

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