Intelligent retreat

The Inipi sauna's control unit is shaped like a stone.
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Technology is currently making a beeline for the bathroom, which is helping to enhance aesthetics and strengthen sustainability

The bathroom’s evolution into an everyday refuge has been well documented. What was once a totally ulitarian space has been converted into a haven of harmony and relaxation – and technology is playing an increasingly important role in creating and controlling the required ambiance.

“Light and colour, for example, which have such an important influence on our sense of wellbeing, used to be an afterthought in the bathroom,” noted Toni El Kadi, UAE branch manager, Duravit Middle East. “Today, the latest lighting and electronic technology makes it possible to create a changing light experience,” he added.

“The room can be bathed in light and colour, providing the ideal setting for spa products such as whirl tubs, multi-functional showers, pool systems, saunas, atmospheric light and spa equipment for bath tubs and pools, such as air nozzles, jet nozzles or rotating back and foot-massage nozzles.”

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Technology is making its way into the bathroom under number of guises – in the form of in-wall televisions, advanced audio systems and lighting controls, and in the less obvious forms of water-saving flush systems and aerated shower sprays. Technology has essentially been responsible for transforming the simple faucet into a master of water conservation and the average bath into an oasis of wellness.

Laufen’s Mimo series of bath tubs, for example, takes the simple tub and converts it into a bespoke spa – by adding coloured LEDs and a whirlpool system, noted Ivan Zupanovic, international sales and marketing manager, Laufen.

“Instead of a conventional touch panel, Laufen and its partners have developed an innovative touch-sensitive control for the whirlsystem: the control symbols are simply lasered into the tub rim. This is a stylish, absolutely hygienic and scratch-resistant solution that can be cleaned easily and in no way detracts from the beautiful, curvaceous contours of the bath tub,” he continued.

But, while enhanced comfort and aesthetics are obvious drivers in the uptake of technology in the bathroom, it is essential that practicality doesn’t fall to the wayside. “We feel that more than ever, aesthetics and technology will be inextricably linked,” El Kadi said. “But design should never be an excuse for lack of function. Every product has to be easy to assemble and of real practical value. We generally take a step back from products that are pure ‘monuments’.”

In practise

To this effect, Duravit has launched a number of attractive but ‘intelligent’ products this year. The Inipi sauna, for example, which can fit two people but requires as little room as 235cm x 117cm, was designed by the Eoos group. “They have transformed the sweat cabin into a modern designer sauna which, thanks to judiciously concealed technology, presents itself in an exceptionally clean and transparent design,” said El Kadi.

The basis is a wooden frame that is glazed at the front and back. “All units are mounted on a pull-out carrier that is fully concealed behind a wooden panel. As a result, the control system, heater with ventilation unit and evaporator are always accessible but never in view.

“All that is visible is a small wooden flap on the front that opens to reveal a second ‘stone’, which is actually a firmly mounted operating element. This stone also houses an AUX connection and features a shelf for relevant devices.”

Duravit has also launched a series of oversized tubs or ‘pools’ that include 40 nozzles and offer features ranging from a power massage to bubbling bath. Hidden within the pools is a powerful three-fold regeneration system.

“The heart of the installation is its Emotion system, which features 24 Durapearl nozzles built into the tub’s floor. These multi-functional nozzles produce both large air bubbles and a fine gentle massaging water jet. The system can be switched from bubbles to water jet by means of the waterproof remote control or operating panel to suit and enhance the mood,” El Kadi detailed.