Designer bathrooms

Kohler's multi-faceted Flipside shower.
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High-tech

Another important factor currently shaping bathroom design is the increased uptake of technology.

“Along with this design-led transformation, we are seeing a move towards greater functionality as hi-tech conveniences which form part of daily life are now emulated in the design and function of sanitary fixtures and fittings,” Wilson noted.

As such, Roca will soon launch a hi-tech version of its Khroma collection, Khroma Robot. With electronics incorporated into the vitreous china of the sanitaryware, users can control the shower and bidet function, they can open and close the toilet seat and cover, and even heat up the seat and cover at the press of a button.

“Technology is really starting to permeate all products,” Kohler commented. “Not technology for the sake of technology, but technology that really enhances the experience and provides a different level of functionality.

“So, we have products that make your whole showering experience digital, with a system that can control light, steam and music, as well as the showering experience,” he said.

“We have a new experience in baths called VibrAcoustic technology. You’re really seeing technology in all the product segments, and the price points are coming down as well, so I think you’ll see it incorporated into the bathroom more and more moving forward,” Kohler predicted.

However, while contemporary design and technology are playing their part, the single most influential factor currently impacting bathroom design is sustainability. The challenge facing bathroom manufacturers is finding an approach that makes business sense.

“We look at sustainability because we believe it’s the right thing to do, not the right thing to say,” said Kohler. “But the right sustainability strategy is one that firmly integrates business principles with environmental principles.

“It has to make sound business sense and if you work hard at it, you can find a win solution for the environment, a win solution for the business and a win solution for the consumer. That’s what we want to focus on as a business,” he pledged.

Creating products that are sustainable but do not force consumers to sacrifice on comfort is critically important. “In the bathroom we handle our most important consumable – water – basically for cleaning the body. So, our responsibility is to optimise this process with water saving technologies, without corroding the cultural magic that is inherent in this act: taking a bath means cleaning the soul in many cultures,” Laufen’s Zupanovic pointed out.

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Geberit has placed sustainability at the very forefront of its agenda, and was recently named amongst the top 10 most sustainable companies in the world by Corporate Knights, a Toronto media company that has published its first-ever ranking of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies.

“Corporate Knights research group worked with two different asset management firms to evaluate companies based on ten environmental, social and governance performance metrics, including energy productivity, waste productivity and CEO-to-average-worker pay ratio. An 11th indicator was added for ‘transparency’.”

“The honour of being named among the top 10 most sustainable companies further supports and validates Geberit’s continuing commitment to being environmentally responsible in everything we do. Focus on sustainability is part of our culture,” Wilson said.

Intelligent companies are taking a multi-pronged approach to sustainability. This involves lowering their footprint as a business, with more intelligent manufacturing processes and facilities; creating new and innovative products that contribute in lowering energy and water consumption; and using their global positioning to educate consumers on the importance of sustainability. As Wilson pointed out: “Sustainability is an all-encompassing approach of which water conservation forms just one aspect”.

Ultimately, sustainability for the sake of sustainability is not a realistic proposition. Companies are under incredible pressure to develop solutions that are accessible, affordable and, most importantly, palatable to the consumer. For example, the Roca Group is holding off from launching waterless urinals as it believes that the general population is still largely resistant to the concept.

“Our commercial department has taken the decision not to launch any waterless urinals yet,” explained Schoone. “There is a small percentage of people that are very happy with waterless urinals, and a large number of people that do not like them. They do not yet offer the comfort level that you need. We may be an innovative company but if people don’t like your innovations then you only harm yourself.”

For Jim Westdorp, group president, kitchen and bath, Kohler, it is a question of re-educating the market. “In the past there has been a perception that water saving plumbing fixtures didn’t perform as well as products that used more water.

“And, admittedly, there were some issues with that with the very first generation of low-flow water closets.However, those days are long gone and Kohler has been working tirelessly to dispel this myth,” he said.

Kohler is focusing on finding ways to constantly enhance the overall showering experience, without promoting increased water consumption. “We are looking for ways that you can still enjoy that type of experience but not consume as much water.

“We spend a lot of our time inventing things that produce less water. You can also talk about introducing music or satellite radio, and other things that enhance the experience,” said Kohler.

“Steam, for example, is a great addition to a shower. It consumes very little water and offers a great experience. A great shower experience does not have to be about how much water one consumes,” he concluded.

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