Sustainable Design Archives

GROHE recycling shower concept fights water scarcity

September 20, 2022

With nearly one-third of Europeans living in areas experiencing water strain, new and innovative solutions are required to transform how we use water in the home. GROHE’s water-recycling shower concept presents a vision of how the home can actively and positively shape our personal impact on the planet and its resources.

Droughts and water scarcity are becoming everyday challenges for people across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Almost 1 in 3 Europeans are affected by water strain in an average year. 11 out of the 17 most water-stressed countries in the world3 are in the Middle East and Africa.

In addition, water is the second biggest source of energy use in the home. Improved water efficiency cuts fossil fuel use, energy bills, and carbon emissions.

Consume less, enjoy more

GROHE’s circular solution cleanses, reheats, and reuses water in order to use only a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, resulting into a cost-saving of up to 65% a year for a four-person household and up to 70% less CO2 emissions. This new technology has been designed to create the shower experience desired, but by using as little fresh water as possible.

Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA comments: “The water stress challenge is one of the biggest issues of our time. And there’s no alternative but to address it boldly – especially if water is core to your business. For our GROHE brand, combining ‘Pure Freude an Wasser’ with sustainability has always been integral to its DNA. We think the best way to help people save water, is by making products that they enjoy using and don’t compromise on comfort.”

“Looking at our professional partners, we believe the construction industry will need to meet ever more stringent standards as regulators look to build water security and consumers demand sustainable solutions. We will continue to invest in innovation to help our partners stay ahead of these trends and create the sustainable homes of the future,” Brennwald concludes.

How it works
The water-recycling shower concept divides the shower process into three parts allowing users to enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge they are minimising waste.

1) First, users start the shower with fresh water, as with any regular shower.
2) Once finished using the shampoo or soap, the user can switch mode: The water collected in the
drain after switching is pumped into a circuit, maintaining the desired temperature, and hygienically
treating the water.
3) After use, cleaning takes place to prepare the shower for the next user.

Making water efficiency attractive
“It is our mission to provide state-of-the-art technologies for using water resources sustainably while
also creating additional environmental value for water. We already supply a wide range of taps, showers,
and toilets that help people use far less water at home without noticing they are doing so. In taps for
example, GROHE’s EcoJoy technology uses a flow limiter and an aerator which enriches the water with
air to create a voluminous experience using up to 50% less water. The new circulating shower solution
goes one step further – showing the enhanced savings that can be made by products which help
consumers actively make a sustainable choice every day.

“We are very much looking forward to the responses by our customers to the water-recycling shower concept and are working hard to bring it to market maturity soon,” says David Mainka, Leader Electronics, and Innovation R&D Fittings, LIXIL International.

As part of LIXIL’s strong brand portfolio, GROHE’s sustainability activities as well as product developments are embedded in LIXIL’s Environmental Vision which calls for Zero Carbon and Circular Living. Water sustainability is one of the focus areas here. The goal is to help people enjoy water while ensuring sustainable water use on a global scale to have a positive impact on the planet

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Duravit launches Sustano – its first recyclable DuraSolid® Nature shower tray

September 9, 2022

Sustano is Duravit’s first recyclable DuraSolid® Nature shower tray. The shower trays feature a flat, rimless design for installation flush with the floor in conjunction with the integrated, flush outlet cover, they also come in a wide range of dimensions.

Additionally, the range has an attractive entry-level price and is offered in six colours making it especially suited to renovation projects.

DuraSolid® Nature

Created from recyclable mineral material, DuraSolid® Nature is low weight, adaptable and easy to cut on the construction site. The UV-resistant tray also has anti-slip properties built in to the matt surface versions.

As it is easy to install it is ideal for renovation projects where every millimeter matters in the installation of shower trays. With their extremely low installation height of just 30 mm, the self-supporting Sustano shower trays enable flush-mounted installation even in renovation projects with a low floor height.

Alternatively, they can be installed in floor-mounted or semi-recessed applications. Sustano boasts flexibility since 100 mm can be removed from each side of each shower tray, even on the construction site, making it simple to modify when necessary. Their low weight makes the Sustano trays easy to handle on the construction site, allowing them to be installed by one person.

Sustano shower trays are made from DuraSolid® Nature and have high surface hardness and density, making them durable and comparatively impervious to damage or soiling. A soft cloth with warm water or standard cleaning agent is all that is needed for cleaning.

The porefree surface creates a pleasantly warm, appealing feeling on the skin. The versions in matt colours feature a velvety surface, with a somewhat smoother surface feel than the glossy colours. The flat, easy-to-clean outlet cover with a lattice structure in the same colour as the shower tray integrates into the trays unobtrusively, in both visual and tactile terms. The cover is also optionally available in stainless steel.

Maximum safety and accessibility

The material’s special surface texture means that Sustano shower trays with a matt surface attain anti-slip class C with no additional coating. This is the highest classification for wet (barefoot) areas, like shower rooms, and thus guarantees maximum safety.

The surface of the glossy White variant is comparable to Duravit’s acrylic shower trays. The 1200 x 1200 mm flush-mounted Sustano model is also suitable for accessible bathrooms, even for wheelchair uses.

Versatile design options

The Sustano can be installed flush with the floor, semi-recessed, or on the floor tiles depending on structural factors and personal preference. The flush-mounted application is particularly impressive, as it lends itself to a seamless spaciousness. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray is perfectly attuned to the contemporary bathroom.

Featuring 21 sizes, the ideal solution can be found for almost any new-build or renovation project. With five attractive matt colours – White Matt, Matt Crème, Matt Light Gray, Matt Greige, and Matt Dark Gray as well as a glossy White, Sustano offers a range of options to match the colour scheme of any bathroom.

Sustainable, recyclable material Duravit is mindful of the responsibility it bears when it comes to the environment, its employees, and future generations. A complete bathroom solutions provider, Duravit is committed to treating resources with respect and supplying products that are especially long-lasting and sustainable. “We live and breathe sustainability along our value-creation chain, with a clear focus on the four dimensions of water, resources, climate, and social commitment.

“Our actions – in all strategic areas – are being reviewed and optimized from the perspective of sustainability,” said CEO Stephan Tahy.

Thanks to their low weight, Sustano shower trays are lighter to transport, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Even more important is the material’s durability and recyclability following the usage phase.

After the end of their useful life, Sustano shower trays made from DuraSolid® Nature can be returned either to Duravit or to a local recycling center to keep within the life-cycle principle. The recycled materials can be reused to manufacture new shower trays or can be applied to industrial use, e.g. the manufacture of pivot bearings.

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Save water with a Neoperl shower hose complete with PCW

April 27, 2022

There’s never been a more important time to reduce our use of both water and energy and the shower is a great place to start. Couple Neoperl’s Chromalux® Supreme Shower Hose with a retrofittable Pressure Compensating Washer (PCW) to save water and control the flow.

The Chromalux Supreme Shower Hose collection offers a range of smooth, soft and flexible hoses incorporating chrome-plated connectivity with the options of a swivel connection, an integrated check valve and washer regulator. A revolving connection feature also prevents the hose from twisting during use. The overall look is where the ‘Supreme’ range truly differs to others in the Chromalux collection, offering a totally smooth finish in a choice of 4 colours: chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass and matt black.

Bathroom_Review_Neoperl_ Chromalux® Supreme

All Chromalux hoses fulfil EN113 standards in functional and durability testing and hold hygienic approvals too. These hoses come in 150, 175 or 200cm lengths, the cone length is 30mm with a G½” thread.

Couple a Chromalux shower hose with a PCW Flow Regulator, to save water. These flow regulators maintain a pleasant and consistent water stream at a chosen flow rate, regardless of external water pressure. They work using two dynamic control rings (O-rings) within the flow regulator, which at low pressure encourage a high flow rate due to a larger bypass section and at high pressure the o-rings are pressed into the gaps between the teeth of the core, thus reducing the size of the opening for the water, leading to pressure independent flow rates.

About Neoperl

Neoperl is a UK manufacturer and part of the German-Swiss Neoperl Group. They design and manufacture innovative solutions for the plumbing industry and their products shape the water stream, regulate the flow rate and protect drinking water. In the UK they largely manufacture flow regulators and are one of the world’s leading suppliers, from their Malvern, Worcestershire factory. Their flow regulators and aerators can be found in most showers, taps and boilers across the UK. Many of their products can also be retrofitted providing great water saving solutions for the home.

Check out how to install their products at www.neoperl.net/en/.html or call their technical team on 01684 564869.

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AirPower by Hansgrohe: an indulgent shower with reduced water consumption

December 20, 2021

According to Hansgrohe, AirPower is a unique shower experience that ncreases the enjoyment of the shower whilst reducing water consumption. The innovative technology AirPower enriches each water droplet with air to produce plump droplets creating a velvety touch on the skin.

Hansgrohe recognises water is a valuable resource, extensive time and research has gone into establishing AirPower technology to help reduce water consumption. When using the shower, air is sucked in through the spray disc that stirs up the water. Enriched with fresh air, the droplets are noticeably lighter, creating more enjoyable showers whilst helping save both water and energy.

Showers

AirPower technology is featured in a vast range of Hansgrohe products including collections Raindance, Vernis, Vivenis and Croma through basin taps, overhead and hand showers and shower systems.

Wash basins

With AirPower, the basin taps from Hansgrohe encourage them to work reliably by adding volume to every droplet of water whilst noticeably reducing splashing. The soft water droplets make for a pleasurable washing experience, whether that’s washing hands, washing hair or caring for children’s sensitive skin.

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GROHE exhibited new Cradle to Cradle Certified® products at HIX

November 22, 2021

Showcasing its newly accredited Cradle to Cradle Certified® products, supplier of bathroom and kitchen fittings, GROHE, made its first industry exhibition appearance since the beginning of the pandemic at the HIX design show last month.

The globally recognised Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design approach was first developed in the 90s to drastically reduce waste and the drain on new resources. It is achieved by designing intelligent products, processes, and systems that look at the overall lifecycle of the product.

Whilst this concept differentiates between consumer goods (e.g. natural fibres or detergent), which are biodegradable, and service products (e.g. taps), that are broken down into their original materials, this approach means that C2C products can potentially be reused endlessly, enhancing typical recycling practices.

To achieve certification, products must attain a designated level of achievement within the following categories: material health, material reutilisation, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.

To date, four GROHE products have been Cradle to Cradle Certified at gold level: three taps – GROHE BauEdge S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart S-Size and GROHE Eurosmart Kitchen, as well as the GROHE Tempesta shower rail set. The certified products are four of GROHE’s best-sellers and are also affordable, cost-efficient fittings that make sustainable solutions accessible to hospitality projects of all scales and budgets.

“We were so pleased to finally be able to attend our first event following the onset of the pandemic,” says Ebru Bircan, Leader, Marketing Activation UK, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK.

“Continuing to pioneer sustainable solutions that combat the over-consumption of natural resources is an imperative part of GROHE’s sustainability strategy. We also intend to keep working with hotel brands to develop more ways in which hospitality and sustainability can come together seamlessly to leave a lasting impression on guests, whilst reducing the impact on our environment.”

Grohe Tempesta HIX event cradle to cradle — GROHE Tempesta 100 shower rail set – C2C Certified

More news and product stories from GROHE.

www.grohe.co.uk

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Statement bathroom design

September 27, 2021

In the wake of the pandemic, bathroom spaces have become a place to recalibrate. The 1918 influenza pandemic shaped the modern bathroom with a new focus on sanitation and, in the same way, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only freshened up our hygiene focus, it has renewed the zest for beautiful design as we prioritise space to relax and rejuvenate. With home entertaining also now back on the agenda, creating the wow factor is back in vogue.

Designing a statement bathroom can be achieved in a myriad of ways from introducing a bold colour scheme to utilising a standout statement piece such as a freestanding bath or totem basin. Whilst selecting one stand-out piece will anchor your own personal style, selecting products from a cohesive collection guarantees symmetry.

Round and about

Liquid from VitrA is a new comprehensive range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon and is the first-ever bathroom range by the acclaimed British designer. Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble.

VitrA’s design director, Erdem Akan tells us “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials – creating more with less. The result is Liquid, a range that is wholly new and yet somehow familiar.”

Bathing beauties

Freestanding baths effortlessly deliver the wow factor bringing drama and elegance to bathrooms. Oval or circular baths promote a contemporary aesthetic and are spacious enough to cater for all family bathroom needs.

Studies on the psychology of shape tell us circular shapes are pleasing to the eye and promote a sense of well being. Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing and product development at Bette agrees “Baths with contemporary curved shapes are becoming even more popular as they can be comfortable for both the eye and the body. Taking their inspiration from nature, they can help to create a welcoming bathroom design and can also be extremely comfortable to use.”

Bette baths are available in over 400 colours so adding a touch of individuality is simple to do from the outset. The BetteEve Oval is natural, comfortable and perfect for two to bathe together because the ellipse has two focal points. The BetteEve baths are a generous 180 x 100 cm, with symmetrical backrests on both sides and a central waste outlet.

Geo style

When it comes to smaller spaces, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms tells us “You don’t necessarily need a large bathroom to create a statement. People often associate impact with a very spacious bathroom where there is a clear focal point such as a freestanding bath or large walk-in shower but in reality it’s what you achieve with the space you have and the materials you use that can add stunning visual appeal. “

Utopia delivers a contemporary Geo arrangement that combines minimalist style and stunning finishes for a chic effect. This is also a look that can easily be scaled down to suit a smaller space with no loss of impact.

topia Bathrooms Opula Burnt Copper — Opula in Indigo and Burnt Copper from Utopia Bathrooms

Paint it black

Design schemes that break the mould are also achieved with clever use of colour, this strategy is useful for modest bathrooms where monochromatic options help build impact and create the illusion of space.

Marianne Shillingford, creative director Akzonobel Dulux UK agrees “When it comes to creating instant impact in the bathroom you can’t beat a slug of gutsy colour. Fortune favours the brave in small spaces where we should be able to enjoy a full immersion sensory experience in everything from invigorating water on our skin to texture and colour.”

Black and white tones are also ideal for creating a rustic-inspired bathroom with retro accents. White bathroom walls are the starting point for this look, Absolute White from Dulux, delivers a crisp finish, and dark oak doors and cabinetry pair beautifully with Victorian-style silver taps and pipework.

Walk-in wonders

Sustainability is the watchword for 2021 and is set to stay at the top of the agenda indefinitely. Combining luxurious statement design with sustainability appears to be an incongruous pairing, but it is key as we move into a new era of eco-responsibility.

Adam Teal, Kaldewei UK head of sales agrees “Sustainability has always been at the core of Kaldewei’s business and is a constant and consistent theme when designing and creating new products, our steel enamel solutions add a luxurious air creating a feeling of ‘luxstainabilty’ – luxury and sustainability – to any setting.”

The SUPERPLAN ZERO is the latest product from Kaldewei. This impressive enamelled shower surface is the perfect addition to a statement bathroom and has been created by the Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. The style is reserved yet extremely comfortable underfoot.

Superplan Zero Kaldewei — SUPERPLAN ZERO

Top Banner Image: Dulux Paints

Article by Diane Larner

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GROHE Tempesta shower system maximises water & energy savings

June 28, 2021

All GROHE EcoJoy™ products are systematically designed to save water and energy so that precious resources are conserved. These products, equipped with water-saving technologies, offer the perfect water experience without the need to compromise. Reducing water and energy consumption goes hand in hand with convenience and attractive design. Less water, perfect flow.

GROH Tempesta Shower set — GROHE Tempesta 250 shower set (Cube design) with thermostat for wall mounting

Designed to be wall-mounted, this exposed shower system features a Tempesta 250 Cube head shower, a Tempesta Cosmopolitan 100 hand shower, thermostat, shower rail with 390mm swivable shower arm and gliding element to adjust the hand shower, plus a 1750mm Rotaflex Twistfree hose.

At 250mm the head shower creates a generous showering area and has an appealing slim profile. The spray pattern is the gentle, refreshing Rain Spray. There are 2 spray patterns to choose from on the 100mm hand shower – the soft Rain and the powerful, targeted Jet Spray. Both showers feature water-saving GROHE EcoJoy – limiting flow to 9.5l/min on the head shower and 5.7l/min on the hand shower – for reduced water consumption but the same great performance.

The shower system delivers water at a constant temperature with no nasty surprises, thanks to GROHE’s TurboStat technology makes sure that the water is a constant temperature with no unpleasant fluctuations. The GROHE SafeStop override button is set at 38°C to prevent scalding and keep the whole family protected. And the GROHE SafeStop Plus temperature limiter can be set to limit to 43°C for an extra level of safety. Switch between head and hand shower and adjust the volume, all via one handle, with the AquaDimmer function.

www.grohe.co.uk

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Bette delivers sustainability and luxury

June 28, 2021

Bette glazed titanium-steel baths, shower trays and washbasins combine high-end design with robust eco-credentials.

Glazed titanium-steel is one of the most luxurious materials, but it can also be one of the most sustainable, especially as it is extremely long-lasting, made from natural materials and 100% recyclable.

Bette also strives to improve its sustainability every year through a host of initiatives that cover everything from the energy it uses, to the packaging that protects its products.

Bette currently produces two-thirds of its own energy requirements through investment in solar technology at its factory in Germany, and its aim, over the coming years, is to produce all of its own energy through investment in renewable energy technologies.

Bette Oval Silhouette — BetteOval Silhouette

Bette also has a policy of buying its materials as locally as it can, with 99% being bought from Europe. This not only helps with its carbon footprint, but also with continuity of supply.

This year Bette will be launching its first annual sustainability report. It will include detailed facts and figures on Bette’s sustainability performance and will be updated every year to give its customers an accurate picture of its sustainability credentials.

For more information see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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New GROHE Plus supports energy and water-saving initiatives

June 21, 2021

The new digitally advanced GROHE Plus basin taps offer users the possibility to accurately control the water temperature and includes a visual colour marker to encourage users to avoid wasting energy.

Using the principle of “nudging”, a concept from behavioural economics, users are made aware when hot water is flowing unnecessarily which in turn encourages users to avoid wasting energy. This design approach promotes responsible use of the valuable resource of water and saves energy at the same time.

The eco-friendly functionality of GROHE Plus is reinforced by its accessible Eco Spray setting. To switch from the standard spray to the more refined Eco Spray of just four litres per minute users can simply swipe their hand over the lit icon on top of the spout to activate the sensor-controlled system which will change the water flow. The GROHE Plus collection also skillfully combines round and square elements, this makes the range a real statement for every modern bathroom, both in terms of sustainability and design.

Progressive design for elegant features in the bathroom
The dynamic design language of GROHE Plus is inspired by the arc, which symbolises both strength and lightness. Combining circular shapes with the crisp, clean lines of a cube, GROHE Plus creates an exciting architectural silhouette. At the same time, the design supports ergonomic comfort and invites interaction. The 90-degree swivel spout also increases the user-friendliness and caters for a variety of different interactions and uses.

The combination of cubic and organic shapes not only distinguishes GROHE Plus aesthetically but also makes the tap collection the perfect counterpart to both square and round ceramic lines such as GROHE Essence or GROHE Cube – all according to personal interior design style. To complete the harmonious overall look of the bathroom, the two-tone surface of GROHE Plus’ LED display made of chrome and high-quality acrylic glass in MoonWhite can also be found in several of GROHE’s shower collections too, such as the GROHE SmartControl thermostat and GROHE Rainshower SmartActive head showers.

In addition to the new digitally-enhanced models, the GROHE Plus collection includes a wide range of classic single-lever mixers in different sizes and with additional functions such as a pull-out spout, wall-mounted 2-hole basin mixers, taps for shower and bathtub, and a visually striking freestanding bathtub option. For even greater design freedom that meets the growing demand for personalised style in the bathroom, GROHE Plus is available in Chrome, SuperSteel and Brushed Hard Graphite finishes, the latter of which is accompanied by a black LED display.

RRP from £699.00

Learn more about GROHE’s sustainable technologies by visiting GROHE X.

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