Smart touchless solutions and unusual finishes on brassware are transitioning from luxurious amenities to essential requirements for energy-saving, accessibility and hygiene. Here, the specification team at Sanipex Group look at how fittings that may once have been viewed as ‘nice to haves’ are now being requested almost as standard for commercial projects.
Technology is increasingly being seen in public and commercial bathrooms and washrooms, with the latest advancements in touchless sensors being just one of the reasons why. Such tech is now so much more than simply a nice to have – it helps improve accessibility, hygiene and energy saving.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, touchless bathrooms have become much more widely specified, with contactless technology seen as one of the best ways of optimising safety and hygiene in the bathroom. This has made demand for fixtures such as sensor-controlled taps soar, both for use in public-facing bathrooms in hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping centres, but also in the domestic setting. This trend is not unusual and particularly new, but what is now being seen is such smart and ‘touch-free’ features being specified across the washroom environment, from soap dispensers to taps, from WCs to urinals.
When architects and designers are specifying for a commercial project such as a hotel, leisure facility, office or public space, a well-designed washroom can be key to creating a long-lasting, positive impression for end users.
Alongside the needs of different building users, there’s a lot to consider, including sustainability, hygiene and accessibility, all of which can be addressed with the latest smart solutions. And while touchless bathrooms are now something of a must in public washroom environments, distinctive design is important too in order to achieve the wow factor and create an eye-catching space where every detail counts. That means even the small details matter, such as round taps and electronic soap dispensers that can be operated without physical contact. All of this and more simplify the design of the bathroom for a streamlined aesthetic, whilst making the space safer and more hygienic and creating a distinctive style.
A sustainable, hygienic, cost-effective focus
Sustainability is a key area of consideration for architects and specifiers and the rise in energy bills means clients and facilities managers are looking for more ways to save on running costs. Water-saving products can now be found in every aspect of bathroom design, from low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets to advanced sensors and systems on taps, WCs and urinals to reduce unnecessary use of water and minimise costs. Indeed, touchless technology with automatic shut-off, be it from sensor taps that save wastage from running water or the latest hand dryers that have a low energy output while not compromising on performance for the end user, all adds up to significant savings on running costs and reduced waste.
Technology can be key to creating cleaner washrooms, too. Touchless smart taps, soap dispensers, flush plates and hand dryers all help to boost hygiene levels, while often being easier to clean and maintain.
Low maintenance, touch-free, water-saving taps and sanitaryware help facilities managers address these practical issues, while also keeping in control of running costs. Working with a single supplier keeps fit-outs straightforward and on time. None of the above need be to the detriment of style and aesthetics – the latest trends in brassware finishes, for example, enable architects to create washrooms and bathrooms that really stand out, achieving a luxurious ambience while also being highly practical. The latest brushed metal finishes are a good case in point; distinctive in style and with practical benefits such as a smudge-free surface that makes cleaning straightforward, even in the busiest of public environments.
A single supplier, multiple solutions and many advantages
Specifiers working on a new school in Saudi Arabia took full advantage of this, collaborating with Sanipex Group to supply a wide range of durable and serviceable solutions from leading European brands for MiSK School.
The supply encompassed washbasins, sanitaryware, brassware, plumbing, and accessories for the washroom and bathrooms of the impressive 21-hectare. While the majority of the sanitaryware was selected for its contemporary aesthetic, aligning with the overall design of the development, smart touchless solutions were also chosen for their energy-saving and hygienic advantages. Touchless taps and soap dispensers, alongside touchless basin mixers and first-rate hand dryers all feature. Public accessible washroom fittings were also chosen for their durability and adherence to standards while high-quality floor and shower drains by provide the outlet solution for waste water.
The supply of design-led products reflects the education facility’s commitment to exceptional standards and it is proof that a carefully specified washroom provides many benefits for end-users and for facilities managers who are better able to meet sustainability goals while saving on water bills.