Finishing touch: GEBERIT

Just because a sanitary area is in a highly frequented space like an airport or shopping mall, doesn’t mean good design needs to be sacrificed – and with GEBERIT’s hands-free systems, it isn’t.

By Geberit, Christoph Behling, and Mareile Morawietz for

Geberit

November 19, 2020 | 11:00 pm CUT

The built-in infrared sensor eliminates the need to touch the fittings. Water starts flowing automatically when you approach and stops when you move away

Where have your hands been today? This was the question asked by the head of the German Ministry of Health Education on the occasion of Global Handwashing Day on 15 October. While it sounds like a simple question, it isn’t that easy to answer. How many doorknobs do we touch every day? How often do we push buttons on elevators that are used by countless people on any given day? And what about touchscreens in the office or at ATMs?

Airports, malls and offices: Just because it’s a highly frequented sanitary area, doesn’t mean that design considerations should have to be sacrificed. In addition, Geberit's touchless fittings and actuator plates are hygienic, reliable and robust

Most people try to touch as few things as possible in public sanitary areas. Studies show that a good two-thirds of all women and more than half of all men are afraid of germs and bacteria in toilets in bars, clinics and the like. At the same time, doctors like Professor Klaus-Dieter Zastrow, head of the Hygiene Institute at the Regiomed Clinics in Coburg, Germany, argue against the excessive use of disinfectants.

Studies show that a good two-thirds of all women and more than half of all men are afraid of germs and bacteria in toilets in bars, clinics and the like

Geberit offers a convincing and straightforward solution in the form of contactless washbasin fittings, whose surfaces are easy to clean – an essential criterion in any successful Geberit design. Perfect examples of the combination of strict hygiene requirements and stylish design are the Piave and Brenta touchless washbasin taps – both designed by Christoph Behling Design of London.

Geberit's contactless range also includes the Sigma80 actuator plate, a modern classic. The plate is made of glass and has a colour-adjustable orientation light for dual rinsing

Available as wall-mounted and standing units, these models are distinguished by their functional lines and low-maintenance chrome-plated brass. While Piave exhibits characteristic sweeping curves, Brenta opts for clean edges set at right angles. In addition to these aesthetic benefits, both fittings also conceal great ideas behind the scenes.

Both Piave and Brenta make use of the innovative Geberit concept of the flush-mounted control system. The electronics are not integrated into the fitting itself, but are rather incorporated into a separate function box in the installation unit. Only the tap and the infrared sensor are visible in the system’s sleek design. The electronics remain safely out of sight, but are easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.

There are no installation problems with Geberit’s washbasin mixers due to their practical mounting elements. All electronic components are stored in a separate box, meaning they are protected and easily accessible for repairs

Geberit's innovative washbasin installation elements also make it very easy to position the fittings precisely and to establish the connection between the concealed electronic control unit and the fitting. And with its Environmental Product Declaration, Geberit also meets the high sustainability requirements that it has set itself.

‘Fifty years ago, Geberit revolutionised the bathroom world with the concealed cistern,’ says Christoph Behling, who has been creating designs for Geberit for 15 years: ‘The same thing is happening today with taps, which we can now install with a lower-than-usual error rate and at a lower cost. Furthermore, the entire system is coordinated harmoniously,’ adds Behling, which helps ensure that ‘good design is equally available to everyone.’

Non-contact wall fittings have many advantages: The washbasins and fittings remain clean and there is enough space for several people to wash their hands next to each other

The touch-free Sigma80 actuating plate, which has won several awards, is a perfect match for the Piave and Brenta washbasin mixers. The elegant glass surface of the Tribecraft-designed flush actuator can be adjusted to satisfy individual tastes by selecting five coloured LED lighting options. And it goes without saying that Sigma80 is also based on Geberit’s flush-mounting concept.

The clean design of Piave and Brenta fits perfectly into a modern environment. Both are available in wall-mounted or free-standing models

The touch-free approach to hygiene in the design of public sanitary facilities can be stylishly complemented by the versatile portfolio of one of Europe’s market leaders in sanitary products. Geberit has long demonstrated foresight when it comes to matters of hygiene. Now it is demonstrating what can be achieved when functional expertise is combined with thoughtful, smart design – a winning combination every time.

©Architonic

Project Gallery

Related Products

Geberit

Actuator plates | Sigma80 black

1 Variant

Geberit

Actuator plates | Sigma80 mirrored

1 Variant

Related Brands

Geberit

Manufacturer

Jona, Switzerland