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?
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.
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.
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.
Thanks to the innovative Geberit washstand mounting elements, it is also very easy to position the fittings precisely and to establish the connection between the electronic flush-mounted control unit and the fittings. 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.’
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 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.
