Gulf Construction Online - Geberit’s Formula One concept

Bathrooms

The AquaClean Mera ... loaded with intelligent comfort functions.

Geberit’s Formula One concept

01 December 2017

Sanitary and piping specialist Geberit and Formula One car developers have one thing in common: Both use powerful specialised simulation programs to design and test their products before releasing them for production.

“When developing a new racing car, all the necessary simulations are performed on the computer before the first bodywork is manufactured and tested in the wind tunnel. Things are no different at Geberit,” a marketing executive for the Switzerland-based company tells Gulf Construction. “Like in Formula One, this enables us to make the development process substantially more efficient.”

Whether a new discharge pipe, trap, water closet (WC) ceramic appliance or shower channel, a prototype is constructed only after a thorough analysis has been carried out – after all the relevant characteristics are examined on the computer, says the official.

Using simulation programs, Geberit allows virtual water to flow through virtual installations: Through individual elements such as valves, ceramic pans and traps – and even through entire piping systems.

“We monitor flows and turbulence as well as the pressure and velocity distribution of the water and, of course, the development of noise. The procedures shown on screen enable us to optimise the mechanical, hydraulic and acoustic properties of the individual components.

“The toilet flush, for example, not only has to be thorough, but quiet too. Only then does the 3D printer create a testable prototype of the model. The prototype then undergoes a range of further tests before the product goes into series production, ready for use in the real world,” he explains.

Because Geberit products are used for decades, the demands on the materials are exceptionally high. “The demands are high when it comes to our electronics – and so too are the benefits,” he adds. “Equipped with sensors and electronic intelligence, our products offer maximum comfort and hygiene. Safely insulating the electronics against moisture, reducing energy consumption to the lowest possible level and guaranteeing maximum functional reliability are just some of the challenges that we are confronted with each day. This is why only products that pass the numerous tests carried out under extreme climatic conditions in Geberit’s electronics laboratory are launched on the market.”

The toilet cleans thoroughly with the WhirlSpray shower technology.

Depending on the specifications, tests are carried out at temperatures from -20 to +70 deg C and humidity of between 30 and 99 per cent.

Sensors feel everything – and the various functions that have been incorporated in shower toilets demonstrate the pace of developments in the field of electronics, the spokesman continues.

“When you approach the shower toilet, the WC lid lifts up and the seat heating and the storage water heater for the shower are activated. The shower arm cleaning function, dryer and odour extraction unit are also triggered automatically. When you walk away from the toilet, it flushes automatically without you having to touch anything and the lid closes once again – high-tech nology for maximum comfort and hygiene,” he remarks.

One such product is the AquaClean Mera shower toilet. Characterised by high-quality materials, smooth lines and seamless transitions, the technical masterpiece was designed by the renowned London-based industrial designer Christoph Behling.

“I was thrilled when Geberit asked me to design the ‘best toilet in the world’,” says Behling.

The AquaClean Mera stands out, thanks to its captivating appearance as well as its impressive array of intelligent comfort functions. The shower toilet cleans thoroughly, due to its revolutionary, patented WhirlSpray shower technology and is also extremely ecological, thanks to its low water consumption. It features a range of extras that ensure added comfort, including an odour extraction unit and a soft orientation light – which is activated by a proximity sensor so that you do not need to try to switch on the light in the dark. Up to four user profiles can be stored on the remote control: One click of a button is all that is required to call up and adjust personal settings for water temperature, spray intensity and spray arm position.

Other innovative functions, such as an oscillating shower spray, warm air dryer with adjustable temperature and WC seat heating, round off the overall package and set new standards in both hygiene and comfort.

“The AquaClean Mera is a toilet that has got what it takes to bring about a change of culture in the bathroom,” comments Behling.

At ISH 2017 bathrooms fair, AquaClean Mera was presented with the Innovation Award for Architecture and Technology. The award goes to products that not only stand out in terms of design but also advance the design, planning and operation of buildings.