Gulf Construction Online - Sphero spruced up with smart tech

Ceramics & Sanitary Ware

Sphero urinals use around 10 times less water than conventional urinals.

Sphero spruced up with smart tech

Ideal Standard says its revolutionary Sphero range of urinals features stylish aesthetics and has smart technology built in that allows for greater levels of cleanliness and water-saving capabilities.

01 February 2020

Ideal Standard, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bathroom solutions, has launched Sphero, its new collection of urinals that incorporate intelligent design and smart technology to offer enhanced hygiene and easy maintenance, while saving water.

Designed in partnership with the award-winning Studio Levien, the Sphero collection features stylish aesthetics and uses built-in smart technology which allows for greater levels of cleanliness and water-saving capabilities in all commercial spaces.

“The new range marks a step forward in urinal performance, meeting the needs of professionals and users alike,” says Frederick Trzcinski, marketing and innovation director, Ideal Standard Mena.

The intelligent Sphero range comprises three differently-sized models to suit a variety of installation types within any high- and medium-traffic premium commercial settings, such as airports, hotel washrooms, or gymnasiums. The Mini, Midi and Maxi versions each has unique features that will meet the needs of specifiers, architects and designers, as well as end-users.

Midi and Maxi house innovative, smart technology aimed at boosting washroom well-being, whereas Mini is designed to suit more compact spaces.

There are traditional flush, waterless and smart hybrid models within the range and they are all designed with flexibility in mind and can be converted from one type of flush to another. For example, a standard flush Maxi model can be transformed into a hybrid version if the needs of the building owner change.

Robin Levien, head of Studio Levien, worked closely with Ideal Standard’s product teams to fashion the collection’s distinctive circular, concave shape. Its form has been created to specifically minimise splashing and, as such, improve the cleanliness and efficiency of the urinal. The rimless design eliminates hidden surfaces and the build-up of bacteria-contaminated standing water.

Levien comments: “Today’s commercial spaces need washroom solutions which meet the evolving health and well-being needs of society. Occupants are increasingly prioritising comfort and hygiene so it’s important that we cater for these preferences. We wanted Sphero to stand out in the market, with a unique minimalist shape that supports the requirements of everyone who interacts with it.”

Selected Maxi and Midi models host Ideal Standard’s innovative Smart Sensor technology, offering those responsible for washrooms in commercial buildings enhanced levels of hygiene, and a more environment-friendly solution, Trzcinski points out.

“The intelligent sensor inside the urinals measures urine concentration rather than human presence, which means it only flushes the system when required, and not on every usage. In high-traffic environments, this revolutionary technology set to hybrid mode uses around 10 times less water than conventional urinals or infrared solutions,” Trzcinski explains.

Thanks to the intelligent positioning* of the sensor, it can also detect waste blockages as well as cartridge or battery end of life. The spreader features an integrated LED warning light that provides a distinctive alert when the sensor detects flow, power or cartridge issues.

Ideal Standard also offers an installation template* for Sphero’s Maxi and Midi models with an incorporated rubber seal, which eliminates the need for engineers to use sealant when installing the product. The template includes a levelling slot, pre-holes and marked information for quick and easy installation.

The patented easy maintenance bracket provides innovative hinges so engineers can access the inner workings of the urinals while they are in situ. “The bracket means Sphero opens like a door, so you can perform maintenance without removing the ceramic from the wall. All of the products needed for installation, including pre-wall frames, inlet connections and waste pipes, can be supplied by Ideal Standard, making full specification much easier,” he adds.

The Maxi Smart E-Hybrid model has been developed to link to a mobile app, which allows facility managers and building owners to change from default hybrid mode to standard or waterless. It also gives them the possibility to adjust settings such as the frequency of the flushes as well as the flush volume. Additionally, it allows them to examine usage data in real time and provides them with diagnostics for corrective action.

“At Ideal Standard, we work closely with our customers to positively impact the future of modern commercial buildings. We believe in designing for the people, but also innovating for the planet. This was the thinking behind our Sphero offering, which brings hygiene, user comfort and easy maintenance together, thanks to intelligent designs and smart technology. Water is our most precious resource and our next generation of products will help address the growing global challenge of climate change,” Trzcinski concludes.

Belgium-headquartered Ideal Standard International operates in more than 60 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Ideal Standard Mena, part of Ideal Standard International, is focusing on the Middle East, Egypt and Africa, with its head office in Dubai, UAE.

* Patents pending.