FEATURE
35
Darryl Brainin, director of Burgess Plumbing, explains some
of the choices made when it recently upgraded the public
conveniences at GIBS (the Gordon Institute of Business
Science) to its Sandton’s Illovo building: “We ultimately
used: Duravit urinals with Geberit battery powered sensors
Flushmasters, because of their energy and water efficiency
and hygiene. It flushes automatically without having to
be touched – a valuable feature post-Covid-19. No water
goes to waste. We installed Grohe battery operated sensor
taps on the basins. Steiner are the main provider for all the
accessories, such as hand-towel rails, soap dispensers and
air fresheners.
“The client asked us to source a basin in which the water
wouldn’t splash all over the users as they wash their hands,
which is one reason we chose Duravit: the tap is fitted in the
basin so your hand is in the basin when you wash, reducing
splashing.”
Grohe Euroeco CE Powerbox range
The Powerbox uses the hydraulic energy of water to produce
electricity. Upon a signal from the infrared sensor in the
mixer tap the solenoid valve in the Powerbox opens and
the water flows. By the flow of water a turbine (generator)
generates energy. The storage-electronic, a capacitor, is
designed to provide about 100 hours of energy to the mixer,
if enough energy was stored before.
• 260 seconds of flowing water will fully charge the
capacitor
• The system works with 6V
• The energy produced is sufficient to store power in a
capacitor and to supply the mixer tap with this stored
energy
• If the usage-frequency is too low, for example due to
absence over a long weekend, the storage will not be
charged and runs flat
• The mixer tap then will be supplied with energy from the
back-up battery (6V)
Some Features and benefits of this product:
• Long lifetime: Applying a generator as well as a capacitor
to store the energy allows about 10 years of maintenance
free operation
• Environmentally sustainable: Due to the long-term
maintenance free operation it is not required to change
batteries
• Self-sufficient: Once there is flowing water, energy is
produced by the Powerbox. This energy is also stored in the
Powerbox and is used to operate the electronic mixer tap.
Baked earth is one of the oldest building materials there is.
It's ideal for creative designs, and it was the Romans who
cultivated the decoration of the thin clay slabs that later
came to be known as ceramic tiles. Their ceramic mosaics
are legendary and, even today, serve as a role model for
designs in spaces dedicated to personal well being. . PA
Dike house in Watervliet, Belgium
Somewhat off the beaten track and nestling in a lush landscape there
lies an old, slightly dilapidated dike house in Watervliet, Belgium. The
property has been fully renovated based on plans by architect Bart Lens
and extended with a new building that was built directly into the top of
the dike.
The interior design blends wood with concrete and white and grey tones,
forging a harmonious link between the old and new parts of the property.
The bathroom is located in the new extension. In keeping with the idyllic
view, the prevailing mood in the bathroom is one of well-being. Walls, floor
and ceiling, all consistently finished in white, blend with natural materials to
create a pleasant ambience. A large Vero double washbasin and a Starck 3
series toilet round off the bathroom. The colour palette visually enlarges the
light room, while accessories made from wood and wicker create highlights
and emphasise the warm atmosphere. The compact version of the Vero
washbasin and the Starck 3 toilet pick up on the minimalistic white theme in
the guest bathroom.
In addition to the above, Duravit's product portfolio comprises sanitary
ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems,
shower-toilets, tap fittings and accessories as well as installation systems.
The large Vero double washbasin and a Starck 3 series toilet round off the bathroom.
Duravit
September 2020 Volume 26 I Number 07
www.plumbingafrica.co.za