Plumbing Africa September 2020 | Page 37

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