Plumbing Connection 2-2015

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5 0 PLUMBING CONNECTION WINTER 2015
BARRIER-FREE SHOWER/
BATH COMBINATION
We have featured similar
products to this unit in past
ISH reviews but they have
been very luxurious and
expensive. It now looks like
the concept is trickling down
to a mid-market level which
is hopefully more affordable.
For our domestic access
market, such a product would be welcomed from both
practical and space saving aspects.
SOFT TOUCH SHOWER TRAY
This is an interesting
variation on the standard
shower tray base which is
generally cold to touch and
slippery at times. This Soft
Tray can be manufactured
in any shape from 30mm
thick soft polyurethane
sheet that has been anti-
bacterially treated. The
waste outlet and grate can
be cut into place onsite.
SMART HEAD
The Kott-Smart is an innovative device
that fits between a shower hose and
the shower head. The device is a self-
powered water meter which requires no
battery to operate. It captures water
and energy consumption, temperature
and flow rate of each shower. By
alerting users to the amount of water
and energy they are using, the inventors claim that in a
typical domestic home, the product can save 440kWh
of energy and 8500 litres of water. It can link to home
automation systems via a Bluetooth interface.
BRING ON THE
AUSSIES
RMC has flown the
flag for Australia for
many years and had
a stand at ISH to
chiefly support its
European business
but at most ISH’s
there have also been
a couple of other
Aussie stands from smaller start-up companies. This
time I was walking the aisles when I heard an Australian
accent and spotted the guys from Bounty Brassware
who hail from Sydney. They were launching their
recently released Pop Down Waste™ for basins and it
was attracting quite a crowd. Their product works in
reverse to pop-up wastes and is far more elegant for
upmarket basins and baths. They are now busy
evaluating the interest from suppliers which
is the advantage of ISH as it brings all the
major players to your door. The boys didn’t
waste too much effort on their stand either.
The word is that the daffodils may have blown
the budget! Top marks for giving it a go fellas.
BYE, BYE BATH TOWEL
The Valiryo Body Dryer aims to
replace bath towels and improve the
drying experience. At first you might
think this is a bit of overkill but for
facilities like hotels, gyms and wellness
centres it starts to make sense. There
are also uses in the home, particularly for
the ageing population who may be finding
it harder to dry feet, legs and backs. The
elegantly styled unit from the Spanish
manufacturer features 23 air vents that
reach top to toe at a drying temperature
up to 21°C. The control panel features
16 operating combinations and will
memorise your preferences for your next
use. Drying time is approximately three
minutes. The unit can be housed in the
shower cubicle or outside of it.