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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2015
CONCEALED APPEAL
T
he bathroom, along with the kitchen, is the most
commonly used room in any home, yet it is typically
one of the smallest. It makes sense then that
making the most of every square inch is crucial, not only
for improving access and usability, but for allowing the
maximum amount of space for regularly used amenities
such as showers, baths and basins. This is especially
important in apartments and units, which have seen
significant reductions in size in recent times.
As the name suggests, a concealed cistern is hidden,
either by being mounted inside a wall (in-wall), behind a wall
(in-duct), in a ceiling, or within a cabinet or vanity unit. They
are able to do so by boasting thin profiles.
Concealed cisterns have long been the preferred choice
in commercial spaces such as hotels, bars and shopping
centres; however, their benefits and aesthetic appeal
are now becoming more highly sought after in residential
bathrooms across the country.
The technology is not commonplace in Australia as yet;
however, it has been around a very long time.
“It is the standard in Europe and has been for many years.
For example, another manufacturer, Geberit is celebrating
50 years of concealed cisterns this year,” Rod Luker National
Sales Manager Viega Australia says.
“When it comes to concealed cisterns, Australia is
approximately 40 years behind many other countries;
however, different countries seem to prefer different
installations and Australia has traditionally preferred
exposed cisterns.”
This might be about to change though. While costs,
comfort and functionality are all important, style is still top
consideration for architects and clients alike, and without
the right design aspects a product will not be specified.
With concealed cisterns, once completely installed, all
you see is the flush plate, leaving a clean, sleek look, which
is very much on point with common trends in homes and
apartments around the country. Flush plates can either be
attached to the cistern, or installed some distance away.
They come in a variety of styles and colours to complement
almost any bathroom design and because they’re mountable
wherever’s convenient, cisterns that use a remote flush
button are ideal for people with special needs or for those
with limited mobility.
With constant improvements in innovation and
technology, the dynamics of how toilets flush in recent years
has dramatically improved, meaning these types of cisterns
work just as efficiently as a regular cistern.
“Traditional cisterns use simple mechanical actuators
only, whereby concealed cisterns can be operated by the
same method or by Bowden cable, which then allow for
remote placement of the flush plate,” Rod says.
“They can be retrofitted, usually by enclosing the cistern
inside a fabricated duct in front of the wall (pre-wall).
Viega’s Mono Slim system has an installation depth of only
8cm, which means it is ideal in stud walls or in front of
masonry walls.”
A CONCEALED CISTERN SAVES SPACE AND OPENS UP A RANGE OF CREATIVE DESIGN OPTIONS. IF YOUR CLIENT IS
SHORT ON SPACE OR LOOKING TO GIVE THEIR BATHROOM A SLEEK, MINIMALIST FEEL, THEN A CONCEALED TOILET
CISTERN IS A CHOICE WORTH CONSIDERING.
JUSTIN FELIX
REPORTS.
The Viega concealed cistern and designer flush plate make
for a very minimal and stylish combination.
CISTERN TECHNOLOGY