Environmental Innovation Product Award for Bathrooms

Teuco’s 640 Hydrospa brings the ultimate luxury experience to the environmentally conscious consumer. Although spas aren’t conventionally eco-friendly, this model features an innovative chemical free fi ltration system that means the Hydrospa does not have to be emptied and refi lled after every single use. Instead, the water remains inside over an extended period of time and is constantly monitored and treated accordingly. The 640 Hydrospa also features a heat exchanger that can be connected to solar panels for cost effective and environmentally friendly water heating and temperature maintenance.

The Alu-Zen aluminium radiator is part of an innovative new range of sustainable, designer radiators by Vasco. It also shows the company’s commitment to sourcing alternative materials. Like each model in the collection, the Alu-Zen radiator uses just a fi fth of the water required by conventional radiators while providing up to 15% more heat output. The combination of limited water input and effi cient heat output ensures the radiator heats up quickly and is suitable for low temperature systems. Although not exclusively designed for use in the bathroom, up to two towel rails can be mounted to the front of the radiator furthering its performance.

The Roca Innovation lab together with designers Gabriele and Oscar Buratti have cleverly combined a washbasin and WC to create the W+W. This unique product not only conserves water but also maximises space in today’s ever shrinking bathroom. The W+W incorporates Roca’s clever ‘water-reuse’ technology, using waste water from the basin to fi ll the WC cistern, reducing water usage by up to 25% compared to a standard 6/3 litre dual-fl ush WC. This ground breaking idea is also fi tted with the Singles-Pro tap that features a progressive cartridge for temperature control and a fl ow limiter that restricts water fl ow to a maximum of 9 litres per minute.

This award also recognises manufacturing processes that show consideration to the environment. The Napoli 57 basin from Victoria & Albert is made from Quarrycast, a material made from natural volcanic limestone and resin. Ceramic sanitaryware is fi red for 10-16 hours at 1210- 1220ºC in a gas kiln but Quarrycast basins are cured at less than one tenth of this temperature and for less time. The process not only saves energy but signifi cantly reduces carbon emissions. Its surface properties mean that the Napoli 57 basin can be cleaned effectively with a cloth and soapy water, eliminating the need for harmful household cleaners.