Ahead of InstallerSHOW 2023, elemental spoke to Liam Buxton, Head of Residential (UK), Roca, about efficiency and the Future Homes Standard.
What should specifiers/housebuilders consider when designing bathrooms for new properties?
In terms of appealing to the end consumer, it’s important to be aware of trends and specify products that reflect current tastes. But at the same time, they need to choose relatively timeless pieces that won’t quickly date and will be attractive to as many people as possible.
Something else to factor in is practicality. Cleaning the bathroom isn’t anyone’s favourite past-time, so choosing easy-to-clean products is a must. Wall-hung furniture and sanitaryware are good for this – as it keeps the floor clear for mopping – and have the added advantage of creating the illusion of space. The average UK bathroom is not much larger than 2 x 2m, so anything that can make it feel bigger is a plus point. In addition, nothing makes a bathroom feel smaller than clutter, so including storage is also a priority – particularly in the otherwise wasted space under the basin.
Finally, to support targets, it’s important to include energy and water saving products (see question 2). And, in the interest of being environmentally friendly, choosing quality products from a reliable brand will ensure they last and won’t need replacing in the short term.
How will Roca support its customers to navigate the upcoming Future Homes Standard?
When it comes to bathrooms, the largest consumer of energy is hot water and we already offer many solutions which have been designed to support our customers with reduced water usage. Baths and showers account for the highest water consumption in the home, around 34%, so we have ensured we include baths with reduced depth and reduced height overflows in our ranges. Meanwhile, Roca’s thermostatic showers feature Eco Stop, which includes built-in flow limiters to save water (users need to actively push the Eco Stop button to override it if a greater water flow is required). In addition, the Quick Reaction feature achieves a consistent water pressure and temperature in under three seconds and maintains it, regardless of any fluctuations in mains water. This avoids water and energy wastage, while also ensuring an excellent showering experience for the user.
The second greatest consumer of water in the bathroom is the toilet, at around 22%. Roca offers 4/2 litre flushing WCs that operate efficiently with very minimal water required.
Our brassware also helps to save water, as by adding air to the water flow it feels fuller but consumes less. Also, eco-click cartridges meet resistance at 50% flow and have to be actively selected past this point if a greater flow is required. Finally, the Cold Start design feature is a notable energy saver for taps. When the tap is turned on, by default the water is cold. The user can then turn the handle to the left to introduce hot water gradually. It’s only at this point that the boiler is engaged, so Cold Start reduces CO2 emissions and can potentially save money on household energy bills.
Are there any new product lines or designs that have been made with energy efficiency in mind?
An exciting new product for Roca is the Hydro In-Tank WC, which has been developed in partnership with French water specialist SIAMP. This toilet eliminates the need for a separate cistern or power source, as all flushing is integrated into the bowl. And where the flush would normally be powered by electricity, the Hydro In-Tank is instead powered purely by hydraulic pressure from the mains water supply. The result is a super water and energy efficient WC, which also saves time on installation as no electrical work or installation of a concealed cistern is needed.
How have you adapted to the digitalisation of the industry? Are there any innovations you can discuss in terms of streamlined efficiency?
Smart technology can be found all over the house and the bathroom is no exception. At Roca, we have embraced this with our Smart Shower, which can be controlled via an app, the In-Wash smart toilets and also interactive mirrors.
For the hospitality and commercial sector, the intuitive Roca Connect app can easily and comprehensively configure, control and monitor taps, showers, shower toilets, urinals and operating plates. Additional app functions such as thermal disinfection, status queries, documentation and export of statistics ensure efficient operation and maintenance.
During the ISH exhibition in Frankfurt in March, Roca showcased our pioneering collaborations in the fields of digital solutions, healthcare and the ageing population. The development of state-of-the-art new concepts aims to empower a whole generation of tech-savvy users, helping them to age with autonomy and dignity. Additionally, it proves how the future bathroom will accommodate the new technologies to add value, even in the domestic segment.
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Roca is exhibiting at InstallerSHOW 2023, which runs 27th to 29th June at the NEC. See the full list of exhibitors here: installershow.com/exhibitors.
