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A veritable collection of talents

A veritable collection of talents

Duravit adds new generation to Architec

Urinals are often regarded as the poor relation in sanitary installations – unjustifiably, as they have much to be said for themselves. This is clearly demonstrated by a new generation of urinals by designer and architect Frank Huster for the popular Architec range. Time, then, to rethink and cast the spotlight for a change on this unfashionable product category.

Elegant and multifunctional design

The urinal in Huster’s design springs from the centre of a rectangular wall-mounted object. Once again the designer’s penchant for pure geometrical forms comes to the fore as the urinal presents itself as a perfect circle. The severe lines are lightened by the tapering form at the rear combined with a slight projection at the front, endowing the object with a certain lightness and elegance. This distinctive design language by Frank Huster is not only in distinct contrast to conventional urinal forms but also offers marked installation advantages. The lip is at the normal height of 70 cm above the floor but the generously proportioned 38 x 66.5 cm back of the urinal extends much lower, making it possible to adapt to existing inlet and outlet holes from earlier plumbing. The location of these holes can vary considerably, with the outlet usually being situated between 32 and 43 cm and the inlet 77.5 to 93.5 cm from the floor. In this respect in particular the new range comes up trumps: the back of the urinal has enough room for a connection with a flexible pipe.

At the same time the urinal hides the traces of the old system behind a hygienic white façade. Be it with a classic flushing rim or modern flushing jet, inlet from behind or above, the urinal proves its great flexibility in modernisation and renovation projects. Whatever was there before, Architec offers the perfect replacement.

Innovative technology for intelligent flushing

But behind the urinal façade there is space for more: an electronic control system which combines innovative sensor technology with intelligent flushing. The sensor has been designed specially for Architec and identifies not who is using the urinal but that it is being used. To do this, the sensor measures a number of parameters. It can recognise changes in the siphon and will then automatically trigger a flushing operation. Three different flushing programs can be set. The standard program uses three litres of water and is ideal for semi-public buildings. The second program alternates between a full flush with three litres and a reduced flush with just one litre. This is especially useful in buildings such as restaurants where the frequency of use varies depending on the time of day. Finally, there is an eco-program for places such as football stadiums, where utilisation comes in surges, which runs a full flush only every 15 minutes.

These intelligent programs are selected by means of a supplied magnetic key which is run past the sensor on the side of the urinal and signals the setting acoustically. Three additional flushing situations are available for cleaning purposes.

The first stops the flush for 5 minutes; the second offers a manual flush; and finally the system has intermittent flushing to remove scale. The sensor also reacts to problems: if the water level in the siphon is too low, it automatically tops it up, thereby preventing unpleasant odours. If the urinal is blocked, the flush is deactivated to prevent any overflow.

Vandal-proof hiding places

The electronic control runs on batteries or via the mains and in both cases the connections are inside the back of the urinal and protected from interference by vandals. There is an opening on the underside of the urinal which cannot be seen unless the user crouches down. To change the siphon there is no need for this, however, and the urinal certainly doesn’t have to be removed from the wall: no more defective or missing silicon joints. The small compact siphon is inside the bowl and is simply pulled out. As the siphon and the water level are hidden beneath the ceramic cover, the urinal is not only safe but also clean and elegant. Frank Huster: “There were several technological considerations to take into account. The result is a veritable collection of talents – a successful combination of form, function, technology and innovation.”

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