Award

FEBRUA RY 2016 | 43 Plumbing Products Kohler's DTV Prompt digital shower system gives each person in the household the control to set the shower and bath temperature to their liking, while Kohler's Touchless flush kit allows users to flush the toi- let by simply holding a hand over the tank sensor – it can be retrofitted to almost any toilet, with an easy at-home install and no plumber required. Meanwhile, Masco has developed its Temp 2 O series that clearly indicates water temperature to remove any guesswork. MAAX Bath is introducing the new Utile series; a convincing, textured tile alternative for the shower and bath, made of a one-piece engineered polymer panel. It installs in a day, avoids problematic grout joint and waterproofing issues, and is resistant to moulds and residue. American Standard is set to launch four new fau- cet lines this year, but the most intriguing may just be the Edgewater SelectFlo. It's designed with the clas- sic jet-and-stream function, but includes a mist setting for rinsing produce, and a pause function to temporar- ily stop water flow. For faucets with commercial appli- cations – public washrooms and kitchens – American Standard has launched the new PWRX long-life bat- tery system, which reduces the downtime and main- tenance costs associated with changing batteries for these high-traffic faucets. WAT E R W O R L D These technological advancements do much more than make our day-to-day lives more comfortable. "Touch and proximity solutions not only simplify the user experience, but also aim to reduce overall water con- sumption," notes Durkee. Energy efficiency is an important aspect of fix- ture selection for today's homeowner. Architects and designers are focused on design and innovation as it relates to technology and environmental responsi- bility, too. "Consumers are also looking for products that are more energy efficient and that have long-term cost saving technologies, such as dual-flush toilets and multi-function faucets," says Del Guidice. As multi-family unit construction increases, the needs of these homeowners will start to effect what the industry is producing. "These developments have a real influence on what professionals are looking for," says André Deland, VP of new product development and marketing for MAAX Bath. "Multi-family units bring another reality to the table; water problems. Water damage is the number one insurance claim and the multi-family trend is only aggravating this phe- nomenon. The industry must now design products that reduce or eliminate risk of water leakage to give peace of mind to owners, contractors and promoters." New codes in place for plumbing fixtures like toilets is affecting the industry as well, as designers look for sustainable products to incorporate into their space. Masco's low-flow showerheads are one such water- saving solution: they range from 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute, and save water without taking away from the shower experience. R O YA L F L U S H New technologies and sleek designs even allow for- merly unsightly toilets to be chic additions to a wash- room. Modern rimless designs and wall-mounted toilets are easier to clean, making for a more hygienic environment. "When toilets are flat and not moulded, they've got easier cleanability, but they're also cleaner visually," says interior designer Salas. The DuraStyle wall-mounted Rimless toilet is one such option – it's got clean lines and a modern silhou- ette, and even features a built-in bidet via its SensoWash seat. The Kohler San Souci Touchless Comfort Height one-piece toilet model also features a smooth, compact form and boasts a water-saving design that only uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush. There's also Kohler's Numi toilet, which takes things to the next level with personalized music and lighting options. Hot off the launch of last year's revolutionary VorMax and ActiVate toilets, which brought motion- sensor flushing into the residential field, American Standard will be launching a new pair of ultra-effi- cient toilets this spring: the H2Option Dual Flush and H2Optimum Single Flush UHET. "These toilets are MaP Premium certified, offering superior performance and efficiency, saving almost 20 per cent more water compared to the current WaterSense requirement," explains Del Guidice. E A S Y U P G R A D E S With modern, easy-install products so readily avail- able, it's easier than ever to give a bathroom a make- over. Adding a luxurious showerhead, like a rainhead with a hand spray, is a smart move – it instantly adds a sense of elegance, with no major remodelling. If you're looking to maximize space, products like Kohler's Choreograph shower wall (which adds built- in storage right into the wall of your shower stall), the Echelon shower locker or Ballast shower base are no-hassle ways to keep bathrooms clutter free. "Maximizing space is a major priority," says Church. "Particularly in urban centres, customers are always looking for ways to maximize their space with efficient storage solutions and multipurpose products." Looking for a whole new shower system, without the hassle of a big renovation? Arrange MAAX's new ModulR line – a collection of baths, showers and glass enclosures – in one of more than 1,000 configurations for a custom- ized look. "This opens doors for exceptional design flex- ibility while using factory-made products at a fraction of a customized shower door price," explains Deland. The shower continues to be the main focus for con- sumers in 2016, Deland adds: "Time is always very lim- ited and showers are in most cases the preferred daily bathroom fixture over tubs." But for those who still turn to the tub, innovative plumbing solutions make installation a snap. The MAAX Bath F2 drain, for exam- ple, allows for easy validation of leak issues and is eas- ily accessible in case of problems. A G I N G W E L L Sustainability doesn't just refer to the environment; smart design accommodates an aging population for the long-term, too. "It's all about listening, a fair bit of intuition and really what is going to be sustain- able for years to come," explains Durkee. "For exam- ple, our Delta Décor Assist line of ADA compliant bath accessories came to fruition based on the fact that we're seeing more consumers aging in place." As boom- ers move into retirement, safety and stability solutions are in demand more than ever – but that doesn't mean they want to give up their style. Ease-of-use is vital for aging or disabled consum- ers. Ditching the dial, like the Hansgrohe Select shower system does, makes for a hassle-free shower experi- ence for those who may have dexterity problems. "It launches this spring, and incorporates easy-to-use push-buttons to switch between water temperatures and modes on the showerhead," explains Mitic. This trend towards accessibility is reflected in the increasing popularity of zero-barrier and curbless showers. "With the right tile set you can use the same tile as in the rest of the bathroom so you have continu- ous flooring going right through," notes Salas. "There's universal accessibility, even if someone has a broken leg, or is in a walker, or wheelchair." Behind the scenes – or rather, behind the sink – exciting new developments are happening, too. "Thermoplastics are gaining momentum," explains Paul Agapito, market- ing project manager for IPEX Management. The material is becoming increasingly prevalent in construction, as engineers and contractors are coming to appreciate its benefits: high-corrosion resistance, better flow, a long life and lightweight handling. Continuing improve- ments, like larger pipe diameters, make it a more appeal- ing option than ever. A Edgewater SelectFlo from American Standard. San Souci touchless toilet from Kohler; Décor Assist line of bathroom accessories from Delta. DuraStyle wall-mounted toilet. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY AMERICAN STANDARD; ROBINSON LIGHTING & BATH; KOHLER LTD.; DELTA FAUCET CANADA

• Cover