Sanitaryware systems
products, without it impacting on functionality and overall aesthetics, but this can only go so far, and compromises have to be made. Designing ligature resistance into a product can be achieved quite easily. However, how far do you go before the products lose their identity? This is indeed one of the clear challenges we face when bringing a new product into this market. By making reference to the relevant guidance documents and testing procedures we can design the product accordingly, and then start to look at the aesthetics thereafter. Smooth curves and flowing surfaces are areas we look to work on particularly – firstly so there are no sharp corners, but then also to make the products look less ‘harsh’ when installed. Our integrated basin’s (VR01-030) complex yet gentle curves make it easier on the eye; couple these with its added ligature- resistant features and you have a favourable recipe for success.
DESIGNING IN VERSATILITY Finally, versatility is something we design into our products to make them more adaptable to the market. By reacting to what the customer deems ‘aesthetically pleasing’, we can produce variations of the same product to meet its needs. Taking the integrated basin as an example again, this can be produced with a single or double spout, with one or two sensors. Having this, coupled with the UK manufacturing base for this product, means that we can be very reactive to market requirements and aesthetic preferences.
BEST MATERIALS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Selling products into a market where there is a high likelihood of them getting damaged is a key part of our thought process. Many of the market’s current sanitaryware products are produced from vitreous china and solid surface materials, and this is where Dart Valley Systems differentiates itself; by utilising glass-reinforced polyester technology we can produce products which are stronger and lighter, but still retain the look of a domestic glazed vitreous china surface. The GRP technology we use has featured in
ballistic armour and other marine-based products for many years, and has proven its strength and versatility – the key factors behind our decision to utilise it. Being able to offer a product which is virtually indestructible is a great way to start a conversation about a high security solution. Via a careful choice of material and method of production we are able to offer products designed not break or burn, or, if they do break, that have a design that ensures that the resulting pieces cannot be used as a weapon.
CHALLENGES IN ENSURING COMPLIANCE For us to manufacture goods appropriate to the markets we want to operate in, our products have to accord with relevant guidelines and pass certain tests. This is another significant challenge, which ties in both material selection and design. The Health Technical Memoranda, or HTMs, are a good starting point, since they stipulate the tolerances required for certain products – anything from the height of a spout from the rim of a basin, to a WC pan not having a rim. Such elements need constantly to be considered when designing products set for use in a healthcare environment, and particularly those destined for mental healthcare. Dart Valley Systems has worked extensively with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and the Ministry of Justice to develop a testing for robustness programme for products targeted at the high security sector. This standard was developed using test procedures from existing BS and BS EN standards, and plays a significant part in our design process, so that we design
Above: The DVS Safe Ensuite Low Profile Basin. Right: A DVS Safe Ensuite High Sided Integrated Basin.
THE NETWORK
JANUARY 2018 13
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