56 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS FOCUS
well beyond the typical refresh cycle. This also supports a more circular approach to housing. One where components can be repaired, upgraded, or reused rather than discarded. Systems that allow future adaptations, such as accessible bathroom conversions or energy effi cient upgrades, also make homes more fl exible and therefore more sustainable in the long run.
TACKLING THE UNSEEN IMPACT Water isn’t the only resource under pressure. Toilet paper usage carries its own environmental cost, from deforestation and water pollution to energy consumption in production and transport. While some homeowners are exploring alternatives such as bidet functions or shower toilets, the broader point remains: everyday habits in the bathroom can have a hidden but substantial impact on a home’s overall sustainability. Similarly, electrical components in modern bathroom fi xtures must be balanced with energy effi ciency. Manufacturers are increasingly responding by integrating economy modes, standby settings, and smart sensors to ensure performance doesn’t come at the cost of high power consumption. This kind of holistic thinking is what will defi ne truly sustainable bathroom design in the years ahead.
A WIDER RESPONSIBILITY
Beyond individual homes, the housing sector has a role to play in driving awareness around sustainable living. Homeowners are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, but they also need systems that enable sustainable behaviour without requiring lifestyle sacrifi ces.
That’s where design plays a powerful role. Bathrooms that are intuitive, low maintenance, and resource-effi cient help embed sustainable habits into daily life. From reducing the need for harsh cleaning chemicals to making water saving the default rather than the exception, thoughtful design has the power to normalise sustainability.
UK homes have shrunk by around 20% over the past four decades. In this context, solutions that both save space and promote resource effi ciency, such as wall hung toilets with concealed cisterns, are gaining traction. Manufacturers are trying to meet this demand. These systems not only enhance the visual openness of a small bathroom but also support fl exible installation and long-term maintenance access.
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
CIRCULAR DESIGN & PRODUCT LONGEVITY
A key principle in sustainable construction is designing for longevity, and bathrooms are no exception. Durability, modularity, and ease of repair are all essential to reducing waste and lowering the environmental burden of frequent replacement.
Specifying products with long lifespans and accessible spare parts can extend a bathroom’s usability
LOOKING FORWARD
As net zero deadlines draw nearer, every square metre of a home must contribute to carbon reduction goals, and the bathroom is no exception. Developers, architects, and manufacturers must continue working together to improve water and energy effi ciency, embed circular principles, and rethink how space is used.
Sophie Weston is head of marketing at Geberit
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
