Waterless Urinal from Neo-Metro

As many as 36 states anticipating a water shortage by 2013 so every effort we make to conserve this precious resource helps.

The Neo-Metro Waterless Urinal achieves a new level of environmentalism. Besides not needing water to flush, it is made out of 95% recycled stainless steel which can be color-matched to a variety of hues.

Waterless urinals were introduced in the early 1990s and have evolved to be categorized into two categories: 1) cartridge-based and 2) non-cartridge based. The waterless urinal from Neo-Metro is of the non-cartridge type so no chemicals are dumped into the environment.

Optional urinal finishes include the high-polish Mira finish, white gloss powder coat, and matte black powder coat.

The unit measures 22 inches high by 13¾ inches wide by 20¼ inches deep.

Neo-Metro is member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and their waterless urinal qualifies for LEED points toward overall water savings.

August 20, 2009

Next Generation Shower Drain Systems

The shower is no longer conceived of as a wet cell, but has become an inherent part of a whole room approach to bathroom design – showering is thus defined more and more by curb-less designs that do without shower trays. This style of showers require a new generation of floor drains to help maintain the boundary between wet and dry zones in your bathroom.

There are many advantages to using a linear slot drain in your bathroom shower. The most obvious is the sleek continuous look your shower floor will have. Removing the shower curb and letting your floor tile cover the the whole area will make your bathroom appear larger.

Quick Drain USA’s high-quality, stainless steel linear slot drains come in various sizes from 32″ to 60″ making it an easy choice for your next project. These 1 1/2″ wide drains have the lowest profile in the industry and are available with both side and bottom drain outlets. This linear channel drain is also very easy to clean. Everything is removable (including the shower linear drain cover and strainer).

For curved shower applications ACO Haustechnik has linked up with Glamu to create a free-standing shower enclosure. The shower drain system holds the curved glass element firmly in place with only one side fixed to a wall. ACO offers designer grates for their drains with 5 pattern choices that can optionally be lit with colored LEDs.

The Poresta Slot Floor Drain by Illbruck is well suited for the most minimalist bathrooms. The grateless 7mm drain positioned directly against the wall gives the shower the appearance of having no drain. Water disappears into a barely noticeable shadow gap.

July 17, 2009

Twinflex Flexible Faucet

The Arwa Twinflex is a fun contemporary faucet with an innovative flexible spout system.

Zurich-based designer Florin Baeriswyl tops a sleek chrome base with a colorful spout that allows water to be directed where it is needed.

Inside the Twinflex a synthetic hose is encased within a metal hose, which in turn is sheathed with PVC that can be specified in orange, pigeon blue, beige-gray, or black. When the faucet is released the hose holds the position offering hands-free convenience.

The Twinflex has patented Trigon Technology that allows you to set a limit for maximum water temperature and set maximum flow rate for water conservation.

July 6, 2009

Dependent French Door Oven

Almost two years ago I wrote about the French door oven from BlueStar Range. For it’s new 2009 collection, the 30″ and 36″ have an updated look and dependent French doors. “Now when you open the left door on the 30” and 36” ovens, the right door will open simultaneously. This is an incredibly useful feature in commercial kitchens as it allows you to use your left hand to open the doors and your free hand to place food in the oven – we’ve now brought the same concept to the home chef,” says Mike Trapp, BlueStar’s Vice President of Operations.

“You can avoid reaching over a hot oven door since the French doors open easily with a simple pull. And for people with disabilities, a French door oven set lower to the ground allows easy access to the oven.” says Trapp. Removing the hazard of leaning over a hot oven door also makes it easier for mothers who have little helpers. (I remember my Grandmother having a fit when I was young and wanted to bake my grandfather a Birthday cake.)

Additional product features include convection oven cooking, a full extension oven rack, a heat assist element for quick start-ups, and 3,000 BTU of additional power. The wall ovens operate on either gas or liquid propane.

Customers can order the ovens in 190 different colors, at no extra charge. Custom colors are also available.

If you are not sure which color to choose, check out the series on GOLDNOTES about color for insight and inspiration or consult with Rachel from Hue Consulting and Maria from Colour Me Happy.

Retail prices range from approximately $2,520 to $8,732.

Single Wall Oven

“It is not the form that dictates the color, but the color that brings out the form.” -Hans Hofmann