Guest feature by Markus Hieke / Architonic
duravit invents custom sustano shower from marble-powdered polyurethane
customizable in six colors and 21 different dimensions.
DuraSolid Nature is the name of the remarkable result of intensive material research at Duravit, from which the Sustano shower tray range is now the first to be made.
Innovative strength in industry is not only about developing new products, but also successfully establishing them on the market, because they make everyday life and the world a little bit better. As a full-range supplier of sanitary products, Duravit has plenty of such innovations in its range: the hygienic, easy-care ceramic surface HygieneGlaze, for example, the efficient, water-saving HygieneFlush WC flushing technology or taps with the energy- and water-saving FreshStart or MinusFlow functions. Known for its acrylic bathtubs and shower trays, the Black Forest-based manufacturer has asked the question: How can we make it even better? Could a material be developed that has similarly positive properties to acrylic but can be completely recycled at the end of its life cycle? The answers can be found in its first product made of a new material called DuraSolid Nature: the Sustano shower tray range.
The primary difference between Sustano and the company’s previous shower trays is the new material in question. DuraSolid Nature is made of marble powder in combination with polyurethane. The Sustano shower trays are produced in a casting process on a production line specially developed for processing the material and coated with a so-called ‘gel-coat’ surface. The process not only allows for extremely precise shapes to be created, but also results in a final product with a high level of surface hardness and density, making the shower tray relatively insensitive to damage and – another important factor – very easy to clean. In addition, the material has a pleasant feel and is UV-resistant. Sustano is available in the five matte colors white, cream, light gray, greige and dark gray, for which Duravit promises high slip resistance (class C) due to its special surface structure, as well as in glossy white.
As individual as the bathroom itself
To ensure the greatest possible customizability, Sustano is produced in 21 different dimensions. In addition, the shower trays made of DuraSolid Nature can be cut to size on site – by up to 100 mm on each side. With an installation height of just 30 mm, the self-supporting shower tray can be installed flush with the floor as well as semi-recessed or surface-mounted, which makes it particularly suitable for renovations with a low floor build-up. If a barrier-free bathroom is planned, Sustano in the 1.2 by 1.2 m format scores highly, because the shower tray can thus also be easily accessed by wheelchair.
The design of the rimless shower surface comes from the in-house design team at Duravit and includes contemporary details such as the flush-integrated and color-matched drain cover, which is optionally available in stainless steel, and the discreetly shaped slope, which is necessary for reliable drainage of the shower water. The versions in matte colors provide a pleasantly velvety warm feeling on the skin. The surface in the glossy white color appears rather smooth, which is therefore probably still most comparable with acrylic shower trays. But this comparison may soon no longer be necessary, because with DuraSolid Nature Duravit has taken an important step towards further sustainability – something the company strives for across its entire range.
Longevity in the cycle
‘We live sustainability along our value chain with a clear focus on the four dimensions of water, resources, climate and social commitment. Our actions in all strategic areas are reviewed and optimised with sustainability in mind,’ says CEO Stephan Tahy. On the one hand, this includes developing particularly durable products, for a market that is trying to find a balance somewhere between trends and timelessness. And once the end of the use cycle has been reached, DuraSolid Nature can be recycled without any problems, even made into new shower trays. In line with the life-cycle principle, the Sustano shower trays are returned either directly to Duravit or to a local recycling center.
Even much earlier, before installation in the bathroom, the shower trays have a positive effect on the environment. Because the material is so light, it helps to reduce CO2 emissions during transport. What may seem marginal when looking at a single shower tray multiplies substantially with quantity – a not insignificant factor for a world market supplier like Duravit. And for those who prefer to look at the difference in miniature: Sustano‘s low weight also brings benefits when it comes to installation, which can easily be done by a single person and so ultimately helps save on staff, time, money and resources.
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