Through the global Coved-19 pandemic. the past year has seen a significantly increased focus on hygiene, reduction of bacteria and germ transmission, along with physical distancing. Washing of hands, particularly with touch-free tapware and equipment is seen as an ideal solution to reduce potential germ and virus transmission in high traffic areas of public facilities, for obvious reasons.
Hence, there has also been an imperative for designers to integrate sensor taps into bathroom situations in both new developments, as well as existing bathrooms environments where standard tapware is in place.
New developments, by their very nature, allow for greater ease of specification of electronic tapware. The ability to consider water and power requirements, spatial considerations, as well as aesthetics from the outset often means that standard models are the perfect choice for specification – although this is often not the case.
Further to this, the replacement of existing standard tapware to sensor taps can mean there can be a greater number of factors, and challenges to consider.
Unique Projects Create Unique Challenges
Traditionally, the specification of tapware into bathrooms could be considered to have been a lot easier. There was a myriad of choice from a myriad of suppliers, covering a myriad of styles, even in a myriad of finishes and colours. The chances of finding something that was just right was high.
With sensor taps, the range of options is significantly reduced. The integration of sensor technology into the tapware generally means the variations in style are not available. What was considered a utilitarian product, with the now increased demand and broader usage, needs to also offer visually attractive options, in order to complement the design choices made throughout bathroom interiors.
Autoflo are able to work with designers and specifiers to come up with a bespoke solution to suit their project, when their suite of standard products is not quite the right fit. Options can include different surface finishes, custom lighting within products and custom flow control options.
Autoflo products are designed with modularity in mind, so the concept of unpacking and repacking them to suit particular applications has been considered.
If adaptations to the standard range don’t provide the necessary level of aspiration required, Autoflo can, and have, produced completely custom tapware for specific projects. Bespoke solutions have been offered for projects as small as a single outlet, up to complete project fit-outs of hundreds of taps.
Having in-house design capabilities in Melbourne allows a high level of customisation to client needs compared to standard imported products offered by other electronic tapware brands.
Retro-fitting Sensor Taps
In the event a client wants to fit sensor taps in place of their current tapware, there can be further challenges presented. Where there was just water coming to the outlets, there will now need to be consideration of the electronics involved with sensor taps.
The changeover will need to consider the previous taps and the accessories/fittings used in their installation, as well as the surfaces and finishes around the tapware itself, such as tiles, mirrors and basins.
Again, some customisation will likely be needed. A hands-on approach and a willingness to understand the requirements for the installation will lead to the best outcome. Autoflo will go as far as designing and manufacturing custom enclosures and plates to suit existing infrastructure, to ensure the most site-specific solution can be achieved, with sensitivity to the materials in place.
Autoflo can also provide advice to builders and tradesman on how to integrate their products to your retro-fitting proposal, either before, at or after tendering for a job.
Your Advantage
Working with Autoflo means working with a company whose sole focus in electronic tapware and water control. When you have a project that involves sensor taps, you can be assured you will receive the benefit of 35 years of experience in the area. They are based in Melbourne, and manufacture in Melbourne, and proudly produce Australian Made.
