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The shower toilet is on a quiet rise in Europe. What was once considered a high-end luxury product is now developing into a realistic option for a variety of projects. Geberit Alba combines clever technology with quiet, contemporary design and a friendly price point.
Whereas in Asia the shower toilet has been the norm for years, the European market is still in the process of getting used to the idea of water purification. Yet interest is growing rapidly, partly due to technological innovations and a stronger awareness around hygiene. Using water instead of paper not only feels fresher and cleaner, but also ties in with the broader trend toward sustainable, thoughtful bathroom solutions. “It will be years, perhaps a decade, before Europe completely switches from toilet paper to shower toilets,” designer Christoph Behling said at the launch. “But with Alba, an important barrier has been removed: the price.”
The design of the latest shower toilets has been deliberately kept understated. At first glance, the system looks like an ordinary wall-mounted toilet; all technology is fully integrated into the ceramic. As a result, the form remains calm and timeless, with no visible concessions to the design of the room. For architects, this offers freedom: the toilet can be used in a variety of interior styles. From private bathrooms and hotels to office spaces and collective facilities. The design is in line with the development of the bathroom as a resting point in the home. Clean lines, subdued colors and minimal technology contribute to a sense of order and balance. The design shows how functionality and aesthetics can go hand in hand, without technology demanding attention.
The shower spray combines air and water for gentle yet thorough cleaning. Quiet flushing technology and rimless ceramic ensure hygiene and easy maintenance. The water is automatically heated to body temperature and can be adjusted via remote control or an app. Thus, personal comfort becomes part of everyday use, without complicated controls or unnecessary functions.
With a price level around a thousand euros excluding VAT, the shower toilet is no longer reserved for the high-end segment. This makes water cleaning a viable choice for more types of buildings: from residential buildings and hotels to office projects and
healthcare environments. For architects, this means that luxury and comfort can be added without a major impact on the budget or technical infrastructure.
Construction practice has also been considered. Thanks to a new fastening system and compact packaging, installation is quick and efficient. The system runs on 230 volts, with a minimum water pressure of 0.5 bar, and is fully compatible with Geberit concealed cisterns. As a result, it can be easily incorporated into new construction and renovation projects.
The emergence of affordable shower toilets shows that comfort, hygiene and design are increasingly converging. Water cleaning is no longer a technological luxury, but a logical step in the evolution of bathroom and toilet spaces. For architects, it offers an opportunity to unite experience, well-being and aesthetics in one thoughtful sanitary solution, befitting a time when the bathroom is increasingly becoming a space of tranquility and sophistication.
