Geberit Offers Design Solutions for Modern American Living Space

Homeowners look to Europe, luxury hotels for inspiration on space-maximizing products and design

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Dec 17, 2014, 06:00 ET

DES PLAINES, Ill., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The size of the average American home is decreasing: 2013 census data demonstrates that in new multi-family unit construction, average square-footage is now 1,107, the smallest since 2000¹. The latest census data shows that the majority of all home owners (more than 54 percent) live in less than 1,999 square feet; only 40 percent live in 2,000 square feet or more².

Geberit's in-wall toilet tank systems have long been the preferred choice of European designers and architects for their sleek design and space-maximizing benefits in the bathroom, typically the smallest room of the home.

Geberit, the European leader in luxury bathroom fixtures, conducted a survey to gather data on how this growing trend towards "micro-living," particularly as it is embraced by millennials (those between the ages of 18 and 34), will impact the future of interior design in the U.S.

The findings reinforce a wealth of existing data already pointing towards the "Europeanization" of American living space³. With urban living's obvious allure, particularly among millennial consumers, for its easy accessibility to dining, night life, public transportation and more, the U.S.'s largest metropolitan areas grew faster than their combined suburbs for the first time in more than nine decades⁴. In 2013 San Francisco altered zoning regulations to allow residential units as small as 220 square feet²and residences in New York dip as low as 90 square feet⁵.

Geberit U.S. "Europeanization of American Living" Survey – October 2014⁶

27.1 percent of Americans (45 percent of Millennials) say they are living in less space than they were previously
49.3 percent of Americans (62.6 percent of Millennials) agree that they need to use every inch of space in an efficient way
34.9 percent of Americans (54 percent of Millennials) say they would consider installing a wall-hung toilet in a future renovation project

Geberit pioneered the space-saving in-wall toilet category 50 years ago, and has since continued to offer new solutions that preserve luxury, simplicity and elegance in bathroom design. While Europeans and commercial designers have looked to wall-hung toilets for their sleek design and space-maximizing benefits for decades, according to the Geberit survey, awareness remains low in the U.S: only 9 percent of Americans have heard of residential wall-hung toilet systems like those made by Geberit⁵.

"Geberit developed the in-wall toilet tank for European homes, where quarters are considerably smaller than in the U.S.," said John Fitzgerald, Vice President of Marketing for Geberit North America. "But as Boomers are 'right sizing' and Millennials are purchasing their first homes in multi-unit buildings, we're now seeing the same space-maximizing needs in the U.S. and are turning our attention to driving greater awareness in the North American market."

Luxury hotel designers have long been tasked with offering best-in-class amenities in guest rooms, and many have looked to Geberit for solutions in the bathroom. Architecture and interior design firm Gabellini Sheppard, for example, has installed Geberit toilets in its guest room renovations of the historic Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City.

"We chose Geberit because it offers European products with contemporary design which incorporate seamlessly into our aesthetic," said Michael Gabbellini of Gabbellini Sheppard. "Additionally, Geberit provides great customer service and is a responsive company, which is important when you are specifying for a large number of hotel rooms."

In addition to saving inches of space, Geberit systems were engineered to meet European noise pollution and water saving regulations. A Geberit in-wall system with wall-hung toilet operates quietly and can reduce the average household's water use by thousands of gallons per year, making it a great solution for spacious master baths, as well.

Disappearing Designs: Geberit's in-wall toilet system turns the traditional perception of a toilet on its head by hiding the tank and pipes behind the wall. Decorative flush plates, designed by Geberit, and wall-hung bowls, manufactured by leading brands like Duravit and Toto, are available in thousands of combinations, ensuring a seamless complement to any design aesthetic. The Monolith floor-mount toilet offers a similar streamlined look, replacing the traditional ceramic tank with sleek glass. Both the in-wall and Monolith toilets save inches of space in the bathroom as compared to traditional toilets.

Soundless Serenity: Geberit systems were designed to satisfy Europe's noise pollution regulations. That means Geberit products fill and flush quietly, perfect for small spaces, single-family homes and anyone looking to create a space of solace.

Inspired by Water: Geberit products offer dual flush technology, which allows users to choose between a standard or low-volume flush. Dual flush technology allows a typical family to reduce its water consumption by thousands of gallons per year. Geberit is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, an EPA WaterSense Partner and a charter sponsor of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.

Constant Innovation: Geberit's most advanced flush plate, the Sigma80, uses infrared technology to allow for hands-free flushing. It features programmable LED sensor lighting in multiple colors, dual flush technology and a temporary shutoff mode to prevent accidental flushing while cleaning.

For more information on Geberit North America and its products, please visit www.geberit.us. To find a Geberit showroom or a Geberit-trained installer near you, please visit http://locator.geberitnow.com.

About Geberit North America
Geberit North America is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Located in Des Plaines, Illinois, Geberit North America provides concealed tank and carrier systems for wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets and fixtures. Geberit systems improve the look of any bathroom by hiding the unsightly toilet tank. Replacing a standard tank and toilet with the Geberit system results in more usable space, improved hygiene and better accessibility. The unique dual flush valve saves water and is practically maintenance free. Monolith is Geberit's newest product – a unique alternative to the traditional floor-mounted toilet and tank. Geberit also offers cable-controlled bath waste and overflows in a variety of designer finishes. Critical working parts are outside the waterway, ensuring years of trouble-free operation.

As European market leader, the Geberit Group is a global provider in the area of plumbing technology with sales of $2.58 billion and about 6,226 employees in 41 countries worldwide.

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¹ Media and Average Square Feet of Floor Area in Units in New Multifamily Buildings Completed, U.S. Census, 2013
² Rooms, Size, and Amenities – Owner-Occupied Unites (National) 2013 American Housing Survey, U.S. Census, 2014
³Bloomberg BusinessWeek, March 14, 2013
⁴ Brookings Institution, June 29, 2011
⁵ New York Observer, April 3, 2014
⁶ Online survey of U.S. adults 18 and older distributed by Google in October of 2014; n= 2,023