Founded in 1874 in Rapperswil on the northern shore of Lake Zurich, Geberit started as a one-man show led by founder Albert Gebert. With pioneering innovations — such as a lead-lined wooden cistern at the dawn of the 20th century and the world’s first plastic cistern in 1952 — the company soon established its position at the forefront of toilet technology. Today, Geberit operates 26 production facilities, with over 10,000 employees globally.

“Our comprehensive system solutions continue to set standards, then, now and in the future,” says Geberit chief executive officer Christian Buhl. Indeed, with one-and-a-half centuries of experience, Geberit has undoubtedly had time to optimise its products with streamlined designs that cut out excess and unnecessary parts. These developments are aimed at simplifying the experience for consumers from installation to maintenance.

The company says, for example, tat its new Acanto wall-hung WC takes 40% less time to put up compared to conventional cisterns and toilets. A special adapter, known as the MasterFix, reduces the need for specialised tools during installation. At the same time, the Acanto’s seat can be easily put in or taken off from above the unit, without a template.

Geberit has also designed its WC systems to precisely flush water through in a vortex that covers the full surface of the toilet. This capability, which the company calls TurboFlush, allows for a flush up to 10 times better than the specifications of international standards while keeping sound levels low — so that’s one less awkward noise to worry about in the bathroom. It also saves water, with a full-flush volume of just 4 litres and a half-flush volume of 2.6 litres in the Acanto.

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One major area of concern when it comes to toilets is cleaning. In most standard units, a small rim under the seat — known as the flush rim — holds the jets that shoot water out when the toilet is flushed. Though a crucial part of such toilets’ design, the flush rim is difficult to clean; without proper maintenance, it can harbour dirt and bacteria or even build up deposits that hinder flushing.

Geberit has designed its WC systems, including the Acanto, to eliminate the flush rim; these rimless models are easy to scrub down, without any of the hard-to-reach areas that make cleaning the toilet tedious and tiring. The company has also applied its specially developed glaze, KeraTect, on the Acanto to create a non-porous, scratch-proof surface that’s especially easy to clean. In addition, a quick-release function on the seat and lid allows easy removal for wiping down underneath.

Ever tried getting an appliance repaired, only to be told that your model is no longer supported? Geberit has also thought about the longer term with its toilets, guaranteeing the availability of spare mechanical parts for its actuator plates and concealed cisterns for 50 years.

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In a time when designs of all sorts are constantly being rendered obsolete or incompatible with newer models, such a promise stands out. After all, unlike the furniture in our homes, one would hardly think of replacing their toilets altogether to chase a new look or aesthetic. Having those spare parts available for repairs goes a long way towards extending the longevity of a toilet.

“Making good things even better has been our credo since day one,” says Buhl. “In doing so, we always put our customers at the centre.”