In the ever-evolving realm of modern living, where style meets functionality, Geberit stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of bathroom fixtures. With the recent launch of its first Singapore flagship store at Marina Square, the brand is not just making a statement about its commitment to quality and design, but is underlining a growing demand for high-quality bathroom products in the region.
The Swiss-based company has been synonymous with precision engineering and cutting-edge bathroom solutions for the past 150 years. Its sanitary products seamlessly blend technology and aesthetics, offering a range that is not only practical but also adds a touch of sophistication to any space.
“What makes Geberit different is a deep engineering know-how for technical products and systems behind and in front of the wall, like piping solutions or flushing systems, combined with design competence for bathroom products in front of the wall, like actuator plates or ceramics. This allows us to think of integrated solutions for any building, ensuring water is transported and used as efficiently and effectively as possible,” says Michael Allenspach, managing director of Geberit Southeast Asia.
The company has played a pioneering role in various areas, not least in the introduction of plastic as a material for sanitary applications. In 1952, it launched the first exposed cistern made of PVC. The success story continued in 1964 with the invention of the first concealed cistern — a cistern that is installed in the wall rather than in front of it.
Today, Geberit is renowned for its concealed cisterns and flush actuation systems, which are not just visually appealing but also highly functional and space-saving, making them the choice for modern bathroom designs. “Since the introduction of the concealed cistern, Geberit has played a pivotal role in setting a new standard in the sanitary industry and revolutionising modern bathroom design,” says Allenspach.
Commode commander
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A Swiss national with a background in plumbing engineering, Allenspach joined Geberit in 2004 and has been very fortunate to witness the company’s remarkable growth and evolution. He shares his insights on the company’s evolution: “Our R&D team operate tirelessly, fuelled by significant investments, which enables us to constantly introduce new innovative products. The integration of the ceramics business in 2015 was a major milestone that further solidified our position in the industry. Over the years, I have observed a continuous expansion of our markets outside Europe, which reflects the company’s commitment to global reach.”
It is his hope that more awareness can be created regarding the latest technologies such as wall-hung WCs, SuperTube and Pluvia that could revolutionise the sector. To that end, he plans to work closely with stakeholders to conduct workshops, seminars, theoretical and on-site training sessions that will provide individuals with the necessary information.
He details: “Our goal is to empower stakeholders to embrace these new technologies with confidence and use them to make informed decisions based on their specific needs. By doing so, we believe that we can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for the industry.
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“We envision a future where all stakeholders, including plumbers, contractors, developers, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) consultants and architects, can leverage the benefits of these innovations to enhance the industry’s efficiency and sustainability. We are passionate about creating this future, and we believe that through our efforts, we can achieve it.”
Since taking on the mantle as business head for Southeast Asia in March 2023, Allenspach’s primary focus has been to establish a unified and clear strategy across the region. “Ensuring alignment in each country with local sales representatives has been a key priority, allowing us to navigate the diverse market dynamics effectively and strengthen our position in Southeast Asia,” he says.
“I am particularly excited to share our innovations that add value for developers, architects, MEP consultants, and contractors in the Asian market. Recognising the industry’s evolving needs, we prioritise introducing and implementing new technologies backed by comprehensive training to support skill development and industry adaptation,” he adds.
Retail presence
Why open a showroom in Singapore now? “It’s a key business hub in Southeast Asia,” Allenspach explains. “This decision is part of Geberit’s growth strategy to expand its customer base and reinforce its brand’s position in the region. The showroom is a significant milestone for Geberit, as it offers a great opportunity to showcase our products, values, and commitment to excellence to a wider audience. This move emphasises Geberit’s dedication to providing its customers with the highest quality standards, innovation, and service.”
The showroom’s innovative concept revolves around presenting Geberit’s dual product arms — the technology behind the wall and the products in front of the wall — creating a harmonious bathroom experience that seamlessly combines efficient water management with visually appealing bathroom décor.
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Here, visitors can witness live demonstrations of Geberit’s cutting-edge technologies, including the full range of cisterns; bathroom collections for Geberit ONE, Geberit Xeno2, Acanto, iCon and Smyle; Geberit AquaClean shower toilets; Geberit VariForm washbasins; Geberit Sigma concealed cisterns and actuator plates; Geberit SuperTube drainage solutions; and the upcoming Geberit Omega concealed cistern for low-height applications.
Geberit’s foray into the heart of Singapore’s design landscape with its retail showroom is a bold and strategic move. It not only highlights the brand’s relevance in modern homes but also signifies its confidence in meeting the sophisticated tastes and demands of the Singapore market. As homes evolve to embrace smarter, more sustainable living, Geberit stands as a pioneer, shaping the future of bathroom aesthetics and functionality.
Here, Allenspach shares some of the brand’s star products and new launches.
What makes Geberit products exceptional?
Our concealed cisterns stand out for their exceptional quality, tool-free maintenance, and an industry-leading, 50-year spare part availability guarantee. This not only reflects our commitment to durability, but also ensures seamless, long-term functionality.
Secondly, the SuperTube drainage system represents a significant innovation in the industry. This solution is designed to enhance hydraulics and effectively address challenges in high-rise buildings. It showcases our dedication to advancing technology for complex architectural environments.
Which ones have won awards?
Geberit has several award-winning products ranging from our Geberit AquaClean range, to bathroom series, shower drains, drainage systems and more. These are a testament to our unwavering commitment to design and functionality. The Sigma70 actuator plate, our latest creation, is no exception. With its minimalist, floating design and the use of the highest-quality materials available on the market, the Sigma70 is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. The Sigma70 has already received recognition for its outstanding design by winning the prestigious iF Design Award in 2023.
Which ones have collaborations with famous designers?
Christoph Behling is a highly accomplished industrial designer who has made a significant impact in the field of design through his exceptional work in various areas. He is widely recognised for his innovative approach to design and his ability to create stunning products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of his most notable designs is the Geberit Sigma actuator plate range. This range offers a variety of plates, from the simple yet functional Sigma01 to the new Sigma70 with a floating and puristic design. This collaboration led to the development of the full range of AquaClean shower toilets, and Geberit ONE bathroom series. Behling’s designs have revolutionised the design language of all Geberit products, effectively communicating and embodying the brand’s core values.
Can you share some of your latest innovations or patented systems?
Geberit has been able to develop plenty of patented technologies over the years. And Geberit has been using eco-design principles in its products since 2007. Our aim is to make environmentally friendly products. We want every new product to be better for the environment than the previous one. We also think about the whole life-cycle of the products, from design to disposal. To do this, we’ve held 180 eco-design workshops since 2007.
These workshops help us make products that don’t waste resources and use less energy. We also make the products work better. Geberit wants its products to be functional, innovative and sustainable.
Tell us more about your strategies to combat water wastage and CO2 emissions.
The Geberit Group stands for an ambitious and implementation-oriented approach in its activities. The new CO2 strategy, which was implemented in 2022, builds on the successes of the strategy 2015–2021. The central element is the integration of the CO2 strategy in all relevant business processes as well as the handling of CO2 emissions as external costs by means of internal CO2 pricing. With the new CO2 strategy, Geberit’s medium-term goal is a CO2 reduction of 5% per year compared to currency-adjusted net sales, which would correspond to an 80% reduction in relative CO2 emissions by 2035 compared to the reference year 2015.
In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Geberit adheres to the Eco-design principle, which has led to a remarkable 80% reduction in water-flush volumes of its dual flush system since 1952. The average usage per person per day has been reduced from 70 litres to just 14 litres, which is a significant reduction in water consumption.
Any exciting products launching soon?
Absolutely, the innovative TurboFlush technology will be available soon in Singapore, providing the ultimate flushing experience. This patented technology has been optimised to deliver an exceptional flush performance that surpasses standard requirements by up to 10 times. The flush geometry and hydraulics have been engineered with precision to provide unmatched efficiency and ensure minimal water consumption. The TurboFlush technology, when combined with the Geberit concealed cistern, provides an unparalleled flushing experience that is both powerful and quiet.
This revolutionary technology will be displayed at our flagship showroom located in Marina Square, giving customers the opportunity to experience its superior performance first-hand. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new offering as well as other upcoming products from Geberit.
