VALLAMOSSE

Shower mixer, chrome-plated

But before we got that far ― even before looking at all the technical details ― we interviewed people in different countries about their bathrooms and shower habits. Then we understood how important a few minutes under spraying water can be. Since it's not just about being clean, getting in the shower can also be a way to rinse off stress and unwind ― to take a moment for yourself or just wake up to a new day. When you rub the sleep out of your eyes in the shower, the spraying water naturally helps. But did you know that only 3% of all water on the planet is freshwater? And most of it is actually bound in ice. Since this limited freshwater is a vital resource for all of life, we must help to nurture it.

This is where the shower range comes in. We want to make it simple to save water and energy. With smart technology, the thermostatic mixer and shower arm make this simple. Antony Smith, who was part of the shower development team, has worked with mixers and showers since he finished university long ago. He describes the thermostatic mixer as the shower's engine "It's the mixer which ensures that there's an even water flow and the right temperature". Antony explains that it's thanks to the thermostatic mixer that your shower water is not affected if someone turns on the water in the kitchen. You can calmly continue singing in the shower ― without the risk of being burned or getting a cold shock. The mixers that the team developed also have a 38°C safety stop button, so there's no risk of you or any child accidentally raising the temperature.

Another important key to creating both a comfortable and sustainable shower range is the small washer that sits in the shower arm which regulates the water flow. The challenge for the team was to find just the right balance between the water flow and pressure, so that you can use less water without affecting the shower experience. There was only one way for the team to see if they succeeded: "When we went to the supplier in China to test the first prototypes, we all packed our swimwear," says Antony smiling. With his swimwear on, he tested different water spray functions: full, mesh, mist, massage and various combinations of them. "How people prefer to shower is individual, and with the different streams, we allow everyone to adapt their shower experience. And maybe you'll enjoy showering a little more when you know that it's both water and energy efficient."