Ecology, safety and design go hand in hand

New shower solutions for the hotel bathroom

Sustainability has become a core value in the hospitality sector. Hotel operators face the challenge of designing bathrooms that meet ecological standards without losing sight of comfort and aesthetics. At the past edition of Architect@Work, two solutions were presented that respond to this: the UltraFlat Evo shower trays and Ideal Standard's Alu+ shower system.

Sustainability and design are no longer opposites in the hotel industry. On the contrary: innovative bathroom solutions that combine both set the tone today. For example, the Alu+ shower system was awarded the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award 2024, and in 2025 it also won the prestigious German Design Award. But the Evo shower trays also excel in sustainable design. Reason enough to zoom in on both these novelties.

Low entry, high durability

UltraFlat Evo is designed for modern, long-lasting design of both residential and hotel bathrooms. The shower trays are made of StoneTech™, a sturdy resin material featuring a fine-grained stone-effect texture with a subtle sanded look and silky matte finish. The trays contain 45 per cent less resin than acrylic shower trays, consist of 35 to 40 per cent recycled material. Moreover, they are fully recyclable. With a slim height of 35 milimetres, the trays can be placed flush with the floor, increasing accessibility. The edge-free finish and natural non-slip structure (category C) increase safety. In addition, the surface has a bacteriostatic and mould-resistant finish, which facilitates maintenance and improves hygiene, all relevant factors in the hospitality sector. UltraFlat Evo is available in 23 sizes, both square and rectangular, and can be shortened on all sides, offering flexibility when installing in a variety of spaces.

Shower system with a plus

In turn, the Ideal Standard shower system Alu+ also combines sustainable use of materials with a luxurious shower experience that matches the expectations of the modern hotel guest. Made of 84 per cent recycled aluminium and completely free of chrome and nickel, Alu+ fits within an ecologically responsible bathroom concept. Moreover, one of the focal points of Alu+ is the pursuit of a spa-like experience. The large rain shower and hand shower offer multiple jet types, including a gentle SilkRain mode. At the same time, the new and water-saving EcoFlow technology reduces water consumption to eight litres for the overhead shower and six litres for the hand shower, without really compromising on comfort. The Alu+ range was also recently expanded to include a sleeker square design variant and a stylish brushed bronze finish, complementing the matt black, cool silver and rose finish. This expansion now offers architects and hotel designers more opportunities to design bathrooms in a contemporary and sustainable way. Both Alu+ and UltraFlat Evo show how sustainability is being integrated today into both the technical design and aesthetic interpretation of the hotel bathroom. Ideal for hotel projects committed to a future-oriented guest experience.