MANAGING DIRECTOR OF W.ATELIER, TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SANITARY WARE DESIGN
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF W.ATELIER, TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SANITARY WARE DESIGN
Gani Atmadiredja plays a pivotal role in providing quality furnishing, kitchen and bathroom solutions for local homes. His company, established in 1979, is one of the pioneers in the sanitaryware industry, and the exclusive distributor of renowned Japanese brand Toto in Singapore.
What are the current trends in sanitaryware systems?
Technology is becoming an essential element and we’re seeing a lot of high-tech features, such as automatic functions, integrated bidet systems and heated seats being introduced. This is going to get increasingly popular and it’s exciting to see what the engineers can develop next.
Toto is paving the way in this area with the Neorest, which is a toilet equipped with Actilight technology. It blasts the toilet bowl with ultraviolet light, effectively killing bacteria, while maintaining a non-stick surface. These features tie in with our increased awareness of hygiene in the home and desire for more convenience when it comes to keeping toilets clean. For example, Toto has models that integrate a deodoriser, and the E Water function, which sprays electrolyte water into the bowl so the negative-charged liquid helps to purge dirt on the surface.
Why are more homeowners putting greater focus on their choice of sanitaryware?
The bathroom is an important space at home because it is one of the most frequently used rooms, and because it is a long-term investment. Homeowners are recognising this, and are willing to spend more to beautify the bathroom. With open-concept bathrooms being the in thing, consumers are more selective as well, so producers need to come up with better designs and innovations to meet this demand.
What do you foresee in sanitaryware and bathroom design?
Because of the ageing population, there is a push for universal design — things designed to be suitable for people of all ages, from kids to the elderly. Eco-friendliness and saving water are also issues that will affect sanitaryware. There are already toilets in Japan that make use of recycled water by channelling waste water from the sink to the toilet bowl.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TOTO SANITARYWARE AT W. ATELIER, 75 BUKIT TIMAH ROAD,
TEL: 6270-8820, HTTP://WWW.WATELIER.COM
