Dejuna: new cross-generational bathroom with attractive design
Innovative Keramag developments at BAU 2011 / Logical additional functions for all ages and target groups / Washbasin with flat design enables ergonomic use / More comfort thanks to two basin levels / Special WCs for more safety / Wall-hung and floor-standing WCs with slip-resistant ceramic chamfers for seats and seat rings /
Munich/Ratingen. The demographic change is altering the age structure of the population. In short, the proportion of older people in the population will increase considerably in the future. Moreover, the majority of older individuals would like to live in their own homes for as long as possible. In order to make this a reality, homes must be adapted to the special needs of older people. Bathrooms that are furnished according to high safety standards are particularly important in this respect, as they enable people to carry on living independently.
In this context, the German brand manufacturer Keramag presented the new Dejuna bathroom range at BAU 2011. This range meets the requirements for accessible bathroom design without creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a hospital or disabled bathroom. The new range is designed to be a cross-generational bathroom, or a bathroom aimed at a particular stage of life. Its timeless and modern design also appeals to young contractors and renovators.
The core elements of Dejuna are the completely innovative washbasins and WCs that give people with limited movement a high degree of independence. The ceramic items, which are available in various versions, have a host of design details that set new benchmarks in terms of functionality and ergonomics. The washbasins enable even seated users to wash themselves easily. The wide inner basin offers plenty of space to be able to submerge the entire forearm in water. The front and side surfaces enable easy gripping and standing up. The gentle curves and level surfaces provide a pleasant shelf to rest arms on and also serve as support. The inner basin can contain two differing levels of water if required. If the basin is completely filled, it provides a spacious washing area. If it is only half filled, the half closest to the user offers additional storage space for sponges and flannels, for example. This two-level model reduces spray and makes cleaning easier. The optimised drainage surfaces of the basin also help in this respect. Another highlight is the easy-to-clean raised edge at the wall side of the basin, to which a mirror can be affixed. This enables seated users and children to see themselves in the mirror easily.
The washbasins are available in three widths: 550, 600 and 650 mm with a uniform projection of 525 mm. A hand towel rail can be supplied on request. The items are wheelchair accessible in accordance with the DIN 18024/18025 standard or the new DIN 18040 standard as long as they are not installed with the optional half pedestals. A furniture range that matches the ceramic items in terms of form and function is currently under development.
The new Dejuna WCs also meet all the standards listed above and appeal primarily because of their neutral design. The wall-hung WCs are available in wash-down and wash-out versions with a comfortable width of 400 mm and a projection of 700 mm. The range is complemented by the wider wash-down floor-standing WC with a height of 460 mm. All WC seats have slip-resistant chamfers, as well as rounded edges. These items are particularly easy to clean, and not just because of their closed surfaces; the covered fixings also enable easy cleaning. The wall-hung WCs use standard spacing between fixings, which means that they are also ideal for installation in properties undergoing renovation.
The WCs come with special seats or seat rings, which provide a harmonious overall look for the ceramic range. The wider seat fixings ensure the highest level of stability even for heavier individuals or for wheelchair users who can transfer to the WC sideways. The wider seats have a stainless-steel hinge pin, which guarantees safe usage even during sideways transfer. For the commercial sector, seat rings are available without covers.
Keramag describes the new range as a "long overdue, cross-generational innovation", which is highly flexible and ideally suited to the changing needs and requirements of users. It is based on the combination of an appealing design, which is not reminiscent of the ‘hospital look’ previously associated with this kind of bathroom furniture, and numerous features whose functional system benefits have been proven to provide practical help in everyday life. The manufacturer also states that, "With Dejuna, we give sanitary professionals, planners, architects, operators and investors a completely new concept for cross-generational planning and furnishing of bathrooms. And it also makes it easier for constructors and renovators to realise people’s desire to stay in their own homes as long as possible."
