The evolving WC: A balance of comfort, sustainability, and smart technology

Global megatrends like human-centred design, health awareness, and urbanisation are reshaping bathroom use, while the fight against climate change grows ever more urgent. Few products reflect this evolution as clearly as the WC, where resource efficiency, enhanced hygiene, and the reimagining of the bathroom as a living space come together in holistic solutions. As a longstanding driver of bathroom innovation, LAUFEN is renowned for its WC product leadership and expertise. At ISH 2025, the WC will take centre stage with advancements that elevate user experience and streamline efficiencies for installers and plumbers.

The WC is evolving from a purely functional fixture to a design statement, seamlessly integrating into modern bathrooms. LAUFEN’s innovative approach ensures perfect colour co-ordination across ceramics, faucets, and accessories, where contemporary finishes like black, anthracite, and earthy tones are complemented by premium flush plates in glass, brushed stainless steel, and textured surfaces.

Attention to detail defines our design philosophy, from the stylish controls of the CLEANET RIVA shower toilet to the colour-coordinated accessories of THE NEW CLASSIC collection. Ergonomics also play a key role, with options like the LAUFEN PRO Comfort WC offering elevated seating for enhanced comfort.

The shower toilet sets new standards for modern comfort and hygiene in the bathroom with intuitive controls and personalised settings, catering to both design-oriented aesthetes and technology-loving early adopters. Meanwhile, LAUFEN Silent Flush technology enhances daily living quality by minimising noise through advanced flushing systems and sound insulation, meeting even the strictest sound insulation requirements such as SIA 181 and DIN 4109, without altering the familiar appearance of the toilet.

Another trend clearly reflected in the toilet is the increased need for hygiene. While easy-to-clean, rimless toilets are now almost standard for new installations, germ-reducing surfaces such as LCC Active not only effectively eliminate bacteria but also reduce the activity of viruses and significantly reduce cleaning effort - an important benefit, especially in public areas.

This also applies to the shower toilet: With CLEANET shower toilets, LAUFEN has shown that high design aesthetics and multi-level hygiene and cleaning concepts do not have to be mutually exclusive. Current models such as CLEANET ALVIA set the highest hygiene standards with self-cleaning shower nozzles, UV disinfection and automatic descaling functions. Antibacterial, removable seats and lids as well as various cleaning functions also ensure maximum cleanliness.

Digital transformation doesn’t stop at the toilet either. In public and semi-public areas, intelligent, cloud-based water management systems such as LAUFEN Smart enable the central monitoring of entire sanitary facilities, optimise flushing intervals, record usage frequencies and proactively report maintenance needs - even before malfunctions occur. This enables more efficient maintenance cycles and reduces unplanned downtime.

In the private sector, the focus is on smart comfort: modern shower toilets can be configured using an app where individual user profiles can be stored. Water temperature, water intensity and seat temperature, LED lighting and air purification can all be adjusted to personal preferences, while software updates keep the technology up to date. There are also automatic functions such as a proximity sensor that automatically opens and closes the seat and lid, activates the ambient lighting and provides fresh, clean air. With the CLEANET shower toilets, LAUFEN offers a coordinated range of models for all needs and budgets.

Partial bathroom renovations are a key solution to rising renovation demand and industry labour shortages, creating opportunities for HVAC professionals. Flexible WC solutions like EasyFit from LAUFEN, allows one-person assembly with pre-mounted rods and intuitive click systems, improving efficiency by reducing installation time.

Pre-wall installations also benefit from simplification, with pre-assembled toilet elements and self-supporting drywall systems enabling flexible solutions for almost any installation situation in new buildings or renovations.

For compact renovations, solutions like the floor-standing CLEANET ALVIA integrate the cistern into the ceramic, eliminating the need for an external unit. This space-saving design enhances aesthetics and simplifies installation, making it an ideal choice for installers and plumbers.

A central topic, not only at the upcoming ISH, is the question of how to deal with our environment and natural resources. It is also increasingly shaping toilet development. Innovative flushing systems achieve standardised flushing performance with just 4.5 or even 2 litres - an important contribution to sustainable construction. New concepts such as urine separation, which LAUFEN is already implementing in its first major projects with its save! toilet, are particularly progressive.

New standards are also being set in production: With the world's first electric tunnel kiln for sanitary ceramics, LAUFEN has created the basis for CO2-free ceramic production. In Gmunden, Austria, ceramic bathroom elements of the highest design and quality are fired without CO2 emissions. A key advantage to reducing the carbon footprint in construction projects.

Under the theme “The Meeting Point of Waters” we invite you to experience the convergence of groundbreaking innovations and cutting-edge technologies as we unveil exciting new projects, shaped by a deep reverence for resources and design. The message is clear: the bathroom of tomorrow is more than the sum of its functions. It’s a highly personalised living space that seamlessly integrates technology, sustainability, and individual well-being.

ISH 2025
Frankfurt am Main
17 to 21 March 2025