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Architects face the challenge of maximising space in washrooms, especially when access to a standard boiler or hot water supply system is limited. To address this, architects often specify a point of use water heater installation (POU) beneath the vanity behind an access panel, but this also means making provisions in the wall cavity for an access panel and going through the cumbersome process of core drilling through a slab to create access to the point of use water heater.

What is not commonly known is that there is a more efficient, convenient, and space saving solution, which involves integrating the POU water heater into a behind mirror system.

Among our extensive range of commercial washroom products, Dolphin Solutions offers the ALAVO behind mirror system with an integrated point of use water heater. This instant hot water system is ideal for washroom projects with spatial constraints or that lack access to a water heating tank.

This article explores the advantages of point of use water heater systems, ideal washroom designs for their installation, considerations for when to install them, and the convenience and space saving benefits of specifying an instant water heater with the ALAVO behind mirror system.

Point of use water heaters illustrated drawing

How do point of use water heaters work?

These instant hot water systems are specifically designed to rapidly heat up water as it passes through the system. This ensures that there is an ample amount of water flowing through the tap and reaching a comfortably controlled warm temperature.

Single use superloo layout installed with a behind mirror instant hot water system

Ideal washroom designs where you can install a behind mirror instant hot water system

A point of use water heater is designed for single use applications such as a single low flow shower or generally one to two tap installations where the washroom may be designed to accommodate a low footfall or to save space.

Washroom spaces that cannot accommodate a centralised heating system can have a point of use water heater installed in the ALAVO behind mirror system in:

  • Single use superloo layouts
  • Multi-user systems
  • Accessible washrooms
  • Small vanity units
  • End-of-journey facilities

In these circumstances, point of use water heaters offer an ideal solution by ensuring hot water availability precisely where it is needed, without relying on a centralised hot water system or storing hot water. Only a cold water supply into the ALAVO System is required.

Additionally, the added benefit of having all hand washing appliances (taps, soap dispensers, behind mirror hand dryers), water supply, power supply, and connections combined in one behind mirror unit saves space in the washroom.

Large commercial men's washroom that has hot water on multiple taps

Are instant hot water systems practical in a large washroom?

Typically, a large commercial washroom would not have point of use water heaters. These washrooms with high footfall are usually designed with sufficient space and provisions for boilers, which can store and supply hot water to multiple taps.

Check out this video on how to save space with a point of use water heater:


Contact the team or visit our learning hub to find out more.

Small vanity unit installed with an instant hot water system

When should you consider installing an instant hot water system?

Point of use water heaters are primarily specified in washroom designs where there is often a lack of connection to a central hot water tank system or boiler, which may be located on other floors or in inaccessible areas.

Consider installing a point of use water heater for taps in a commercial washroom in the following situations:

  • When only a cold water supply is available in the building.
  • If you have concerns about incorporating a boiler due to its potential impact on your washroom design.
  • When space constraints make it impossible to install a boiler.
  • In instances where a boiler is unnecessary or impractical.
End-of-trip facility with an instant hot water system integrated into the ALAVO

Real life application

Let’s consider a practical scenario. You are working on a basement area that you plan to transform into an end-of-trip facility. However, you are encountering difficulties in fitting all the essential components within the limited space. You need cycle bays, a couple of showers, a changing area, and a small vanity area, among other necessities.

Adding to the challenge, the basement lacks a heated water supply as it only has a cold water supply. If you had to make provision for a centralised water heating tank within the wall cavity or a separate cupboard to resolve the water heating problem, it would compromise both the design aesthetics and the available space. This is not ideal for achieving your design intent.

In this precise situation, the perfect solution emerges by installing a point of use water heater within the ALAVO behind mirror system and an electric point of use water heater for a shower. It can connect to the cold water supply and provide a reliable source of hot water for the taps and showers.

With an instant hot water system integrated into the ALAVO, you can conveniently overcome the absence of a heated water supply and maximise the space. This allows you to create a fully functional end-of-trip facility without compromising your design or sacrificing valuable square footage.

Alavo and touch free sensor taps integrated with a point of use water heater

Why specify an instant hot water system in Alavo?

1. Maximising space

The ALAVO behind mirror system offers a practical and innovative solution to the recurring challenge of maximising space in washroom designs. By integrating point of use water heaters within the ALAVO system, architects can efficiently address the need for hot water without compromising valuable space or altering their design.

2. Washroom design

The ALAVO behind mirror system eliminates the need for time consuming and complex core drilling through slabs or walls to access point of use water heaters. This not only saves installation time and effort but also ensures a seamless and aesthetically pleasing washroom design.

3. Convenience and tap variety

Whether you choose Dolphin counter mounted, wall mounted taps, or touch free sensor taps, the ALAVO system can be seamlessly integrated with a point of use water heater, offering a convenient and efficient solution.

Everything is already plumbed in and connected together, simplifying the installation process. The only requirements for the POU water heater are its own cold water and power supply.

With ALAVO, there is no need to source separate point of use water heaters from another supplier which results in a more convenient option with no delays in delivery for separate parts.

4. Functionality and user experience

By specifying the ALAVO system with point of use water heaters behind the mirror, architects can overcome limitations such as the absence of a heated water supply or the need for bulky centralised water heating tanks.

The seamless integration of point of use water heaters in ALAVO ensures a reliable hot water source, enhancing the washroom’s functionality and user experience.

5. Installation time and maintenance

The ALAVO mirror system simplifies the installation and maintenance process with its all-in-one design. Integrating point of use water heaters directly into the ALAVO system eliminates the need to install separate water heaters under vanities and ensuring easy accessibility for facility teams.

Use our free configure tool to customise your ALAVO Behind Mirror System with a point of use water heater.

Instant hot water system installed behind the mirror washroom solution

Combine convenience and functionality with instant hot water systems

When faced with limited space or no access to a traditional boiler system, and only a cold water supply and power supply are available, considering a point of use water heater becomes a practical washroom solution.

The ALAVO system presents an ideal opportunity for such scenarios, providing easy access, saving space, and eliminating the need for additional provision of access panels to accommodate a point of use water heater.

By incorporating a point of use water heater in single use applications, the diverse needs of the space can be met while maintaining the desired level of comfort and functionality for the user. This efficient and practical solution optimises space utilisation, even in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for architects seeking both aesthetics and functionality in their washroom designs.

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