Armitage Shanks, part of the Villeroy & Boch Group’s Bathroom and Wellness Division, has launched the Markwik 21+ Thermostatic SQ – a one-piece thermostatic shower panel unit specifically engineered for the UK healthcare market.
Available in two different panel heights – 1500 mm and 1700 mm – to suit a common ceiling height of 2400 mm, while also meeting the Department of Health’s Health Building Note guidelines, the shower panel features a maximum blend temperature control that limits water temperature to 41°C, to reduce scalding risk. The temperature is set during installation, and can be adjusted during maintenance to suit requirements as needed. Additionally, the sequential valve features an easy-to-turn extended single lever design to control water flow and temperature in one movement, making one-handed operation easy.
Armitage Shanks said: “With customisable temperature settings and simple functionality, the shower panel is equally suited for use in care homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Its outer shell is designed for those with visual impairments, featuring a clean white finish for contrast, and a high Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 92. Made from hard-wearing antimicrobial premium grade solid PVC, the shell incorporates silver ion additive technology that inhibits bacteria and mould growth, and is hostile to viruses.”
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the outer shell is stain, heat, fire, and chemical- resistant, while seamless joins and smooth edges create ‘an aesthetically pleasing product that’s easy to clean’.
“The shell features a unique access panel, which makes it simple to service for TMV3/D08 requirements and to maintain filters, regulators, check valves and isolation valves,” Armitage Shanks added: “Installers also benefit from the new shower panel, as it is ready to install on arrival, coming completely pre-plumbed with 15 mm copper pipes joined with brass push-fit connectors. The pre-plumbed pipework complies with HTM 04-01: Safe Water in Healthcare Premises, following water hygiene best practices. It includes a hot recirculating loop to reduce the risk of deadleg water, unlike systems with loops in the ceiling.”
