Ideal Standard’s Alu+ thermostatic shower system has been awarded the prestigious German Design Award in the Excellent Product Design – Bath and Wellness category, recognising its sustainable and innovative design, said the global brand specialising in bathroom solutions.

The award highlights Ideal Standard’s commitment to environmentally responsible bathroom solutions, the firm states, noting the system is crafted from 84 per cent recycled aluminium and is free of chrome and nickel.

The German Design Awards set the global benchmark for design excellence, celebrating projects that drive sustainable economic transformation. Every year, leading design experts from around the world assess projects that impress with their visionary ideas and future potential. This year’s focus on circular design underscores the need for resource conservation and long-term durability.

The German Design Awards praised the Alu+ system for its use of recyclable materials and water-saving technology, including flow restrictors that limit water consumption to eight litres per minute for the hand shower and 12 litres per minute for the rain shower.

 "The shower system with a shower thermostat impresses with its harmonious blend of sustainable materials and aesthetic design," the jury said in a statement. "The use of high-quality, recyclable aluminium, which minimises resource consumption, is particularly noteworthy. Alu+ sets new standards in combining environmental awareness with bathroom comfort.”

The Alu+ system is crafted from 84 per cent recycled aluminium.

Ideal Standard, part of Villeroy & Boch Group’s Bathroom & Wellness Division, said the Alu+ collection aligns with its EcoLogic approach to sustainable product development – integrating eco-friendly practices at every stage of a product’s lifecycle. This strategy focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions and waste, conserving energy and water, enhancing hygiene, and protecting vulnerable users.

Now, as part of the Villeroy & Boch Group’s strong brand portfolio, Ideal Standard says it will further intensify its commitment to sustainability, aligning even more closely with the group’s broader environmental goals.

Renowned designer and architect Roberto Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati, who created the Alu+ range, commented: “Now more than ever, designers must adopt an ethical and responsible approach, placing sustainability at the heart of their vision. Environmental stewardship is not optional – it is essential for a more conscious, harmonious, and respectful future for our planet.”

The Alu+ collection extends beyond the thermostatic shower system, featuring beauty bars and additional showering solutions. the range will expand further with the introduction of a new selection of taps and an exclusive new colour, which was unveiled at ISH 2025, a leading trade fair for HVAC and water held last month in Frankfurt, Germany.

Ideal Standard is a world-leading brand for high-quality residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions, which include ceramics, taps and fittings, bathing, and furniture and accessories.

Villeroy & Boch Group, headquartered in Mettlach, Germany, is a global leader in premium dining and lifestyle, as well as bathroom and wellness products, employing over 12,000 people in more than 125 countries.

The Villeroy & Boch Group’s Bathroom & Wellness Division offers a wide range of sanitary products and fittings for residential and non-residential buildings. The combined portfolio offers consumers, customers, and partners worldwide a broad choice of individual products to complete bathroom solutions. More than 300 engineers in the design and innovation centres in Germany and Italy develop concepts that stand out for their quality, functionality and leading design.