The Evolution of Design in Nautical Faucets: Elka as the Undisputed Protagonist
Boat faucet design has come a long way, evolving to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of boaters. Nautical faucets not only have to cope with harsh conditions such as moisture, saltiness, and limited space, but also have to integrate seamlessly with the aesthetics and functionality of luxury boats. In this context, Elka stands out as an undisputed player, thanks to its dedication to technological innovation and yacht-specific design.
History of Nautical Design
Nautical design has deep roots going back centuries, when early boats required simple and functional solutions for water supply. Over time, and as boats became more luxurious and complex, faucet design had to adapt. From simple hand pumps to advanced plumbing systems, nautical faucets have undergone significant transformations to meet new demands.
Technological Innovations in the Sector
Technology has played a crucial role in the evolution of boat faucet design. The introduction of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and chrome-plated brass, has improved the durability of products. In addition, the use of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as laser welding, has enabled the creation of lighter and stronger designs that are essential for modern boats.
Elka: Undisputed Protagonist of Innovation
Elka is a company that has been able to interpret these needs to the fullest, devoting itself exclusively to the production of nautical faucets. Unlike many competitors, Elka's products are not design adaptations for homes, but are created expressly for yachts, thus ensuring perfect adherence to the needs of the nautical sector.
Katia Paracchini, founder of Elka, emphasized how collaboration with shipyards, architects, and yacht owners has enabled the company to develop tailored solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality. This approach has led Elka to create iconic designs that have revolutionized the market
Examples of Elka's Iconic Designs
1. Article: 7080GAPC
The trend in yacht design in recent years has seen a gradual enlargement of outdoor areas: larger sundecks, beach areas that can accommodate chairs and tables, and broadside walls that open up to form veritable terraces on the sea.
Elka always attentive to the new demands of its customers offers a line of removable bridge shower columns, which find in the 7080GAPC the summa of all the features and innovations presented with the introduction of this new product range.
This is a shower column with carbon fiber posts and chrome-plated brass plumbing components, equipped with a hinge that reduces its height by half when not in use.
The column is equipped with quick and automatic type water connections: simply plug it into the base located on the deck, rotate the upper arm to extend it in height, and use it as a normal shower.
As with most Elka products, we are dealing here with an item that is highly customizable in both size and finish.
2. Article: 7090Q
Sometimes the assembly of a simple component such as a shower with a rising rod can cause a great deal of wasted time and damage.
The operator usually installs it when the bath is almost complete: he has to measure, drill and fix the sliding rail, he has to connect the hose to the mixer and test it.
If something goes wrong the whole job has to be redone.
Elka introduces in its catalog the brand new quick-connect shower rail: a brand new concept designed and developed by its technical department according to the request of one of its big customers.
The wall on which the rail will be installed can be pre-drilled: the position is studied and fixed at the design stage.
Installation requires only two pipes instead of four, and water connections are two instead of four (as required for the more usual sliding track application).
Testing of the water connection can be done in advance before the work inside the bathroom is completed.
Placement of the slide rail is done only when the bathroom is complete and does not require any tools: two chrome-plated brass plug-in fittings provide the attachment of the slide rail and the water openings: hot water below, cold water above.
There is no risk of damaging surfaces or other bathroom components during installation, nor of damaging the slide rail itself.
Maintenance is easier because all components are not inside or behind the wall.
In the event of a leak, the water goes into the shower pan and is immediately visible.
The design of the new sliding rail features a 25mm cartridge and hose connection for the hand shower directly on the body of the rail.This system allows for a very compact cartridge or valve mixer assembly and avoids additional connections and hoses. between the control and the hand shower.
3. Article: 9040
In response to the frequently asked question about a square-type mixer, Elka has designed a new tip-up with a 25-mm cartridge made entirely of brass. The dimensions are extremely compact and, like all the mixers in the Tip-Up collection, the lever opens from the bottom upward so as to avoid accidental opening while sailing.
The spout is equipped with a new water-saving aerator: it reduces water consumption by up to 30 percent compared to the same faucet without an aerator.
In addition, the spout can rotate 360° around its axis as well as around the axis of the faucet, making it also suitable for installations inside the sink bowl
4. Article: DO.2017AISI316
Elka introduces to the market the first built-in shower with integrated mixer completely made of AISI316 steel. This is an evolution of the DO.2017 model, the same product concept made of aluminum and intended for those vessels where special attention to weight containment is required.
The steel model, on the other hand, is intended primarily for installation on decks, near wet areas such as sumps, beach areas, and swimming pools. Thanks to the integrated cartridge, it is possible, with a single movement, to open, close the water and adjust the temperature for maximum comfort.
Once stowed in its base, the shower literally disappears from view as it has no protruding parts: just a slight pressure on the cap at its end is enough and thanks to a spring mechanism the shower protrudes by as much as necessary so that it can be easily grasped and pulled out.
5. Article: D_641501
Elka continues its path devoted to the pursuit of maximum space containment to allow the installation of products that until recently were impossible to find aboard boats.
And once again, design is expressed in its purest form, where form follows the function for which the object was designed.
The Spazio 35 collection consists of square, round and rectangular showerheads made of AISI 316 steel and characterized by a maximum total thickness of 35mm: this makes it possible to install them even in the narrowest false ceilings, thanks also to the water inlet that is not perpendicular but parallel to the shower tray. In this way the user can take advantage of the full height of the shower and achieve higher levels of comfort in installation, compared to the use of traditional showerheads.
In addition to the different finishes available, the customer can choose whether to equip the showerhead with LEDs for chromotherapy or ambient lighting, and whether to prefer fixing with screws or springs, depending on the type of vessel.
Conclusion
The history of boat faucet design is a testament to how technological innovation can improve the quality of life on board. Elka, with its commitment to quality and innovation, has established itself as an industry leader, creating products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of nautical users. Through its yacht-specific designs, Elka continues to set the standard for excellence in nautical faucets.
For more information about Elka products and to explore their range of innovative designs, visit Elka's official website.