The wash basin AMBA is perfect for the everyday personal hygiene from head to toe, reduces the necessity for the daily shower and thus the warm water usage. The look-and-feel is reminiscent of the classical bathtub of past centuries and AMBA is just as flexible. Thanks to the double-walled enamelled steel of the basin the water stays comfortably warm in every location. A dual benefit: body care with AMBA is gentle to the delicate skin and also environmentally friendly.
AMBA is the result of the research for my bachelor thesis at the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam/Germany. One of my goals was to create an environmentally friendly wash basin.
The Background Initially focusing on materials, I soon realized that the main point was the use of the sink itself. My research suggested that energy and water usage during production of a standard ceramic wash basin are already exceeded by the use of the product during the first year. Applying the Ecolizer (an eco-indicator based Life-Cycle-Assessment tool) made clear that environmental impacts of common sanitary materials might be different, but still are less relevant then the impact of the water being used.
Statistically as of 2013 personal hygiene makes up the biggest part (36%) of the private water usage per person and day in Germany. Therefore I broadened my focus and started looking at potentials to lower that usage in a more holistic approach.
The Concept A survey with 25 questions and 105 participants in Germany showed that 60 of them shower daily (while another 42 do this only 2-3 times a week). By utilizing AMBA it's possible to reduce the necessity for the daily shower and therefore also the amount of warm water. This is achieved by the removable top basin which can be used not only for washing the upper body but as a bidet for the intimate area and feet as well. AMBA encourages more ecological behavior not by restrictions but by offering alternative actions for a conscious personal hygiene. Apart from regular private homes it could also be used in spa environments or tiny houses with no shower available.