Revolutionary water-saving bathroom design
Innovation meets sustainability
The STAND urinal-sink combo represents a groundbreaking approach to bathroom design that addresses both environmental concerns and space efficiency. This ingenious 2-in-1 system features an ergonomic hand-washing basin positioned directly above a urinal, where the water used for handwashing flows down to rinse the urinal basin below—eliminating the need for a separate flush cycle.
The evolution of integrated urinal design
The concept of combining sinks and urinals emerged from innovative designers worldwide seeking sustainable bathroom solutions. Korean designer Yeongwoo Kim pioneered this approach with his “Eco Urinal” design, which won the prestigious iF Concept Design 2010 award (Patent Pending: 30-2010-0009743). Kim’s concept featured a glass upper section that provided clear sightlines while cleverly encouraging users to maintain proper hygiene—since handwashing was necessary to flush the urine. His groundbreaking work demonstrated how gray water from handwashing could eliminate the need for a separate flush cycle, inspiring a new generation of water-conscious bathroom fixtures.
From concept to reality
Building on this emerging design philosophy, Latvian innovator Kaspars Jursons developed STAND as a commercial product to help address European water shortages through smarter restroom design. “It’s not just a fancy piece of art,” Jursons explains. “The idea is about function and consumption. You are washing your hands in the sink on top of the urinal, and the same water that’s running is also used to flush. You don’t have to use water twice, like when you use the urinal and wash your hands in separate sink.”
Since its commercial launch in 2011, this practical solution has been sold in over 25 countries across five continents, including Norway, Germany, Russia, Poland, and Latvia. At approximately $590 per unit, the design has proven its value in diverse settings, from concert venues in Riga—where installations have saved thousands of liters of water—to commercial facilities worldwide.
A practical middle ground
Interestingly, the STAND design may address an unexpected domestic behavior: some men reportedly use bathroom sinks as urinals at home rather than sitting on the toilet. While it’s unclear how widespread this practice actually is, numerous online discussions and comments suggest it may be more common than publicly acknowledged. Whether this trend influenced the development of urinal-sink concepts remains unknown, but the integrated design appears to offer a practical solution. For those who engage in this behavior, using a sink can seem more convenient than sitting on a toilet, and from a water conservation perspective, it does use less water than a full toilet flush. While many may find this practice unusual or less hygienic, the urinal-sink combo legitimizes the concept in a properly designed, sanitary system. It maintains clear functional separation—the sink remains exclusively for handwashing—while channeling water efficiently to a dedicated urinal basin below, transforming an unconventional habit into an intentional, hygienic, and water-efficient fixture suitable for both home and commercial settings.
How it works
The design is elegantly simple yet remarkably effective. The sensor-activated, hands-free tap makes the system touchless and hygienic. After using the urinal, users wash their hands in the integrated sink above, and this gray water naturally flows down to cleanse the urinal basin—effectively serving two purposes with a single water use.
The upper portion features transparent glass construction, providing clear sightlines while maintaining a sense of openness. But perhaps most importantly, the design creates an unavoidable reminder to wash hands. As Jursons notes, “It is more suitable for hygiene than just a urinal and then guys who don’t wash [their] hands.”
Key benefits
Water Conservation: When equipped with an appropriate faucet, the STAND combo can save up to 50% of water compared to traditional separate urinal and sink installations. The system consumes only the water used for handwashing—no additional water is needed for the urinal, eliminating double water usage. Real-world installations have demonstrated savings of thousands of liters.
Space Optimization: Perfect for both large-scale commercial facilities and compact private restrooms, this integrated unit frees up valuable floor space during new construction or renovation projects.
Improved Traffic Flow: In high-traffic environments like sports arenas, concert venues, clubs, pubs, and restaurants, the efficient design significantly increases throughput and space utilization.
Enhanced Hygiene: The integrated design serves as a built-in reminder to wash hands, promoting better sanitation practices among users.
Sustainable Manufacturing: By combining two functions into one multifunctional product, STAND dramatically reduces material consumption and installation expenses, making it an environmentally responsible choice throughout its entire lifecycle.
Cost Efficiency: The dual savings in water consumption, installation materials, and reduced plumbing requirements make this an economically attractive option for businesses seeking to optimize resources while reducing their environmental footprint.
Customization options
The STAND urinal-sink combo is manufactured on specialized production lines and can be tailored to meet specific facility requirements with various configurations:
- Self-closing mechanical faucets for durability and water efficiency
- Sensor-activated touchless infrared mixer faucets for enhanced hygiene
- Wall-mounted or deck-mounted soap dispensers for complete handwashing stations
- Premium, meticulously selected high-end faucets paired with STAND urinals
Whether for public facilities or private installations, the STAND system adapts to users’ and owners’ unique needs while maintaining its core water-saving functionality.
A smart choice for modern facilities
What may have initially seemed unconventional has proven to be a practical, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for modern restroom design. The STAND urinal-sink combo demonstrates how innovative thinking can transform everyday fixtures into eco-friendly, space-saving solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.
Jursons continues to innovate in this space, with plans for a sink-toilet combo that promises similar water and space savings for all restroom users.