Geberit's innovation has transformed bathrooms

IN 1964, Geberit changed the face of bathroom technology by introducing the world’s first concealed cistern, hiding plumbing components behind the wall and marking a turning point in bathroom aesthetics, says the Swiss sanitary solutions provider, which this year marks its 150th anniversary.

This innovative solution – which came 12 years after Geberit introduced the first surface-mounted plastic cistern – tucked the flushing technology behind the wall, transforming not only aesthetics but also functionality.

The discreet design left only a flush button visible, allowing for a cleaner, modern look and ultimately transforming bathroom design worldwide.

The revolutionary ‘Wall-Mounted Cistern No. 15,000’ debuted as a compact solution with a wall-mounted toilet, reducing bathroom projection to just 54 cm – a notable improvement for small spaces. It aimed to be a “reliable and quiet operating WC system for tight spaces”, as stated in its first brochure.

Despite its advantages, initial reactions in the plumbing sector were cautious, as traditional installation methods did not involve embedding cisterns within the wall and was seen by many plumbers as requiring greater effort. To address these concerns, Geberit developed "installation blocks" in the 1960s, pioneering the Montagefix metal frame system in 1975 to ease installation.