Environmental protection as a driver of innovation

The key topics for the sanitation, heating, and air-conditioning industries include the sustainable use of water, environmentally friendly heat generation, ensuring clean air, the interplay between digitalization and sustainability for an intelligent building future, and the question of what political frameworks and developments are needed to advance the energy transition in the building sector and make the industry’s contribution to achieving climate targets feasible. The world-leading trade fair in Frankfurt gave the professional audience the opportunity to learn about solutions already available today. For five days, the ISH became a central hub for expert discourse and technical innovation. Manufacturers presented innovations in alternative heating technologies, including wood-based solutions, methods for sustainable heat generation, and high-efficiency heat storage systems. In ventilation and air-conditioning technology, modern systems are increasingly relying on optimized evaporative cooling and heat recovery. In addition, future-oriented water-carrying systems were in the spotlight—from efficient potable water and heating circuits to the sustainable use of process or rainwater. For the first time, a special area also explored the potential of roof and façade greening. The modern bathroom worlds on display revealed a wide range of design styles as well as a clear alliance between design and functionality: manufacturers presented soft pastel shades, 3D tiles, and resource-saving, easy-care materials that combine aesthetics and technological innovation.

The newly launched “Architeller”—a format by Messe Frankfurt and World-Architects—once again brought exhibitors of ISH into the spotlight with two days of presentations, each featuring ten short talks of three minutes. The format highlighted the ambition of these companies to contribute to the future viability of sanitary elements and building technologies through their products. The esteemed live jury —Tina Kammer (InteriorPark., Stuttgart), Julia Schneider (iam interior architects, Munich), and Michael Burghaus (architecture office .pg1, Kaiserslautern)—was tasked with evaluating the presented products and solutions based on three main categories: limited resources, climate change, and social responsibility, all within the short timeframe.

Bens Ezhuthanavayalil and Henk Postma from Hansgrohe SE & Hydraloop won the first Architeller Award on Tuesday with their convincing “Graywater Recycling” system. The compact, cabinet-sized treatment system collects wastewater from showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and condensate from heat pumps, air conditioning units, and tumble dryers—so-called graywater—and purifies and disinfects it using an innovative biological process. The result is high-quality, certified recycled water suitable for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, garden irrigation, and washing machines. With Hydraloop’s cutting-edge technology, Hansgrohe takes graywater recycling a step further by integrating modern advances such as IoT connectivity, minimal maintenance, and improved system efficiency. In a press statement, Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, CEO of Hansgrohe SE, said: “We are convinced that this effective and reliable solution will enable us to tap into the potential of graywater recycling at the right time, especially for hotels, public and semi-public buildings and all construction projects that focus on sustainability […].”

The second round of Architeller presentations took place on Wednesday, with the “Sunny Home Manager 2.0” by SMA Solar Technology AG emerging as winner and receiving the live jury’s nod of approval. This control center for intelligent energy management monitors all energy flows within a household, automatically detects potential savings, and enables efficient use of solar energy at home. The solution was presented on-site by Katharina Rahme, Key Account Manager Commercial & Industrial Sales at SMA Solar Technology AG, who expressed her excitement at the recognition: “This is a truly special moment for us. We are thrilled that our Sunny Home Manager 2.0 convinced the jury with its innovative performance and contribution to a responsible future. Using self-learning algorithms, it forecasts energy needs based on weather data and previous consumption profiles, and controls household appliances in the interest of resource conservation and grid stability. In doing so, we enable our users to live sustainably, achieve energy independence, and reduce energy costs—all with high quality and maximum comfort in a coordinated design.”

The newly introduced Architeller lecture format at ISH 2025 brought architects and exhibitors together in a professional and at the same time entertaining way. Jury member Tina Kammer (InteriorPark., Stuttgart) summed it up: “The new format proved to be a win for all involved. For companies, it was certainly a challenge to link their product innovations to societal responsibility in just three minutes—but perhaps it also was a valuable learning experience. For me as a jury member, it was interesting to see what stood out and stayed in mind in such a short time—since we also had just three minutes to absorb and assess everything. […] But that also reflects daily practice. As planners, it’s often too time-consuming for us to assess and evaluate companies regarding their sustainability strategies […].” Her assessment of the industry’s current state of sustainability: “Sustainable developments are visible, but still being pushed forward far too hesitantly […].”

The accompanying formats of ISH were diverse and accompanied the key themes of water, heat, and air. For the first time, the independently organized “Value of Water Conference” took place, which “impressively demonstrated that access to clean water and secure sanitation are global challenges that require innovative solutions and cross-sectoral collaboration,” said Stefan Seitz, Director of Brand Management ISH. He continued: “The focus of the discourse was on urgent issues such as water scarcity and hygiene, as well as concrete solution approaches. Topics included technological innovation, sustainable water management, and best practices from an international context. […] The discussions made it clear: only through cooperation, innovation, and clear political directives can global water supply be sustainably improved.”

The trend exhibition “Pop up my Bathroom” showed that it’s not just sanitary products that define the modern bathroom, but also technology, materials, sustainability, and above all, user needs and the feel-good factor that are crucial for holistic bathroom design. Additional impulses were offered to the interested public at the adjacent Design Plaza in lectures curated by various partners such as VDS, the VDMA Industrial Association for Sanitary Technology and Design, World-Architects, Stylepark, and Architonic.

During the Talks+Tours and Guided Tours by World-Architects, i.e. the guided tours of the trade fair and lectures, expert Barbara Wiethoff (JOI-Design, Hamburg), among others, guided attendees to selected manufacturers: “This year, ISH was a particularly inspiring platform for professional exchange for me—especially in the context of our focal topic ‘Shaping Everyday Wellbeing: Innovation and Design in Modern Bathrooms’. During the tour […] we gained a multi-faceted overview of current developments in design, technology, and user orientation, from sustainable materials and smart functions to holistic wellbeing concepts. What was especially enriching for me was the open exchange of knowledge. Once again, it became clear to what extent innovative products and good design can go hand in hand to transform everyday spaces into retreats for modern life.”

Architect Chris Middleton (Kinzo, Berlin) offered insights into the practice of Kinzo at the Design Plaza as part of the program curated by World-Architects. He explained the title of his lecture, “Rethinking Space: Adaptive Design and Unconventional HVAC for a Versatile Future,” as follows: “We’re always looking for synergies and smart combinations that are functionally surprising and well designed. Using the cavities of a cooling system for acoustics is one such example. We’re not afraid to showcase technology when it contributes to an authentic atmosphere. That’s why we advocate for boldly incorporating the always visible ceiling areas into the design. Open installations allow for greater ceiling height and a sense of spaciousness. That’s why we usually try to avoid standard suspended ceilings.”