IT’S the bathroom equivalent of the Swiss army knife.
Instead of can openers, screwdrivers, tweezers and scissors, the space-saving Vertebrae comes with a sink, toilet, water cistern, storage units and children’s and adults’ showers.
Designed by Huddersfield businessman Paul Hernon, the £9,000, 8ft steel column was created for small flats.
Mr Hernon, who founded Design Odyssey, on Ray Street, off Great Northern Street, said: “I think it pushes the boundaries of anything that has been done before.
“People who have seen it are completely blown away.”
The two showers rotate 180 degrees.
The other units rotate a full 360 degrees around the central steel column which contains all the piping. Each part simply pushes out when it is required.
Mr Hernon, 38, said: “I did lots of research and it became obvious to me that bathroom space was decreasing, particularly in apartments.
“I have created an intriguing, but functional and simplistic space-saving bathroom by stacking the contents of a bathroom on top of one another.
“It is designed to utilise vertical space instead of horizontal floor space. It is quick to assemble and easy to maintain – all you need is a wet room to put it in.”
He said his creation could fit into a smaller space than a traditional bathroom, meaning architects could design smaller bathrooms and free up more space for other rooms.
But the creation is not a lightweight option, weighing in at 150kg, or more than 23 stone.
It means householders might have to reinforce their bathroom floor before having it fitted.
The Vertebrae, named after the human spine, is expected to go on sale in 2009.
Bespoke versions will be available with shaving mirrors, lights and other additions.
