Apple Sandton's Seamless Shower Solution: A Sanifloor Case Study
The Challenge: A Last-Minute Luxury Upgrade at Apple Sandton's New HQ In the prestigious business hub of Sandton, Johannesburg, the much-anticipated new headquarters for Apple South Africa was nearing its grand completion in 2024. Every detail had been meticulously planned, and the plumbing infrastructure was seemingly finalized. However, as often happens in high-profile projects, a last-minute request from one of the directors threatened to derail the smooth finish: they desired a specific, luxurious walk-in, floor-level shower design in their private office bathroom, mirroring the sophisticated aesthetics of Apple's international offices.

The problem? The existing setup was already complete with a standard step-up shower tray, and all the underlying plumbing had been installed and signed off. Altering this conventionally would have demanded intrusive and costly measures. Core drilling into the concrete floor slab was the only traditional option, but this came with significant implications: it would inevitably disrupt operations in the bustling call centre located directly below, forcing a two-day shutdown. For a project at such an advanced stage, with deadlines looming and operational continuity paramount, this was an unfeasible and undesirable outcome. The project managers and plumbers were in a tight spot, needing a solution that was both effective and minimally disruptive.
The Ingenious Solution: SFA Sanifloor to the Rescue
Faced with this critical juncture, SFA Saniflo South Africa was called in by one of their trusted, preferred installers. Understanding the high stakes and the need for a seamless, elegant solution, SFA Saniflo proposed the Sanifloor pump system. This was not just a product; it was the key to unlocking the desired luxury shower without the dreaded disruption.
The Sanifloor is a marvel of discreet plumbing technology. It's a compact and incredibly discreet pump system designed specifically for scenarios where gravity drainage is either impossible or highly impractical for low-level shower / walk-in showers / rain showers. Its genius lies in its ability to:
- Extract Water Efficiently: It effectively pulls wastewater from the ultra-low-profile shower drain or walk-in shower.
- Pump to Height: It then powerfully pumps this water up to the required height.
- Discharge to Existing Stack: Finally, it seamlessly discharges the wastewater into the existing soil stack, bypassing the need for extensive new pipework or disruptive floor alterations.
The Outcome: Luxury Achieved, Operations Uninterrupted
The implementation of the Sanifloor system proved to be the perfect fit for Apple Sandton's stringent requirements. The installation was:
- Quick and Clean: Minimising downtime and mess, crucial for a sensitive commercial environment.
- Cost-Effective: A stark contrast to the exorbitant costs associated with core drilling, structural modifications, and the economic impact of a two-day call centre closure.
- Visually Seamless: The compact unit could be discreetly concealed, allowing the director's vision for a pristine, walk-in, floor-level shower to become a reality without any visible compromise.
The installation was expertly carried out by SFA's team of preferred, well-trained installers, ensuring a flawless execution that met Apple's exacting standards.
This project is a prime example of how Saniflo's innovative solutions provide elegant and practical answers to complex plumbing challenges in high-profile commercial settings across South Africa. It demonstrates that with the right technology and skilled professionals, even the most ambitious last-minute design changes can be achieved without compromising efficiency or budget. The director got their dream shower, and Apple South Africa maintained its operational flow – a true win-win courtesy of Sanifloor.
Are you facing a challenging plumbing scenario in your commercial or residential project in South Africa? Discover how SFA Saniflo can provide the discreet, efficient, and cost-effective solution you need.
