Architeckt Exposed Mixer Showers

An exposed mixer shower has all its pipework and valve body visible on the wall surface, giving a classic or industrial look and making installation straightforward since no building work is needed. A concealed mixer shower hides the valve body inside the wall with only a slim trim plate showing, creating a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. Exposed showers are generally easier to fit and service; concealed showers require more planning and wall preparation but offer a sleeker finish.

Yes, most exposed mixer showers are suitable for use with a combi boiler, provided the boiler can deliver adequate flow rate and pressure, typically a minimum of 1 bar dynamic pressure. Because a combi boiler supplies hot water on demand, there is no stored hot water cylinder, so the shower mixes the incoming cold and heated water directly. Always check the shower's minimum pressure requirements against your boilers output before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

It depends on the specific product. Some exposed mixer showers are sold as complete kits that include the valve, shower head, hose, and wall arm or riser rail, while others supply only the valve body and require you to purchase a shower kit separately. Always check the product description carefully to see exactly what is included before purchasing, and ensure any separately purchased accessories are compatible with the valve's connections.

The minimum water pressure required varies by model, but most exposed mixer showers need at least 0.5 to 1 bar of dynamic (flowing) pressure to operate correctly. Thermostatic models in particular often specify a minimum of 1 bar. If your home has low pressure, common with gravity-fed systems, check the product specifications carefully or look for a shower rated for low-pressure use. High-pressure systems (above 3 bar) may require a pressure-reducing valve to protect the shower valve.

Yes, many exposed mixer showers are designed for bath and shower combinations. These valves feature a diverter function that lets you switch the water flow between a bath spout and an overhead or handheld shower. When selecting a model for a bath-shower combo, look for one that explicitly includes a bath-fill or diverter outlet, and ensure the valve can handle the flow rates required for both functions simultaneously or alternately.