When architects and specifiers evaluate the backbone systems of a building, plumbing is often viewed as a technical necessity rather than a design-enabling feature. But that’s changing. A new generation of materials and connection technologies is reshaping how plumbing systems can integrate with both design intent and modern construction workflows. At the forefront of this shift is Ridgeline, a new water pipe system from Flexigas, designed with architects, engineers, and specifiers in mind.
Here are five reasons why new plumbing systems like Ridgeline are transforming how building services are designed, specified, and delivered.
1. Design Freedom Through Flexibility
Traditional pipework systems, particularly copper and rigid plastic, often force compromises in routing and aesthetics. Sharp angles, excessive fittings, and bulky boxing can disrupt ceiling lines or clash with clean architectural finishes.
New plumbing systems like Ridgeline use multilayer composite pipe (MLCP) technology that combines the flexibility of plastic with the strength of aluminium. This allows pipework to follow precise routes, bend neatly around obstacles, and reduce the number of joints needed, giving architects more freedom to maintain the visual integrity of their designs.
Much like flexible gas pipe systems revolutionised gas pipe installations, Ridgeline offers a similarly smooth integration for water services.
2. Hidden Systems, Clean Lines
For high-end residential, hospitality, or commercial environments, concealed services are essential. Unlike traditional plumbing, which may require excessive boxing or visible surface runs, new plumbing systems like Ridgeline allow for slim, in-wall or in-ceiling installations.
Because Ridgeline’s pipework is both compact and easy to route, it supports cleaner, more minimalist interiors, something specifiers are increasingly prioritising in contemporary design schemes.
3. Long-Term Performance with Low Maintenance
Architects and specifiers don’t just design for day one; they design for the next 50 years. Ridgeline is engineered for long-term durability, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. Its multilayer structure prevents scaling, resists leaks, and ensures performance consistency over decades.
Whereas copper systems can degrade or require maintenance due to corrosion or water quality issues, new plumbing systems like Ridgeline offer a low-maintenance, high-reliability alternative. This is especially important in commercial or multi-residential buildings, where maintenance access is limited and service continuity is essential.
4. Easy Specification and Compliance
Specifiers need confidence that the systems they choose meet regulations and simplify documentation. Ridgeline is fully WRAS approved and manufactured to ISO standards, ensuring compliance with UK Building Regulations and water supply requirements.
Its press-fit connection system eliminates the need for hot works, flame permits, or complex tooling. This not only streamlines the installation process but also reduces health and safety concerns on site, something increasingly important in today's construction landscape.
For professionals already specifying gas pipe installations with Flexigas products, Ridgeline represents a seamless extension of the brand’s trusted, compliant offering.
5. Smarter Collaboration Across Disciplines
Modern construction is collaborative. Architects, M&E consultants, contractors, and developers must all work together to bring buildings to life. With new plumbing systems like Ridgeline, communication across these disciplines is simplified.
The system’s ease of design, installation, and modification means fewer clashes on-site, less back-and-forth during the planning phase, and smoother handovers. Combined with BIM-ready documentation and technical support from Flexigas, Ridgeline ensures everyone stays aligned, from concept to completion.
The construction industry has already embraced flexibility in heating, cooling, and even gas distribution through innovations like flexible gas pipe systems. Now, new plumbing systems like Ridgeline are bringing that same level of innovation and design agility to water infrastructure.
Whether you're working on a boutique residential project, a commercial fit-out, or a large-scale development, Ridgeline offers the performance, design freedom, and compliance assurance that today’s architectural professionals demand.
Explore Ridgeline today and discover how new plumbing systems are elevating the standard for water services, just as Flexigas has done for gas. Feel free to contact us for more information.