Evac unveils Evac VacuConvert: the first gravity-to-vacuum conversion solution for building conversion and adaptive reuse projects

Evac today introduced Evac VacuConvert™, a brandnew toilet frame that brings vacuum technology to conventional toilet models. For the first time, architects and developers can combine their preferred modern toilet designs with the full power of vacuum sanitation – unlocking flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in building conversion and adaptive reuse initiatives.

As cities worldwide face rising housing demand, shrinking office use, and mounting climate targets, repurposing existing structures is accelerating. In the U.S., one in five office buildings stands empty. In Europe, the EU has pledged to renovate 35 million properties by 2030. Yet conventional gravity plumbing remains one of the biggest barriers, forcing costly demolition, restricting design choices, and consuming vast amounts of water.

“Two trends are driving the opportunity we see today: urbanization and the change in work habits after COVID. More people moving to cities increases the demand for new apartments, while shifting work patterns leave offices empty. That makes conversion and reuse one of the defining opportunities of our time,” said Björn Ullbro, CEO of Evac Group. “Yet converting offices into apartments involves major investment, not least in plumbing. Traditional gravity systems are invasive, expensive, and slow. Vacuum frees projects from those constraints, making conversion faster, more flexible, and more cost-efficient.”

VacuConvert redefines what’s possible in conversion plumbing

Evac VacuConvert is designed for developments where conventional drainage solutions make reuse difficult: office-to-apartment projects that require new layouts, below-sewer-level spaces where gravity simply doesn’t work, or heritage buildings with strict preservation rules.

By combining a sleek in-wall frame with a single smart vacuum discharge valve, VacuConvert enables toilets to connect directly to a vacuum network – without altering their visible design. This lets architects preserve their design vision while giving engineers uncompromised performance.

“Conversions often stall on plumbing,” said Jari Pudas, Product Line Manager, Land-based Systems at Evac. “This is the bridge – pair your preferred bowl designs with vacuum, move wet areas where you need them, preserve the structure, and keep the schedule on track.” 

VacuConvert delivers on the toughest demands of reuse projects

• All aesthetics, one performance: Keep the look you want; get the vacuum benefits you need.
• Design without limits: No pitch, slab, or roof vents. Place wet areas far from or above existing stacks.
• Renovate without demolition: Avoid heavy excavation and shutdowns; cut raw material use, save costs, and finish projects 15–20% faster.
• Save up to 90% water: Reduce consumption compared with gravity, often eliminating the need for local treatment plants and accelerating green certification processes. 

VacuConvert creates economic, environmental, and social value

Adaptive reuse projects must balance cost, sustainability, and aesthetics. VacuConvert addresses all three:

• Economic: Fewer materials, shorter timelines, and minimal disruption keep projects affordable and revenue streams intact.
• Environmental: Using vacuum instead of gravity can cut water use by up to 90%, minimize waste, and avoid demolition-related emissions.
• Social: Preserving heritage, protecting neighborhood character, and extending the life of existing assets helps cities grow smarter, not just bigger.

Technical highlights

• Dimensions: Width 580 mm; Depth 175–500 mm; Height 1140–1260 mm
• Operating pressure: 0.3–10 bar
• Consumption: 2.1–2.3 L/flush (depending on bowl)
• Lift capacity: Tested maximum lift of 4 m
• Weight: 22.0 kg
• Compatibility: Designed to pair with a wide range of modern wall- and floor-mounted toilets (see technical data sheet for details and certifications).

Available now worldwide

Evac VacuConvert is available globally from today. Visit evac.com/vacuconvert to explore applications, download the technical sheet or request a consultation with an Evac expert.