Architecturally Designed and Compliant Elevator Drain Solutions for Modern Building Projects
Global Drain Technologies (GDT), a leader in innovative drainage solutions, announces a collaboration with Gensler, a global leader in architecture and design, to launch a new elevator drain collection for commercial applications. Grates within this collection were styled by Gensler New York’s renowned product development team, which collaborates with manufacturers to bring architecturally driven products to market. In this partnership, Gensler served as product design consultant, helping to ensure that the new offerings integrate beautifully within interior environments.
“This collaboration with Gensler has allowed us to reimagine what’s possible in elevator drainage, transforming a necessary building component into a statement of design and performance,” said Brenden Shearer, Senior Commercial Building Sales Representative at Global Drain Technologies. “Our clients can now specify elevator drains that meet rigorous code and safety standards while elevating the visual impact and functionality within their projects.”
This collection is a direct result of shared expertise between both firms, featuring architect-designed and engineer-certified grates that combine contemporary aesthetics with tested performance. The three main styles in this collection, Angle, Weave, and Flow, are each distinguished by distinctive profiles, all made from high-durability stainless steel and certified via third-party testing for flow rates, ADA performance, and safety.
“We’re pleased to have collaborated with Global Drain Technologies,” said EJ Chung, Design Director and Principal at Gensler. “This new range of elevator threshold drains demonstrates how even the most unassuming of infrastructure elements can support the highest aesthetic aspirations of contemporary architecture.”
The Angle grate, tested at 100 GPM, brings a refined yet striking design element for projects seeking added visual flair, while the Weave grate, tested at 100 GPM, showcases precision craftsmanship with its interlaced stainless steel pattern and cascading fractal look. Completing the collection, the Flow grate captures the tranquil movement of water through intricate laser cutting, offering lifelike detail and a 60 GPM flow rate for projects that require elevator drains, but a lower performance level than what is dictated by New York and California building codes. All gratings are fully ADA compliant and maintain a 100 GPM flow rate, with the exception of the Flow grate.
The collection features flexibility in color and finish customization. Standard offerings include stainless steel and black powder coated finishes, while a broad range of RAL custom colors are available for those specifying either grates, drain bodies, or both. Architects and clients can visually minimize or accentuate the system as desired.
Installation of the 2000 T-Series threshold drain is streamlined by a built-in levelling mechanism inside the drain body, ensuring that compliance with finished floor heights is simple and efficient. GDT’s slot drain solution, which features a 4-inch grate in contrast to traditional 9-inch-wide pan trench drains, delivers space savings and a sleeker finished look. The entire collection meets or exceeds code requirements for flow performance, including IAMPO certification for solutions rated up to 100 GPM as required by building codes, for buildings above 120’ in New York and California.
The elevator drain collection also introduces a tamper-proof grate locking detail. This concealed system, built into the grating itself, prevents unauthorized access in high-traffic locations while maintaining an uninterrupted, clean appearance. A simple turn-lock mechanism that is accessible but discreet safeguards system integrity and security in public and private settings.
The new offering from GDT redefines what building professionals can expect from elevator drains. Every model in the collection merges high durability with leading-edge architectural appeal, delivering value both as a compliance prerequisite and as a design statement.
For more information, visit https://globaldraintech.com/products/elevator-threshold-drain
About Global Drain Technologies
Global Drain Technologies (GDT) is a leader in manufacturing drainage products and systems, providing innovative solutions tailored to industry-specific needs. Through GDT’s FoodSafe Drains Division, GDT delivers specialized drainage solutions for the Food and Beverage sector. Additionally, GDT offers a comprehensive range of interior and exterior drainage solutions for both residential and commercial applications. GDT’s Landscape Drains products are designed for exterior use, enhancing residential and commercial properties with the benefits of our Slot Drain technology. As the inventor of the Slot Drain, GDT offers unparalleled expertise in integrated drainage solutions for both new construction and retrofit projects. GDT’s approach emphasizes value-added design, manufacturing, and product delivery, ensuring that products are hygienic, easy to clean, and maintain. GDT is committed to providing industry-leading service, support, and engineering.
About Gensler
At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.