Bathroom Design Elements

Bathroom Design Elements

DESIGN ELEMENTS
The elements of universal bathroom design are:

• Lighting
• Flooring materials
• Switches and controls
• Doors
• Vanities, drawers and storage
• Grab bars
• Toilets
• Showers
• Bathtubs

Lighting
A range of different lighting levels constitutes one design element in creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom. It is also a universal design approach. A night light in the bathroom is an excellent feature.

It is also possible to install a light that gradually adjusts the rate of illumination. When you awake in the middle of the night, a motion detector activates the light, which slowly brightens so you are not overwhelmed.

Adjustable directed or task lighting also allows you to have extra illumination in key areas of the bathroom such as the vanity or shower area. Ambient lighting should be provided to maintain an even level of illumination throughout the bathroom. (Fluorescent lighting offers the most diffused light and reduces glare.) People with visual impairments may require greater luminance to maximize their vision.

Where possible, take advantage of opportunities to maximize natural lighting, but be careful to avoid glare. Glare-free surface treatments and a soft matte paint finish are preferred by most people, especially persons with visual impairments or dementia. These finishes reduce glare and complement illumination levels, creating a more relaxing atmosphere.

Flooring materials
Durability, ease of cleaning, comfort, and a safe non-slip surface, are some of the main considerations when selecting flooring. Slip resistance for floors should be assessed when both dry and wet. A wide selection of different flooring surfaces exists. Marble floors should be avoided as they are very slippery, especially when wet. Vinyl flooring is available in sheets or tiles and is low-maintenance. However, it must be installed on a plywood surface, and, as a result, there will be some emissions from the glue, vinyl and plywood. A ceramic tile floor is waterproof, easy to clean and easy to wheel on.

Whatever type of flooring material is selected, ensure the flooring is installed so that it is level with adjacent flooring to avoid having a lip or rise where the different flooring materials meet. A heated floor should be considered for added comfort.

Switches and controls
Switches and controls should all be located within easy reach and be easy to operate. An electrical outlet should be strategically located within the reach of someone both standing and seated, either near the sink or vanity area. Other controls and switches, including the switch for the ventilation fan should be located at a maximum height of 1,200 mm (47 in.) from the floor.

Doors
It is also a good idea to think about the manoeuvring space required for the door. Adequate space should be provided inside the bathroom to allow you to close the door when you are inside. Likewise, space is required to allow you to easily open the door to exit.

All doors should have a minimum clear width of 810 mm (32 in.) and should be designed to maximize manoeuvring space. Pocket doors can be used, particularly in smaller bathrooms, but they may not provide adequate noise protection. Furthermore, the hardware to open pocket doors may be difficult to operate for some people with limited dexterity.

Vanities, drawers and storage
Many bathrooms have two sinks or washbasin areas in the vanity. A universal design approach might be to install them at different heights.

When a washbasin will be used from a seated position, a shallow sink with the drain offset to the rear is recommended. This will allow sufficient knee space and will result in the drainage pipes being out of the way, eliminating the hazard of leg burns. Alternatively, the drainage pipes can be insulated. Vanities at a height of 860 mm (34 in.) are more convenient for children, people who are shorter and people who use a wheelchair. If the person who uses the vanity is taller, he or she may appreciate a vanity at a height of 910 mm (36 in.). Adaptability can also be achieved by installing a vanity with electrically adjustable height counters, which are available from a number of innovative bathroom designers.

There should be knee space provided at the vanity for someone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or chair.

Knee space should be at least 800 mm wide x 600 mm deep (31 x 24 in.), at a height of 730–860 mm (29–34 in.), with a minimum footprint in front of 750 x 1,200 mm (30 x 47 in.).

A FlexHousing™ approach would be to install cupboard doors that swing open and retract back in under the vanity.

A faucet controlled by a single lever or a motion detector is most convenient. This provides flexibility and ease of use for all family members. It is a good idea to avoid gooseneck faucets as they can splash excessively. Faucets at the washbasin should be lever-handled and should clearly indicate the hot and cold controls; this style is particularly useful for people who have cognitive limitations. There are even faucets that provide a change in the colour of the water depending on its temperature. It is important to provide adequate storage for people while seated at the vanity.

A set of drawers beside the sink is particularly useful. Storing related things in the same drawer or cupboard where they are easy to find is appreciated by everyone but is especially important for someone with limited mobility or a visual impairment. Some people who use incontinence supplies need to have easy access to storage near the toilet and sink area.

Installing drawers that pull out fully, to display their contents for easy retrieval, is an excellent approach. Cupboards and drawers should have a D-type pull handle, which is easier for people with reduced mobility or agility to use.

Touch-and-release drawers are universally accessible to everyone, including people with limited hand dexterity. People with reduced vision may prefer to have handles that contrast with their background. A contrasting colour for the interior of drawers and cupboards may also increase visibility for people with limited vision.

The medicine cabinet or storage area for pharmaceutical supplies should be installed with the shelves at a maximum height of 1,400 mm (55 in.), if it is to be reached by someone using a wheelchair. It should not be located beyond the reach range (approximately 500 mm or 20 in.) and it should be capable of being opened by someone with limited dexterity. If there are children in the home or people who should not have access to the cabinet, it is recommended that a locking device be installed. A full-length mirror is ideal. If there is a mirror over the vanity, it should be mounted with its lower edge at a maximum height of 1,000 mm (39 in.).

People with reduced vision should avoid bathrooms with busy patterns; many people prefer to have solid colours that provide some contrast. Some people select contrasting edging or a raised edge on the sink to help in identifying margins.

Grab bars
Grab bars should be 30–40 mm (1 ¼–1 ½ in.) in diameter and should have a non-slip surface. Grab bars must be installed into a wall with sufficient support (into studs or reinforced walls) to carry your weight. A space of 35–45 mm (1 3⁄8–1 5⁄8 in.) is recommended between the grab bar and the wall, with sufficient clearance above the grab bar to allow you to grasp it.

The CSA Standard B651 requires that grab bars be mounted so they provide a minimum support of 133 kg (approximately 290 lbs). An excellent approach during construction is the structural reinforcement of the walls surrounding bathtubs and toilets for grab bar installation, thereby preventing the need to remove the tiling and walls at a later date. This approach also allows for customized location of the grab bars to suit the user. Using 16-mm (½-in.) plywood, reinforce the areas behind and beside the toilet, starting at a height of 450 mm (18 in.). Reinforce the three walls around a bathtub or shower stall up to a height of 1,200 mm (47 in.).

Grab bars near the toilet
Grab bars should be provided beside the toilet for support. Fold-down grab bars are particularly helpful in installations where there is no wall beside the toilet. Another advantage of fold-down grab bars is that they can be folded up out of the way for use by other family members.

Most people prefer a horizontal grab bar on the side and back walls although others might prefer a fold-down grab bar due to space limitations. Grab bars beside a toilet should be mounted at a height between 750–850 mm (30–33 in.), depending on individual preference. They should extend at least 450 mm (18 in.) in front of the toilet seat to allow them to be grasped while transferring from a wheelchair. The grab bar behind the toilet should also extend horizontally at least 600 mm (24 in.) in length.

Grab bars in the shower
A vertical grab bar at the entrance of the shower area should be mounted at least 80–120 mm (3–5 in.) from the outside edge of the shower enclosure and with its lower end at a height of 600–650 mm (24–26 in.) from the floor. It should extend at least 1,000 mm (39 in.) in length to ensure it can be easily grasped by everyone. To ensure universal accessibility, the shower controls should be intuitive to use, easy to operate and be easily reached.

Grab bars near the bathtub
Getting safely into and out of the bathtub, especially for older people and people with balance limitations can be a challenge. Bathtubs are one of the most common locations for falls in the home. A vertical grab bar on the wall beside the bathtub is highly recommended for everyone. It should be a minimum of 1,200 mm (47 in.) in length and mounted immediately inside the bathtub enclosure.

Grab bars should be installed to suit the particular user or users. Most people prefer a horizontal grab bar along the side walls although others might prefer two grab bars, one horizontal and one vertical to assist in getting out of the tub. A horizontal grab bar installed to meet your needs should be placed at a height between 180–280 mm (7–11 in.) above the rim of the bathtub. Another common installation is a vertical grab bar in a location that you can reach while seated in the bathtub.

Toilets
The market offers a wide range of toilets; it is important to select one that meets your needs. A low water volume or dual-flush toilet is an excellent sustainable option.

A back support on the toilet will provide stability and assist those with balance limitations. Some toilets have an automatic flushing feature. Some people who use wheelchairs prefer a wall hung toilet as it provides additional manoeuvring space below the toilet.

Manoeuvring space at a toilet must be carefully considered. If there is someone in the household who needs some assistance or may require it in the future, it is important to provide adequate space for the caregiver, either in front of the toilet or beside the toilet. Additionally, if you approach the toilet while using a wheelchair, you may approach from the side, the front or angled from the side. Consider your personal preference and space requirements.

The CSA Standard B651 specifies a range of heights for the toilet seat from 400–460 mm (16–18 in.). Children and some people who use wheelchair and transfer independently prefer a lower height as it is easier to use. Alternatively, many older people prefer a toilet that is a little higher as it easier for them to get up and down. Care must be taken not to have a raised toilet seat for someone at a height where their feet do not touch the floor as this may affect their ability to balance.

The toilet should be installed with its centre line between 460–480 mm (18–19 in.) from the wall. This ensures that grab bars are within reach for those transferred onto the toilet.

The flush control should be located within easy reach, on the open transfer side of the toilet. The placement of the tissue dispenser should also be carefully considered so that it is easy to find and does not interfere with the use of the grab bar. It should also be within easy reach, not requiring that someone lean too far over to the side or reach back. An excellent idea for people who have limited hand function is a toilet that sprays water for cleaning followed by hot air for drying.

In some tiled bathrooms with a drain in the floor, there is a flexible shower hose located beside the toilet for ease of cleaning.

Some homeowners have chosen to install a urinal in their bathroom to better suit their needs. Grab bars can be installed on the walls to further increase its usability.

Showers
The universally designed accessible shower is increasingly appearing in “wet rooms” or “spa bathrooms” in Canadian homes. They are large tiled areas with one or more shower heads and appropriate drainage.

These showers accommodate more than one person, children, persons who use a mobility device and even the family dog. The floor should have positive drainage, and the water should flow to the drain via gravity.

The drain should be located to the side where people will not be standing or wheeling on it. Shower controls should be located so that they are easily reached at a maximum height of 1,200 m (47 in.). A handheld pliable shower hose increases flexibility and usability. The hose should be a minimum of 1,500 mm (59 in.) long or even longer if it is to be used by someone seated on a shower bench or seat.

Shower heads at a variety of different heights and positions are increasingly being installed by builders.

Shower controls should be intuitive and easy to use by everyone. Water temperature can be controlled before it reaches the shower or bathtub and should be set at a maximum temperature of 49°C (120°F). Colour and texture can be used to reinforce information on the controls. Wheel-in showers are preferred by people who shower from a seated position, on a shower wheelchair or a bath seat.

Caregivers also appreciate the increased space. A wheel-in shower should be at least 750 x 1,500 mm (30 x 59 in.) and should be equipped with both a vertical and horizontal grab bar. Care must also be taken to provide adequate clear manoeuvring space of 900 x 1,200 mm (35 x 47 in.) outside of the shower area. Some people may use a portable shower seat; others may prefer a fold-down bench, which should be firmly anchored. The seat should allow easy access to the controls and be constructed with a non-slip surface, which is particularly important in view of the slippery nature of soaps and shampoos.

Some children and adults with disabilities prefer to have a change table on which they can lie while getting dressed or being assisted in dressing. The table should be a minimum of 1,500 mm (59 in.) in length and 800 mm (31 in.) in width and should be installed to support the weight of the user. A smaller shower enclosure with a fixed shower seat is often installed in smaller bathrooms.

Care should be taken to avoid the tripping hazards created by sliding doors or a high curb or threshold. Many of these showers are prefabricated as a moulded enclosure with integrated support handles.

These support handles should be carefully checked to ensure they will support the weight of a person. Consider adding a vertical grab bar on the outside of the shower enclosure to provide stability while entering.

Bathtubs
Many people enjoy a soak in a hot bath, especially people who wish to relax or relieve muscle pain. There are many different types of bathtubs, some very large, some with water jets, some with hand grips built into the tub, some made with soft sides and even some that have a side door for entry.

In selecting a bathtub, the first consideration is to assess your needs and preferences. It is important for safety purposes to have a non-slip surface, grab bars and a flat-bottomed tub to provide stability.

Grab rails or hand grips in prefabricated bath enclosures should be checked to ensure they have adequate reinforcement to support a person’s weight.

There are a wide variety of mechanisms or lifts that can be used in the bathtub to lower and raise you in the water. Many of these are designed with a bath seat that swivels to allow for ease of use. Check with an occupational therapist or your medical supply store for further information.

Waterproof bath seats offer another option and are especially useful in view of their portability. Many hotels and motels have bath seats available for use by their customers. Bath seats should be placed in the tub within reach of the controls, be nonslip and free of hazards.

Walk-in bathtubs
Another option is to consider bathtubs with doors that allow for easy entry. This option is popular among people with limited balance and agility, older people, and those who often prefer a bath to a shower. The bath has a door that is equipped with a locking system, which is lever-operated, and ensures a safe seal to prevent any water leakage.

The lengths of walk-in baths vary from 1,070–1,320 mm (42–52 in.) and have widths from 660–760 mm (26–30 in.). There are even some models that will convert an existing bathtub into a walk-in bath.

Visitable homes
Visitable housing is an emerging approach to house design that promotes the inclusion of a basic level of accessibility into all housing, and enables everyone to get in and out of the house and be able to use the bathroom. Such an approach will not only accommodate visitors to your home who may be elderly or disabled, but it will also better accommodate the reality of changing ability that we all experience as we grow older.

A visitable house incorporates three basic access features:

1. A zero-step entry
2. All main floor interior doors (including bathrooms) feature a clear opening width of 810 mm (32 in.)
3. At least a half-bath, but preferably a full bath on the main floor

For the bathroom to be usable, it must feature a clear floor space of at least 750 x 1,200 mm (30 x 47 in.) that is not impeded by the door swing. Many communities are considering visitability features as part of new development projects.

Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice on your bathroom design that can help you save money.

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