Rooms & Areas

Bathroom

Bathroom

The goal is to create a fully flexible, adaptable and Beautiful solution to the different needs of users. Safety as well as aesthetics is an important aspect of any bathroom. Space in a bathroom must allow for flexibility in its use and layout. Most adaptations are installed reactively based on changing medical grounds to existing housing and are required because bathrooms are unsuitable or inadequate. Many bathrooms are designed to minimum dimensions dictated by the length of the bath and the combined width of the fittings. Such bathrooms can be awkward for anyone, with the door swing taking up a large part of the clear floor area.

The size and layout of the bathroom should be spacious, Accessible and well designed to allow a wheelchair user unrestricted access and use. This can be further emphasized by using flexible and adjustable components of suitable design as well as support rails where required for easy and safe use of the bathroom.

By utilising adaptable and flexible components allows for the easy configuration of support arms and other items to suit individual changing needs for a fully age friendly design.

The main design consideration of the bathroom is to avoid a clinical feel that inherently comes from most adaptable/ Accessible bathrooms which can make it feel like you are at a hospital or doctors rather than your own home. By utilising simple and Beautiful finishes/materials as well as aesthetically pleasing bathroom components, the goal is to create a bathroom that is usable and enjoyed by all regardless of ability.

The Bathroom will be Connected via Digital inclusion incorporating the latest in smart home systems including Blackwood’s very own CleverCogs platform. Refer to the Digital Connectivity section for more information.


For further reading about the Bathroom, please use the Design Principles / Design & Layout tabs on the top image.

Design Principles

  • Affordable, flexible and adaptable components of suitable design for customisable bathroom to suit individual needs
  • Simple and contemporary layout
  • Contrasting colours and surfaces to provide direction and function as signals
  • Easily distinguishable components
  • Anti-slip floor surfaces
  • Large mirror over wash hand basin
  • Stylish recessed storage within wall
  • Underfloor heating• Heated towel rail
  • Specialised care toilet for independent living
  • Wireless remote shower unit
  • Glazed shower screen that can be easily folded and moved to the side against the wall opening up the bathroom space more
  • Beautiful and simple finishes & material choices to avoid clinical feel
  • Good lighting throughout.

Design & Layout

Typical Layout for Wheelchair Users
Housing for Varying Needs Guidance

Layout for Blackwood Home 

  • Minimum size of 2400 x 2900mm (7.0m2) to reflect current good practice
  • 1500mm diameter turning circle to allow for wheelchair users to access toilet and shower areas
  • Outward opening door or sliding pocket doors with a clear opening of atleast 840mm
  • Position of the WC should allow frontal or side transfer with a clear space of at least 750mm on one side.
  • The wash basin should be approximately 600mm wide and positioned at least 500mm from any wall with knee space below of at least 350mm to allow a wheelchair user to be close to the basin
  • The required height of the basin rim will range between 700-850mm.
  • The bath should have a space of least 400mm at the head of the bath to accommodate aids & provide a seated position.
  • The full length of the bath panel at the bottom should have a recess of at least 100mm high and 70mm deep to allow users to get close to the bath.
  • A shower tray of a minimum 1000 x 1000mm should be provided although it is preferable for a larger area of the floor at the showering area/toilet to be laid to falls to a gulley.
  • To minimalize the effect of the sloping floor, the gulley should be at the rear of the shower area and crossfalls should be kept to a minimum.
  • Water should be contained within the shower area therefore allowance should be made for the area to be enclosed with full or half height screens.
  • The shower controls should be at a height of 800-1000mm from the floor.
  • Walls should be designed to take grab and support rails as well as other wall hung fixtures.
  • All rails and supports should have a diameter of approximately 33mm and a space of 45mm between them and the wall.
  • 900 x 1100mm clearance in front of doors.
  • Clear space & turning zones between sanitaryware components and doorways.