Design/Build Expert: Bathroom Basics

topic of the articles

by Brendan Charters

Standard features with an eye towards the future

The earliest records of baths date back to 3000 BC. In 5,000 years, the basic need for bathing has not changed tremendously, though the frequency of use of this societal norm has increased and so has our expectations of this essential space. The technological revolution is also helping to shift our expectations of what we encounter when we enter these rooms. When thinking of these spaces, virtually every aspect of these rooms can be categorized into two main segments.

HIGH STANDARDS: Heated floors, steam showers, stone and glass tile, custom niches and cabinets are all perceived luxuries we see as standard or basic features in most projects today. Photography by Valerie Wilcox.

DEGREES OF DISCRETION

The first is privacy. Powder rooms on the main floor must never open directly into the dining, kitchen or even living rooms. The expectation is growing that these rooms have some level of sound attenuation to them, with solid-core doors and sound insulation, and even sound-board drywall. Stack drains are also frequently being insulated. Pocket doors, while functional at saving space, do little to conceal what is occurring beyond the door. Quiet ventilation fans are nice when located as an ensuite feature, yet noisier fans can come in handy when trying to cancel other sounds. In many ensuite bathrooms, we are noticing a resurgence of more formal water closets, giving the toilet its own space for its own function, resulting in a more spa-like experience for the rest of the bathroom, and allowing for more comfortable multi-user scenarios.

EXCUSE ME The fortress of solitude-or—enclosed water closet—is a luxury few think about, but all fall in love with when they realize the functionality. Photography by Valerie Wilcox.

COMFORT ZONE

The second is comfort. Comfort is a highly subjective term, and one which we internally frame in different ways, depending on our personal situation and lifestyle experience, as well as needs. While 10 years ago, I would have thought comfort includes a shower with multiple body sprayers, a Kohler steam shower, heated floors, marble-tile finishes and a Toto washlet (a toilet with a heated seat, built-in bidet and blow dryer function—who needs toilet paper?!). Now, in 2017, I think of accessibility, critically positioned grab bars, wide doorway entrances, curbless showers, floating vanities, occupant-sensing lights, and moisture-sensing fans. When we are healthy and able-bodied, bathrooms fill dream and Pinterest boards with spa-like set-ups, rich finishes, mountain or seaside views and candles. When loved ones around us (or even ourselves) are not physically well, the access to and simple usability of a washroom becomes the most basic of needs, that if not designed and built with access restrictions in mind, can become an unattainable and non-functioning space, forcing them out of the home.

CAUTION–CURB AHEAD Regardless of the quality of finishes, if you are unable to get in to, or out of, a shower safely and easily, it can render a beautiful bathroom, useless. Photography by Andrew Snow.

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

In recent years, I have noticed more and more clients planning for the dream of aging in place, or simply being able to return home, versus staying in hospital or a long-term care facility. With personal family and friends being forced to undue prior expensive cosmetic renovations in order to make an existing bathroom an accessible place, it definitely makes me pause and think about what the new era of standard features in a bathroom should be. Even if only needed for temporary injury or rehabilitation, an accessible bathroom in every home should become a basic need, one which I bet our Baby Boomer generation will push for in upcoming building code revisions. Forget your spa experience (for now)—let’s create spaces that everyone can use and benefit from for the long term—so we can all stay at home if we want to, no matter the health circumstance.

Lastly, and most importantly, before undertaking a renovation project in your own home, start your search at the home for the Professional Renovator at renomark.ca , where the top licensed and insured contractors can be found in Canada, from coast to coast. Happy Renovating!