Intelligent detailing in accessible bathrooms

Selecting the right products for an adapted bathroom

Accessible bathrooms can be safe and practical while being beautiful and complement the overall interior scheme. Image courtesy of Fitzroy of London

Clever details can elevate an accessible bathroom in many ways. Creating an accessible and beautiful bathroom is no small feat. It involves intensive planning and skilled execution. Crucially, the products you select play a significant role in the final look and feel of the space and the flexibility it affords, especially in independent living and accessible bathrooms.

Intelligent detailing is a seamless integration of multiple design criteria – from carefully considering the placement of fixtures on tiles to making sure that there are no difficult to clear areas – all are important when delivering high quality spaces. Increasingly, designers are called upon to find fixtures and fittings that address client’s requirements and answer all criteria for a truly adaptable accessible space.

However, products that satisfy the exacting standards of the client, as well as regulatory requirements that aligns with the overall vision, is tough. With their passion for the delivery of good quality outcomes that go beyond functionality, Himmelzimmer is always on the lookout for such products.

Himmelzimmer's top five product picks from Fitzroy of London

After some research, Himmelzimmer became aware of Fitzroy of London’s full range of accessible bathroom products, from grab rails to soap dispensers. The best part of it was the array of finishes they could come in allowing the studio a lot of choice. To assist others in selecting high quality fixtures and accessories, Himmelzimmer have picked out some products from Fitzroy of London that caught their eye due to their functionality, aesthetic and craftsmanship. The studio looked at their Signature Gosfield, Hanson and Portland Collections and selected their top five products that sit well with contemporary and minimal accessible bathrooms. The team found the removable fixtures to be especially suitable for independent living due to their ability to be customized as physical needs change with age.

The Hanson Collection, 650mm stainless steel frame wall mounted fold down Doc M shower seat

This shower seat has a striking yet minimal appearance and is removable, allowing bathrooms to be adapted over time without compromising aesthetics. The fold down functionality especially improves space efficiency where every square centimetre counts. In addition, the construction is of stainless steel and comes in a variety of finishes for the seat and the fixing parts, totalling over 50 combinations of finishes, allowing for integration within an overall material palette for a space.

The Gosfield Collection, stainless steel concealed fixing removable L-shape grab rail

This flangeless removable grab rail is a minimalist fixture that goes beyond the primary function of safety in the bathroom and reducing the risk of falls. The fact that it does not have flanges helps with incorporating it within minimalist and contemporary designs although the product range is also available with the flange if needed. It comes in a variety of finishes such as satin brass, chrome, antique brass and many more, making it even more customisable. The best feature is its removability which is handy for home adaptations, as it‘s supplied with its blanking plate kit that covers up the wall fixing points. The blanking plates can be installed well in advance of being necessary due to living circumstances, or can be fixed on later, when accessibility needs change, without compromising on the aesthetic of the current bathroom, so long as they are considered as part of the design at the outset.

The Portland Collection, 220mm solid brass concealed fixing removable back rest rail and pad

The Portland Collection 220mm solid brass concealed fixing removable seat pad is distinct and is made of

This product is a great option for the changing needs of an ageing in place home. The back rest would be placed above the WC for extra support. The wooden backrest and solid brass fixing lend itself well to the aesthetic of a traditional home. The removable components for this fixture allow it to be added on later in an ageing in place or independent living setting. The finishes include mahogany, natural oak and wenge as well as many metal finishes for the removable fixtures, giving it added flexibility.

The Gosfield Collection, Advanced showering system with thermostatic controls

The Gosfield Collection, Advanced showering system with thermostatic controls is sleek and has easy controls for accessibility

Thermostatic controls prevent burns. This advanced showering system, which includes, pipes, handheld showers and thermostatic controls combines with a mixer with extended handles for easier operation by users with limited dexterity. Architectural styling is easy with the multiple finishes and minimal design. The finishes available include polished chrome plated, PVD satin brass, matt dark bronze etc. Himmelzimmer found that it has a good balance of functionality safety and visual cohesion.

Adaptations can be done successfully in period properties with carefully selected fittings. Image courtesy of Fitzroy of London

The Gosfield Collection, deck mounted infrared mixer tap

The Gosfield Collection Deck Mounted Mixer Tap is mains powered and can be adjusted to different sensitivity levels. Image courtesy of Fitzroy of London

This infrared mixer tap integrates touchless operation improving not only hygiene but accessibility as well. This is particularly beneficial for users with limited dexterity and mobility. Mains powered operation makes the level of maintenance needed minimal, unlike battery operated taps. It also has a sleek contemporary appearance which helps in integrating with bathroom designs without any visual clashes, due to its discrete aesthetic.

The Hanson Collection : Image courtesy of Fitzroy of London

Adapted bathrooms that go beyond functionality

The detailing and consideration of the above selected products goes to show how accessible items can go beyond their functional and regulatory requirements while blending seamlessly into the wider building context. With Himmelzimmer’s detailed approach to spaces what caught the design team’s eye is the level of flexibility and the variety of finishes each product afforded. Of particular note are the clever features that allow products to be folded or removed, so that a bathroom can be fitted as and when required in an ageing in place setting. Also, it is worth noting that that this level of intelligent design is soon becoming not only a mainstay in hospitality and commercial bathrooms but also in residential settings as well. Himmelzimmer anticipate the level of consideration that Fitzroy of London take in the design of their fixtures and accessories to be a widely adopted standard in the future for most accessible bathroom designs.

We partnered with Fitzroy of London to create this article on intelligent detailing in accessible bathrooms. Please feel free to learn more about Fitzroy’s products here and enquire through their website here. www.fitzroyoflondon.com‍ ‍