bathrooms & wetrooms 43
Boundless possibilities
Lisa Zebiche from C. R. Laurence, suppliers of frameless shower enclosures, describes how achieving open, light spaces for showering can be achieved in a far wider range of developments.
W
hether the property concerned is a large country pad or a small apartment in central London, the
bathroom has become one of the most important rooms in the house. It is the place where occupants with busy lives want to relax, and this is the case no matter the restrictions of available space. One of the key requirements in the light of
this and driven by users’ experience of facilities such as spas is to try and maintain a feeling of openness and greater space than may be initially apparent. Today, when building or renovating a
bathroom, most consumers begin by thinking about the shower area and the way it can be transformed into an unrestricted space with a spa-like feeling. Once only available to the most modern and high-end residences, the sleek features of the frameless shower enclosure have become a must-have in new and renovated bathrooms, regardless of style or décor. In a very short space of time, frameless shower enclosures have evolved to provide the most understated configurations, providing next to no visual distraction. Industry professionals are constantly being
challenged to create minimalist styles that are as strong and as safe as the bulky and obstructive designs of the past. While we used to be happily confined to cubicles which resembled phone booths, modern frameless models draw on the
latest technological innovations to provide a more open shower experience. A much wider range of products are now
available to enable frameless enclosures, from the ideal steaming room comprising all-glass floor to ceiling panels fixed by U-channels and connected with hinges and clamps, to a simple sliding door system or fixed glass panel supported by a stabilisation bar. Whichever way, most configurations achieve
the illusion of a free-standing glass enclosure, offering an uninterrupted view of the surroundings. More light in the room means a more desirable environment for the shower to take place, enhancing the user’s experience. The UK population is ageing, with one in six
people now over 65. It is crucial that we make bathrooms easy to access so that consumers don’t have to worry about how they will overcome future difficulties, like climbing into the bath tub. Walk-in or walk-through frameless shower enclosures are an ideal option. They can be
constructed at the same level as the floor, making them easily accessible. Hygiene and ease of cleaning are also key
factors. Framed shower enclosures are not only often unsightly, they also have many intricate corners where dirt, moist and mildew can accumulate. The minimalistic designs of frame- less showers do not allow deposits of dirt to build up. Rather, they provide a hygienic solution in moist and humid environments and are more durable, while reducing water retention com- pared to their framed counterparts.
Custom-made enclosures
With rising interest in interior design and the growing desire from homeowners to live in a distinctive space of their own, there is a greater demand for the creation of elegant shower enclosures. Customers want the size and shape to be perfect for their bathroom and this is where customised products come in.
Continued overleaf... respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68