BATHROOMS: GRAHAM
GRAHAM PROMOTES BATHROOMS FOR LIFE
There’s a growing trend towards “future-proofed” homes, able to cope with a variety of needs from one household. BMJ talks to plumbers merchant Graham about how they are tackling this in their showrooms.
A
recent Bathroom Market Report by AMA Research shows that the demand for ‘inclusive’ bathroom solutions is growing in line with increased life expectancy and the developing number of people living with additional needs. They are continuing to live in their own homes for longer and a trend towards ‘multigenerational living’ has further increased the demand for accessible solutions that ‘future- proof’ bathrooms and can be used easily by the whole family.
Inclusivity
As such, it is important that bathroom showrooms develop their ‘inclusive’ product offering, not only for those currently living with additional needs but also to appeal to younger generations looking to future-proof their homes. This means incorporating modern, stylish and high quality products that at first glance do not appear to be specifically designed for those with increased accessibility needs.
Derek Charge, southern regional showroom manager for Graham says that the company makes sure the showrooms display a range of solutions to suit the demands of modern households and the diversity of occupants. “Within our recently fully redesigned bathroom
showroom in Evesham we have installed several inclusive roomset displays utilising products from Saniflo’s attractive Kinedo range, for example, a walk-in shower bath and a spacious bath replacement shower enclosure,” he says. “Both products are clean and smart in design, with subtle grab rails and ease-of- use accessories, ensuring that they are not far removed in design from a standard bath or shower. In addition we also have an easy access wet room on display, suitable for use by the whole family, and a range of tasteful
yet functional grab rails for customers to try out.” Change adds that the customers are not just fitting residential properties either and that the commercial market needs are met by the showrooms as well. “Part M of the Building regulations states that all commercial dwellings must have an accessible WC on the entrance level without the need to use stairs – this applies to both new builds and refurbishments. As with the residential sector, the commercial sector is also now
moving away from the traditional Document M regulation approved pack in favour of more aesthetically pleasing variants. In our Evesham branch, our own customer toilet is a Document M compliant model by Ideal Standard. In this location, we have taken care to ensure that whilst accessible to all, our customer amenities are attractive and stylish – further illustrating the ways in which inclusive products can be incorporated into future-proofed homes.” . Re-designing a bathroom can often be an extensive job, especially where standard
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2018
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