PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2025 AccessibleBathrooms 27


Designing dignifi ed spaces within budget


When it comes to creating cost effi cient accessible bathrooms, the secret lies in balancing Part M compliance with the needs of the user. AKW’s Stuart Reynolds discusses how specifi ers and installers can keep customers and regulators happy, without breaking the bank.


T he data shows


that by 2035, the number of people aged


60+ in England


alone will reach 29% of the population, and this ageing population is driving demand for inclusive bathrooms and kitchens. Alongside this ageing demographic, a survey released by the Department for Work and Pensions in March has also shown that the number of disabled people in the UK is on the rise. Nearly one in four (24%) of the total population is now classifi ed as disabled, representing an increase of 3.9 million people over the past decade. The factors infl uencing the


delivery of cost-eff ective, long- lasting, accessible bathroom installation are many. However key areas that infl uence the result include: Cost and funding – Minor


adaptations, such as grab rails, are relatively straightforward to fund, however major bathroom adaptations require a means tested Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and occupational assessment. Layout and space –


Retrofi tting a bathroom to be accessible and fully compliant can be challenging when dealing with outdated existing designs, materials and infrastructure.


Good versus poor design –


Well thought out design plays an important part in helping minimise the pain points for installation and improve the fi nal client experience.


Cost-eff ectiveness Here are some things for installers to bear in mind when looking to create cost-effi cient accessible bathrooms: Strategic planning - Initial


designs need to prioritise accessibility from the outset to avoid expensive retrofi tting. If possible, the use of standardised layouts with modular bathroom components is worth considering across


 To achieve an eff ective and user friendly outcome, installers should think of


installing anti-slip fl ooring, lever taps and toilet fl ushes, electric showers with easy- to-use buttons and dials, and TRV regulation


and shower seats are available in a range of colours to aid those with visual impairments. Also remember that colour contrast is best achieved with contrasting shades of the same colour rather than diff erent colours.


Stuart Reynolds UK marketing and product management director at AKW


Showering success – The


With the right choice of fixtures and fittings, it is possible to create functional, long- lasting spaces that are cost-effective as well as good looking


CUT TO THE CHASE


 By 2035, 29% of England’s population will be aged 60 or older, increasing the need for accessible bathrooms


 Accessible bathroom design must consider cost, layout, regulatory compliance and material choices


 Strategic planning and standardised layouts can reduce costs and improve accessibility


 Collaborating with occupational therapists enhances design quality and usability


properties to reduce material and labour costs. However, this only works up to a point – think of installing anti-slip fl ooring, lever taps and toilet fl ushes, electric showers with easy-to- use buttons and dials and TRV regulation - as each person’s accessibility needs will diff er. Also, the layout of the bathroom should be optimised, so that it is functional, meeting minimum requirements for turning circles and fi xture placement, etc.


Regulatory compliance


–Meeting Doc M Building Regulations is fundamental to ensuring that an accessible bathroom meets access standards for the user, be that a turning circle of 1500mm for wheelchair users, specifi c height grab rails or sanitaryware etc. It is also worth bearing in mind BS 8300-2:2018 Standards that go beyond minimum compliance and help create spaces that are genuinely usable for individuals with disabilities.


Careful choice of materials


– choosing materials that are durable as well as suitable for the user is key. Easy wins in this area include the installation of non-slip vinyl fl ooring that is durable


and aff ordable and reduces the risk of slips, moisture- resistant wall panels instead of tiles, which are cost- eff ective and easy to clean and corrosion-resistant grab rails that are low-maintenance. Also incorporating water- effi cient fi xtures such as lower fl ow electric showers has sustainable as well as running- cost benefi ts.


Better outcomes Having worked with occupational therapists to create many accessible bathroom how-to guides over the years, the AKW website is an excellent resource for those looking to learn best practice design advice and how to maximise cost- effi ciencies in the installation of accessible bathrooms or making adaptations. Here are some excerpts:


Managed movement –


Grab rails and shower seats with arm rests promote safer movement. For those with visual impairments use two colours where the light refl ective value (LRV) diff erence between both colours is greater than 30. This creates the most noticeable contrast between an object and its surroundings. Grab rails


controls need to be simple to understand and easy to use – and if needed, to use with one hand operation. There should also be obvious up and down buttons for temperature and fl ow control. Look for BEAB Care certifi ed or approved by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) showers. This is because they will reduce barriers to use for those with mobility or visual impairment issues. When it comes to water saving, our Arka Cool Touch, Arka Thermostatic and Vettora lower fl ow mixer showers use between 40% to 69% less water – depending on the unit chosen – than those without a fl ow limiter. Wall panels – Alongside the


functionality and look of the space, wall panels achieve a high value appearance for considerably less than the cost of tiling. The colourways from our Alveo PVC and Marlbrook ranges enable a non-clinical fi nish to be obtained. They are also easy to maintain and can be fi tted quickly using a standard toolkit, saving on using a specialist tiler. When it comes to creating


cost effi cient accessible bathrooms that are Part M compliant and meet the needs of the users, design is vital. However, with the right choice of fi xtures and fi ttings, it is possible to create functional, long-lasting spaces that are both cost-eff ective and good looking. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/325/45


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