54


feature


kitchens, bathrooms & washrooms


the unseen (and unsmelled) problem: designing out bathroom nuisance


 and aesthetics is often front and centre. Yet, one of the most persistent causes of discomfort    nuisances, but serious threats to wellbeing, hygiene perception, and even privacy. Sophie Weston, head of marketing at Geberit UK, says it’s time to reassess the way we think about these often-overlooked issues, and how early design decisions can drastically improve quality of life...


A matter of health and wellbeing While the issue of noise is slowly gaining ground in planning regulations – with Noise Impact Assessments becoming more common in new developments – there remains a disconnect between statutory guidelines and the lived experience of residents. Internal noise, in particular, is an underestimated problem. Research has shown that sounds from flushing toilets, running taps, and even the gurgle of hidden pipework can be more


intrusive than external traffic. In fact, a previous white paper study found that 38% of people reported indoor noises affected them more than outside noise, and over half said unwanted sound negatively impacted their wellbeing. Beyond being annoying, noise is now widely acknowledged as a health risk. The World Health Organisation has labelled noise pollution an “underestimated threat”, linking it to sleep disturbance, cardiovascular issues, and even cognitive impairment. Odour, meanwhile, is often dismissed as a fleeting or superficial


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