INCLUSIVE DESIGN
INCLUSIVE DESIGN Sonia De Gioia
Designing for everyone: the role of shower toilets in inclusive bathrooms
Sonia De Gioia, Sales Director (Showrooms) at Geberit, explores how inclusive design is influencing bathroom thinking across the industry, and how shower toilets are becoming part of a wider shift towards more accessible, user-focused bathroom solutions.
riven by an ageing population, more diverse household needs, and a growing expectation for spaces to support independence, the conversation about inclusive design is moving beyond basic accessibility. Across installation, specification, distribution and design, the focus is now on solutions that work for a wider range of users without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
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Bathroom spaces are central to this shift. As one of the most frequently used spaces in any building, they need to perform for different users, often within the same environment. This has led to greater interest across the industry in how everyday products can better support comfort, hygiene and ease of use, particularly where mobility or dexterity may vary.
Toilets remain one of the most important touchpoints in bathroom design, yet traditional approaches are not always suited to the full range of users seen in today’s homes and commercial environments. This is particularly relevant in settings such as multi-generational housing, residential developments, and projects where long-term usability is a consideration. Inclusive design principles are encouraging a rethink of this core function, focusing on how products can reduce physical effort and improve ease of use within a familiar format. Rather than treating accessibility as a separate category, the emphasis is increasingly on integrated solutions that support a broader range of needs from the outset.
Shower toilets are becoming a more visible part of bathroom specification and supply chains. By combining washing and drying functions within the WC, they offer an alternative approach to personal hygiene that can reduce reliance on manual cleaning.
For users, this can support greater independence and comfort, particularly where movement or dexterity may be limited. For the wider industry, the relevance lies in how these products bridge the gap between standard bathroom design and enhanced usability, without
34 BKU
requiring a separate or specialist installation environment.
Importantly, modern shower toilets are no longer confined to healthcare or institutional settings. Their development has focused on integrating these functions into contemporary bathroom design, making them suitable for residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects where appearance and performance are equally important.
One of the key shifts in recent years has been the move towards more discreet, design-led products. Earlier perceptions of shower toilets as clinical or specialist have been replaced by models that sit comfortably within mainstream bathroom aesthetics.
This has helped open up consideration across multiple parts of the industry - from architects and interior designers to merchants and installers - particularly in projects where long-term usability and future-proofing are becoming more important.
Products such as Geberit’s AquaClean Mera Care and AquaClean Alba reflect this development. The AquaClean Mera Care offers enhanced comfort and support-focused features suited to a wide range of users and more complex requirements. The AquaClean Alba provides a more accessible entry point into shower toilet functionality, helping broaden availability across different project types and budget levels.
As adoption grows, practical considerations remain relevant across the supply chain. Awareness of installation requirements such as electrical supply, water pressure and positioning is important at an early stage of planning to ensure smooth delivery on site. While installation is generally straightforward, these factors continue to influence how and where products are specified. Alongside this, ease of use and ongoing maintenance are key considerations for end users, which in turn impact long-term satisfaction and product perception. Features that support straightforward operation and reduce maintenance demands are increasingly valued across both residential and commercial applications.
Ultimately, inclusive design is reshaping how bathrooms are approached across the industry. Rather than being viewed as a specialist requirement, accessibility is increasingly part of mainstream thinking around comfort, usability and future readiness.
Shower toilets sit within this broader shift, offering a way to enhance everyday bathroom function while supporting a wider range of user needs. As expectations continue to evolve, they are becoming a more established consideration across specification, supply and installation – reflecting a wider move towards bathrooms that simply work better for everyone.
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