When it comes to achieving cost efficient accessible bathrooms – no matter the age of the housing stock or the individual’s needs – the key lies in choosing the right materials in the first place. Here, Stuart Reynolds, UK Marketing and Product Management Director at AKW, a leading provider of inclusive solutions explains further.
The right material choice
Delivering cost-effective accessible bathrooms requires social landlords to effectively navigate effectively the pain points of strategic planning, regulatory compliance and material choice. Opting for 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 flooring that is durable and affordable and reduces the risk of slips, moisture-resistant wall panels instead of tiles, which are cost-effective and easy to clean and corrosion-resistant grab rails that are low-maintenance. Also incorporating water-efficient fixtures, such as lower flow electric showers, has sustainable as well as running-cost benefits.
Improving bathroom accessibility through good design
Having worked with occupational therapists to create many accessible bathroom ‘How to…’ guides over the years, AKW’s website is an excellent resource for those looking to learn best practice design advice and how to maximise cost-efficiencies 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 reflective value (LRV) difference between both colours is greater than 30. This creates the most noticeable contrast between an object and its surroundings. Grab rails 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 different colours.
Showering success – The 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 flow control. Look for BEAB Care certified 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, AKW’s Arka Cool Touch, Arka Thermostatic and Vettora lower flow mixer showers use between 40% to 69% less water - depending on the unit chosen - than those without a flow 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 AKW’s Alveo PVC and Marlbrook ranges enables a non-clinical finish to be obtained. They are also easy to maintain and can be fitted quickly using a standard toolkit, reducing bathroom downtime, and saving on using a specialist tiler.
Ironing out the problem areas – In AKW’s latest Wall Panels guide, the problem areas of moisture and humidity, durability and drainage are addressed. Advice is given on how to overcome these trouble hot spots using shower waste pumps to promote drainage and long-lasting, stylish wall panels to remove the need for mould-prone grout and damaged tiles. It also discusses why wall panels are the ideal ‘fit and forget’ solution and style tips to ensure that today’s bathroom looks just as good in 15 years’ time.
When it comes to creating cost efficient accessible tenant bathrooms that are Part M compliant and meet the needs of the users, material choice is key. With the right surfaces, fixtures and fittings, it is possible to create functional, long-lasting spaces that are cost-effective as well as good looking.
For more information on AKW’s best practice accessible bathroom guides visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk
Images © AKW
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