inclusive design

Affordable housing providers can face a difficult task when it comes to procurement. Regulatory and financial restraints mean that most are more mindful of budgets than ever before. Meanwhile, shifting consumer behaviour, not to mention smaller homes, mean that providers are working harder to plan a practical, affordable and design-led bathroom space. Here, Daniel Fairfield, Product Manager, from Twyford Bathrooms offers some advice.

In our last piece, we looked at how the rise in multi-generational living will impact bathroom specification. Here, Martyn Brown, Contracts and Technical Manager at Triton Showers, takes a look at the options available to those tasked with delivering inclusive showering.

Anyone who specifies for housing associations will know there are a range of factors that impact product choice. While tight budgets will always play a role (an issue we will touch on later in the piece), first and foremost homes need to be fit-for-purpose.

Given the increasing number of generations that are living under one roof (expected to account for 5.4 million households by 2040 ), this is particularly pertinent. When it comes to bathroom design, inclusive showering is a critical component of social housing.

A rise in multi-generational living, alongside an aging population, means that bathroom safety has come into sharp focus in recent years. Martyn Brown, Contracts and Technical Manager at Triton Showers, outlines Triton’s PASA Test, and the important role it plays in shower specification.

There are currently 1.8 million UK households with several generations living under the same roof, a figure which is expected to triple by 2040 . At the same time, there are 11.8 million people aged over 65, set to become 14.3 million by 2025 . These shifts in demographics coincide with a rise in demand for social housing, presenting a significant challenge to those tasked with delivering fit-for-purpose homes.

AKW shows that it is possible to build cost-effective inclusivity into a bathroom’s design, so it is fit for purpose, no matter what the tenants needs. How is this possible? By using AKW’s latest cost-effective ‘Bathroom for Life’ solution.

With an ageing population and only 7% of housing stock in England offering even the most basic accessibility features , there is a growing need for housing associations to offer flexible accommodation. An area that is the most challenging for those with mobility issues is the bathroom. Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, shows how housing associations can have the best of both worlds – contemporary, long-lasting bathrooms for day-to-day use and then, when needed cost-effective transitioning to accessible wet rooms.

The half height Pro-Door systems from N&C Phlexicare, manufacturer of carer-led showering solutions, enables easy level access for family member and carers.

The quality constructed, half height shower door system is available in a variety of configurations, finishes and sizes for for use in wet-rooms and shower areas to maximise on space and suit the users’ needs.

When it comes to bathroom installations, sourcing quality products that are also cost-effective and contemporary is the key to long-lasting success. Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, discusses why AKW is launching the Beautiful Bathrooms Collection this month and the benefits it offers Housing Associations and tenants alike.