Planning a barrier-free bathroom This is how it’s done
Our requirements of a bathroom change as we get older, with illness, or after an accident. Taking accessibility into account during planning saves time and money later. Our checklist will help you plan a barrier-free bathroom, also suitable for the elderly, that meets modern design requirements.
What is a barrier-free bathroom?
Having a barrier-free bathroom is all about removing obstacles. Barrier-free bathrooms are age-appropriate, wheelchair-accessible, or adapted for the less-abled. They allow people with limited mobility to continue to take care of their own personal hygiene independently. Barrier-free bathroom design thus ensures more independence and increases the quality of life.
Sufficient space and freedom of movement, good lighting conditions, and anti-slip flooring are important prerequisites for age-appropriate bathrooms. When it comes to bathroom fixtures, walk-in showers, wheelchair-accessible washbasins, and height-adjustable, wall-hung toilets are convenient and safe.
Checklist for barrier-free bathrooms: take the following points into consideration
1. Checking the floor plan: making sure everything measures up
- Floor plan: You certainly have to make sure that there is plenty of space to move in the bathroom. The space in front of the toilet, washbasin, or bathtub/shower should be 48 x 48 inches (120 x 120 cm), and 60 x 60 inches (150 x 150 cm) for wheelchair users.
- Pre-wall installation: To facilitate subsequent adaptations and reduce costs, a pre-wall installation in lightweight construction should be planned for. This would mean there would be no need to interfere with the building structure in the case of a later renovation.
- The door: Whether bathroom visitors are carrying a small child or sitting in a wheelchair, doors and entrances have to be sufficiently wide. For barrier-free bathrooms, that usually means at least 32 inches (80 cm). In the case of small bathrooms, it is important that the door opens outwards so that the room is still accessible if anyone falls. If this is not possible, you should consider using a sliding door.
- Bathroom design: When planning bathroom fittings and furniture, it is important to make sure that things in everyday use are visible and can be easily reached and operated from a sitting position.
- Shower or bathtub: If you have a small floor plan, it is sensible to opt for either a shower or a bathtub and not try to have both installed. Whatever you ultimately decide, you should ensure during the planning stage that it is technically possible to install a showering area or a bathtub in the same place at a later date.
2. Floor-even showers: barrier-free access
Floor-even showers are discreet, elegant, and make the bathroom appear larger – not to mention safer.
- Floor-even, open showers enable barrier-free access to the shower area. Walk-in showers with just a lateral walk-in shower panel look modern and save space.
- If required, a folding seat can be installed in a floor-even shower. Shower seats are available as permanently installed, height-adjustable, or mobile, attachable solutions depending on requirements. They are durable and only take up minimal space thanks to their integrated fold-up function. A tilt-proof stool can also be used, provided it is suitable for use in wet rooms.
- If you attach great importance to attractive design, you can install an integrated shower bench. By selecting the right product material and color, you can blend it in with the overall room design while also offering added seating space – as well as space for bathroom utensils.
- Draining in showers is best planned with channels or wall drains and a maximum slope of 2%.
3. Wall-hung toilet: height-adjustable
The seat height on a wall-hung toilet can be customized during installation. If bathroom furniture and toilets are hung on the wall, the floor underneath can also be cleaned easily.
A barrier-free toilet should have a large projection from the rear wall and also plenty of space between it and other sanitary appliances. For wheelchair users, it is also sensible to plan free space beside the toilet bowl to facilitate access. Remote flush actuation is also helpful.
4. Shower toilet: adding electrical connections
Electricity in the bathroom is more important than ever. Having a mains connection in the right place means that a bidet seat can be added to the toilet, either during installation or at a later date.
A toilet with a bidet seat makes everyday life easier and helps ensure optimal personal hygiene – whatever a person’s age.
5. Washbasins allowing access underneath: concealed trap
A normal trap underneath the washbasin really gets in the way if the person using the washbasin is sitting on a stool or in a wheelchair. This barrier disappears with a concealed sink trap. They also create space and make the bathroom appear larger and tidier.
6. Faucets: single-lever mixer or touchless
In barrier-free bathrooms, the washbasin should include an extended single-lever mixing faucet with temperature limiter or an electronically activated, touchless faucet.
7. Mirror or mirror cabinet: be careful with the height
So that wheelchair users can look in the mirror, the mirror or mirror cabinet should reach down to the washbasin. This feature also makes the mirror child-friendly and suitable for a family bathroom. Also make sure that the mirror lighting isn't too harsh.
8. A safe hold: support rails and handles
The installation elements located behind the walls have an enormous load-bearing capacity. Stable mounting plates can be installed at the outset in critical areas – such as next to the toilet or in the shower. This doesn’t cost the earth and means support rails and handles can be attached without structural alterations when needed. Important: Make sure to keep the planning documents for later.
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