Accessibility and style do not traditionally go hand-in-hand when it comes to bathroom design. However, a new generation of inclusively designed bathrooms aims to change this, as it encompasses both beautiful and functional design.
The Concept Freedom range by Ideal Standard offers dignity and tranquillity through different stages of life and health.
Designed with accessibly and usability in mind, it demonstrates once and for all, that inclusively designed bathrooms can still be luxurious – offering those of limited mobility a collection of ceramics, brassware and showers that are well-designed, elegant and functional to meet a range of access needs.
So-called ‘future proofing’ in the bathroom comes as home owners look to adapt their properties to suit users’ changing needs, whilst still looking modern and stylish.
One of the UK’s leading and most consistently successful product designers of the last 25 years, Robin Levien, suggests that more and more people are looking for bathrooms that can cater for several generations and that still look good while dealing with the demands of modern households and the diversity of occupants, including the less abled and older generations.
“The on-going uncertainties of the economy has played a key influence in shaping the bathroom market and led to the emergence of the multigenerational bathroom,” says Robin.
“Children are living at home for longer, whilst the UK’s ageing population and an increase in care home fees has meant that the domestic bathroom has had to adapt to meet the needs of consumers with various mobility needs.
“The Concept Freedom range is an evolution in inclusive bathroom design. The combination of sleek design and support demonstrates that accessible bathrooms really can be just as beautiful as conventional bathrooms.”
Until recently many accessible bathrooms were designed for their functionality rather than their looks, leading consumers to believe that these bathrooms, whilst functional, lacked aesthetic design credentials.
The Concept Freedom collection allows additional support and comfort to be integrated into a bathroom layout, enabling users with various mobility needs to remain comfortable.
The range includes raised height WCs for easier, more comfortable access, available as close coupled, back-to-wall or wall-mounted. There are accessible basins with wide side rims, as well as wetroom panels with extended brackets. Easy to use shower valves and kits complete the range.
Most of the products in the Concept Freedom range conform to Part M, meaning it is easy to meet building regulation compliance which requires businesses to take responsible measures so less able people have equal access to all aspects of their premises.
A SAFER BATHTIME
Slips, trips and falls are the number one cause of injury in the home for over 55s and getting in and out of the bath can become a genuine hazard for many.
Ideal Standard teamed up with experts in design and care so that the needs of older people when bathing could be directly addressed.
It worked with Design Council member Colum Lowe from dementia charity Red and Yellow Care, and occupational therapist Anava Baruch from Design for Independence to create a new bath that was convenient, safe and a real pleasure to use.
The Concept Freedom bath is specifically designed to make bathing anxiety free for older and less abled bathroom users while still delivering a beautifully designed aesthetic and a tranquil space in which to bathe.
Whilst it is designed with less abled users in mind, varying in degrees of mobility, it looks and feels like a normal bath restoring dignity and a keeping a beautiful space to relax.
The intelligent design of the bath combines functionality with luxury – and many of the features such as have dual functionality, cleverly designed for a number of different purposes.
Concept Freedom’s new bath has an extra wide reinforced ledge, giving users the stability to control and swing their legs over the edge and lower themselves into the bath.
The ledge also doubles as a seat for loved ones, should assistance be required when bathing and its shape means it can be used by bathers who need to pull themselves forward to reach the brassware easily. It also helps make bath-time with the kids easier for parents, demonstrating it’s true ‘multigenerational’ functionality.
At just 460mm high, the bath is 80mm lower than a standard option, making getting in and out of the bath a more controlled experience.
Manoeuvring around the bath can be tricky for older people, which is why this product features a handy step within the bath itself, allowing users to push themselves into a seated position when in the bath and to push themselves towards the support rail when steadily getting out.
Luxury accessories available alongside the bath include contemporary support rails and a gel headrest to keep the neck comfy.
The support rail accessories allow you to make the bath as abled, or less abled as you like, particularly as mobility declines over time with ageing.
Ideal Standard International Designer, Robin Levien, says: “We learnt from our work with industry experts that many older people worry about taking a bath. Common fears include anxiety that they won’t be able to get out, a fear of sliding under the water and a worry that they’ll slip when manoeuvring in and around the bath.
“Functionality is at the heart of the Concept Freedom range. This versatile Bath is designed to nourish independence and freedom of movement, without compromising on beautiful design.
“Each design feature of the bath has been created with addressing these anxieties in mind, meaning older people can use the bath knowing that they’ll have a safe, stress free experience.
“We wanted to create a product that looked as great as it performs, which is why the bath is designed to appear as stylish as a version with no features targeted at older bathers. Its dimensions also mean that it can easily be installed in most bathrooms, making it a truly inclusive item.”
Red and Yellow, which specialises in ‘later in life’ health, have impressive credentials in later life care. Not only do they specialise in dementia and the care of older people, they are passionate about improving the quality of life as people age.
The collaboration played an active role in developing the usability of the bath for a number of different audiences – and was achieved by ensuring the Concept Freedom range provides the very best facilities and bathroom products that respect people’s needs.
And no longer must you choose between luxury, style and accessibility – with Concept Freedom you can enjoy a combination.
For more information on Ideal Standard and its Concept Freedom range, visit www.ideal-standard.co.uk/concept-freedom
