The architecture of bathrooms
Richard Dalman
Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz
Bathrooms, once hidden away or even located at the bottom of the garden, now receive considerable attention from architects.
Here are my top ten tips for creating stunning bathroom spaces where you can refresh and revitalise, or just relax and chill out.
Think about how you want to feel when in the bathroom and work with light, colour, and materials to achieve this. We have designed both light and bright bathrooms, dark and more intimate bathrooms, and also bathrooms with raw concrete walls and ceilings.
Encompass nature. If there is a view to the outside and the bathroom can be screened, open out to it. Try to reflect the local environment in your material selection, whether by using natural materials such as stone or timber or by bringing in natural light through windows and even from the roof above.
Include a walk-in shower. If it’s well-designed and large enough, it doesn’t need a door. It could even combine with an adjacent bath to create a ‘wet room’. But make it easy to access and clean, and ensure you have good waterproofing under the tiled areas that will stop water leaks and meet the Building Code.
If including a bath, think about who could be using it and design accordingly. For example, it could be used for bathing young children or shared romantic evenings.
Use mirrors to enhance the décor or to expand the perception of space in small bathrooms.
Make sure the space is well-ventilated via opening windows and an extract fan that is vented to the outside.
Don’t be afraid to open up your ensuite bathroom to the bedroom, but if you do, always have the WC out of sight in a separate space.
Think carefully about the lighting. While a dimly lit space could be good for the evening and late-night visits to the loo, provide good task lighting for activities like shaving and applying makeup.
Don’t be afraid to go over the top, incorporating features usually reserved for living spaces, such as an open fire, a chandelier, or a sculpture.
Lastly, bathrooms need to be functional. Plan the spaces well, use easy-to-clean and durable surfaces, and use good-quality fittings. And don’t forget the storage! While minimalist bathrooms might look on point, we live with a lot of stuff that needs to be put somewhere. Either hide it all away or make a feature of it.
Bathrooms can be simple or extravagant. Whatever approach you take with your new bathroom or refurbishment, try to bring some of your own personality to the design so that you feel enriched every time you use it.
