Important Bathroom Accessibility: ORC 2023
Updated Aug 14, 2024 | Average read time: 5 minAn Introduction to Accessible Bathroom Design
One Room Challenge Article 4, Week 05
In this introductory article, we will delve into the importance of accessibility and inclusive design. Using our bathroom renovation project for the One Room Challenge, to explore some key accessible investments. This allows our readers a behind the scenes access to an accessible project and our studio’s design process. We have included proposed layouts and 3D renderings so you have some visuals to accompany our introduction
Key Highlights:
The Significance of Accessible Bathrooms & Accessible Design
Examples of Current Accessible Challenges in North America
Key Accessible Elements of Bathrooms
The Role of Inclusive Design in Accessible Spaces
Quality Tested Equipment & Finishes for Accessible Bathrooms
Our sketch for the bathroom shows a few of the accessible features a part of the design
Introduction
A bathroom is often considered a private retreat, and plays a significant role in our daily lives. It's a space for personal care, relaxation, and rejuvenation. However, for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities, a typical bathroom can be fraught with obstacles. Using our bathroom renovation project for the One Room Challenge, we will delve into the importance of accessibility and inclusive design. This allows our readers a behind the scenes view into an accessible project and our studio’s design process.
Our luxury bathroom is designed to be an asset for our clients who aim to age gracefully in their own home. Giving them both dignity and independence in their principal bathroom. For this week's article, you will see the elements that we chose to make this bathroom accessible without feeling like a hospital ward using quality tested finishes, hardware, and equipment. Not only is our founder and Creative Director known for their colourful style, Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ IIDA is a certified Master Kitchen and Bathe Designer and recognised subject matter expert with regards to:
Bathroom Design
Inclusive Design
Accessible Design
Our Design Work Started Spring 2023
Let’s start with our clients. They are in their forever home in New Westminster, BC. The clients wanted a modern Japandi style for their bathroom. The space has amazing light and is adjacent to bedrooms and offices on the second floor with stunning views of the Fraser river below. They wanted the space to not just reflect their needs for now, but also to follow them into retirement and meet a variety of needs as they age. This means they need our design to meet their very specific functional needs based upon their physical dimensions.
This week’s article will not cover the pretty elements of our design like the 200 year old paint colour being featured. It will talk about how designers can create real design solutions that provide long term value and wellness to their clients. Clients sometimes don’t realise the depth of how we plan out a design ahead of construction. We started the design work with this project Spring 2023 so that the clients can choose when to start demolition and construction. This is to ensure that the physical requirements of the equipment being specified are considered. This type of project has layers of complexity because of the steam shower in combination with the accessible features. These are itemized in our comprehensive construction drawings in order to ensure that each detail is not missed in the construction drawings we provide clients and their chosen contractor, who for this project is Kingswood Builders.
This article is skimmable.
Just one article might not answer all your questions, but it can help you start your journey.
We tried to make this article helpful.
We have links to additional resources and articles throughout this series.
The Significance of Accessible Bathrooms & Accessible Design
A bathroom can be taken for granted for many of us even though it plays a significant role in our daily lives. For individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities, an accessible bathroom transcends convenience; it is a lifeline for individuals with disabilities and an asset for those who aim to age and live gracefully in their own homes. Here's why it's crucial:
Independence
An accessible bathroom empowers individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence in daily activities. Custom features and equipment allows them to perform essential tasks like bathing, grooming, and using the toilet without assistance.
Safety
Accessible features like assist bars, non-slip flooring, and ergonomic fixtures, reduces the risk of accidents. This creates a safer environment for everyone.
Comfort
An accessible bathroom ensures that using the facilities is a comfortable and convenient experience for everyone, from children to adults, regardless of their physical abilities. (Meaning that a greater part of the population can use them)
Long Term Value
For those who wish to remain in their homes as they age, an accessible bathroom is a cornerstone of their ability to do so. It eliminates the need to transition to assisted living facilities and promotes their dignity. There are a number of popular terms being used by a variety of industry stake holders like “aging in place” ( please note: accessibility experts have more neutral terminology).
Dignity
Fully accessible bathrooms allow a greater portion of our population in Canada and the United States to use them (Residential & Commercial). It allows them a bathroom as an individual independent of any assistance.
Examples of Current Accessible Challenges in North America
There are also a variety of public spaces that are legally required to be accessible, and it is really frustrating for someone needing an accessible bathroom to find out that there is none existing on the premises. It is a journey usually filled with incredible patience as it can be exhausting to advocate for your private needs for a bathroom in a public space.
These examples indicate that more can be done and there is still work to do.
These are pre-existing situations that require advocacy. An example of this is the upcoming Supreme Court of the Unites States case challenging Hotels in relation to the American Disabilities Act in the United States. The act requires them to be accessible, but they do not provide any clear language or definitive answer on their own websites for their brick and mortar locations. Meaning that humans with accessible needs only find out there are no up to date accessible features for the hotel they are staying in when they actually arrive. New York Times article regarding this case.
In Canada we have the same issue in the transportation sector with airlines promising both dignity and accessibility. Sometimes failing to meet both of these obligations and either causing injury, humiliating clients, or stranding them.
Commercial accessible bathrooms are designed to meet a variety of needs that different levels of federal, state, provincial, and municipal government can determine, it all depends upon which country you are in.
The Role of Accessible Design
Accessible design aims to create environments that are welcoming, accommodating, and equitable for all users, regardless of age, physical ability, or other differentiating factors like pregnancy and small children. Qualified designers and architects can ensure that a bathroom renovation is not only accessible but functional and comfortable to a diverse range of individuals no matter whether it is in a house, condo, or apartment.
Corey’s first accessible design project is such a great excellent example of all the elements discussed in this section that we turned it into a case study for designers and clients alike over a decade ago when there were few resources out there.
Key Accessible Elements for Bathroom Renovations:
Assist Bars: (Sometimes called Grab Bars)
Incorporating strategically placed assist bars near the toilet, inside and outside the shower or bathtub, and alongside other critical areas. These bars provide support and stability for individuals with mobility challenges when sitting down, standing up, or transferring in and out of the bathing area. They are designed to bear weight in a variety situations.
Accessible Sink
This is a wall-mounted or pedestal sink installed to allow for wheelchair access. The sink should be at a height that accommodates a wheelchair or allows someone to sit comfortably while using it.
Accessible Storage
Ensure that storage areas are reachable for individuals with mobility challenges. Wall-mounted cabinets, open shelving, and pull-out drawers can make it easier to access toiletries and other essentials.
Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial, especially for individuals with visual impairments. Install bright, even lighting throughout the bathroom, with switches that are easy to reach. Include motion sensor lighting for added convenience.
Roll-Under Sink
For those using wheelchairs, consider a sink with a roll-under design. This allows a wheelchair to slide beneath the sink, providing easier access to the faucet. Check out our case study for the accessible sink for a condo bathroom
Comfort Height Toilet
A toilet with a comfort height (ADA-compliant) makes it easier to sit down and stand up. Adding Assist bars near the toilet further enhances the user's stability.
Wide Doorways
Wider doorways (at least 32 inches wide) are essential for wheelchair access. Consider pocket doors, which slide into the wall, creating even more space and also minimize obstructions.
Lever Handles
Replace traditional doorknobs and faucet handles with lever handles. These are easier to operate for people with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Non-Slip Flooring
Choose non-slip flooring materials that reduce the risk of accidents. This is especially important in wet areas like the shower or around the sink.
Barrier-Free Shower
Replacing a traditional bathtub with a barrier-free or roll-in shower is a hallmark of inclusive design. These showers provide easy access for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. They are spacious, often equipped with handheld showerheads, built-in seating, and non-slip flooring. Check out our case study for a roll in shower in a condo bathroom.
Our Accessible Case Studies and Resources
Our History with Accessible Design
The facts are that there are so many ways to customise a bathroom. This is why you hire a qualified designer, to make sure that any technical requirements are addressed in your bathroom’s design well in advance.
Organisations like the National Kitchen and Bath Association published their 4th edition of the NKBA Planning Guidelines with Support Spaces and Accessibility. Corey was not only one of 10 subject matter experts consulting on the book, he also was the content coordinator with Judith Neary on this publication. Accessible projects like our case studies and the guidelines are a way to contribute to the design community at large. Helping the industry keep pace with our changing needs in both the United States and Canada. The 4th edition not only provided technical considerations and design guidelines for the accessible features of both residential and commercial clients. It also brought together the necessary information to meet municipal building codes for commercial bathrooms in both the United States and Canada. Corey’s work on the 4th Edition is contributing factor that peers in the industry nominated them for Kitchen & Bath Design News’ annual award to recognize Innovators in the design industry at large.
To learn more read our article: Corey recognised As A KBDN Top Innovator of 2022
Our Expertise
The timing of the Fall 2023 One Room Challenge is catching us at a projects transformation that has taken months to properly design and plan for. This project illustrates how we work together with our clients and their chosen contractors in an integrated design approach.
Over the years our Creative Director Corey Klassen CMKBD NCIDQ IIDA has contributed to the design industry teaching the next generation of designers and speaking in public at design industry events across both Canada and the United States. They have also been involved in industry publications like the guidelines and certification programs for the design community.
“Then there was the total revamping of our certification program. I would like to give a shout out to two of our long time collaborators: Corey Klassen CMKBD of Articulated Design Studio and Judith Neary CMKBD of Roadside Attractions. Thank you both for your help and guidance with our new program which features a learning management system that makes it easier to access materials, as well as to track your progress online. Our certifications as well as our growing badge program are even more valuable as a competitive tool in today’s market.”
Bill Darcy, CEO NKBA, January 31, 2023, Time stamp 20:57 min/sec
State of the Association Address at KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas
https://nkba.org/insights/nkba-ceo-delivered-state-of-the-association-address-at-kbis-2023/
The accessible story to our bathroom renovation project is only a part of what has been happening behind the scenes. Certification Reimagined has been a multi year project updating an educational certification program for the kitchen and bath industry across North America to align with the new Guidelines 4th edition as well as the building codes of both Canada and the USA. This speaks to their insights
https://nkba.org/news/member-industry-news/designers-discuss-why-certification-matters/
Our history with luxury bathrooms
Corey has worked with a range of quality brand names that produce steam showers, as well as plumbing fixtures like Brizo and DXV. Corey’s first time speaking at IDS Vancouver was when he presented the Luxury Bathroom CEU for designers in Fall 2014. His participation in an international marketing campaign for DXV by American Standard not only brought him early local recognition. It was a part of his love affair with steam showers. He even wrote articles for Mr Steam ( the pre-eminent brand in the luxury bath marketplace) as well as presented his own CEU about steam showers at an international design conference for the kitchen and bath industry called KBIS. Below you can see the video produced for Lofty Visions, the project for DXV, where it showcases a steam shower for the advertising campaign.
The Role of Inclusive Design
Inclusive design goes beyond accessibility, as it includes all of it’s principles and more!
It aims to create environments that are welcoming, accommodating, and equitable for all users, regardless of age, physical ability, or other differentiating factors like gender, and race. In terms of making spaces that are fully accessible to all, inclusivity can be an easier way to measure how accessible a space actually is. Women in the different stages of their pregnancy as well as parents with small children are also considered for their specific needs for inclusive spaces.
These are a few if the many reasons for our design studio’s advocacy work with inclusivity. Inclusive design is a way to approach a larger more accessible mandate. A key attribute in this type of design is the role empathy plays in the work of an inclusive designer. Last September 2023, our principal designer presented Identifying Inclusive Design, the first talk of it’s kind at IDS Vancouver. It is geared towards the design industry at large will be presented at other future dates. This built upon Corey Klassen’s already extensive work with accessibility and inclusivity that the public might not be aware of. As an Innovator of 2022 by KBDN, the kitchen and bath industry in the United States recognised contributions made deep within a design industry publication as one of 10 subject matter experts. The Kitchen And Bath Planning Guidelines With Support Spaces and Accessibility 4th Edition for the National Kitchen And Bath Association was a major update that saw accessible and inclusive guidelines added.
Enabling designers across North America to include accessible residential bathrooms to their practice as well as accessible commercial bathrooms. Not to mention assist designers and their clients who would like to have an inclusive commercial bathroom space in their business no matter whether you are in Florida or Toronto.
Key Inclusive Elements for Accessible Bathroom Renovations
Aesthetic Sensitivity
Inclusive bathrooms can appear harmonious. Yet beneath the surface the thoughtful colour choices, texture variations, and design elements are specified by a designer for humans with limited visual abilities. They need to simply identify where a door is located in relation to a wall. This also goes for the countertop and its sink, in relation to the floor. This is accomplished by using scientific colour relationships, where there are hues that contrast other base colours even to someone with limited visual abilities and colour blindness. The changes in textures can indicate to human being with limited to no sight, the changes in a layout so they can actually guide themselves independently to a bathroom stall.
*In our bathroom project you can see how the assist bars will visually stand out throughout the space. Making it easy to identify if one needs assistance.
User-Centered Approach
In the case of a residential accessible bathroom a designer can customise the space when they consult with users, especially those with disabilities, to understand their specific needs and preferences. This input can guide design decisions, ensuring that the bathroom truly meets the needs of its diverse users.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Inclusive design takes into account the evolving needs of users. Design features that can be easily modified or adapted as needs change are essential. An example of this is how wheelchair accessible commercial bathrooms can also be made accessible for parents with small children needing a handy change table that flips down from the wall. This can be done with exterior and interior signage that also includes brail in it
Clear and Intuitive Layout
The bathroom layout should be straightforward and intuitive. A well-organized space minimizes confusion and makes it easier for users to navigate.
Acoustics
Consider the acoustics of a bathroom or a commercial space, particularly for those with sensory sensitivities. Adequate sound insulation can create a more comfortable and relaxing environment for all users. In a commercial retail environment it can affect a clients’ experience incredibly. Sometimes the finishes in a retail store or restaurant actually amplify the sound levels significantly in a busy space. Not only does this limit the ability for a customer to be heard, or even hear a salesperson. It makes the exchange not only longer to process (Costing an entrepreneur more labour) but also frustrating to the customer.
Privacy
Ensure that the bathroom design provides privacy for all users. This includes visual privacy as well as auditory privacy, making it a comfortable space for personal care.
The difference between terminology
You might have noticed that occasionally different terms were identified and more neutral options were provided in our blog. At the heart of it, is the challenge with languages and some accessible terminology to evolve as they are used in modern everyday life. To provide dignity to a variety of human beings who have traditionally been marginalised due to age, temporary physical abilities and limitations, permanent disabilities, gender, long term health conditions, to make spaces functional to the broadest portion of the population, not just a visible majority. Allowing language and means of communicating designs to not discriminate.
So Grab bars are actually Assist Bars
Aging in Place is actually Living in Place
Quality Tested Equipment & Finishes
For accessible spaces like our bathroom renovation there is a requirement for quality tested hard finishes (like the ceramic tile), hardware (like assist bars), and equipment. Meaning that they meet specific standards related to use case scenarios to determine their suitability for a project (thereby certifying them for use in accessible design)
In the case of our bathroom renovation, our designer does not visit a local big box store to shop, as these retailers do not easily show the testing data for their products. In fact, we do not put a product selection in front of a client without providing the relevant testing data. Giving a client a way to start the conversation about how long that finish will last and how it is designed to perform. The importance for accessibility is twofold, there are areas where finishes will receive more use than would be normal in a basic residential household. It means that these finishes need to endure more wear and tear or they will need to be replaced much earlier than expected.
Then there are the different types of accessible hardware and equipment available in relation to qualified advice. All these pieces of hardware and equipment (like assist bars) need to come from a trusted source with certified testing data. For an assist bar to fail during use means that there is a high chance of injury to the client in the process of using it. This is why we have standards for our product recommendations. The brand being used in this project is Invisia, and you can check out our blog article why we like them, not to mention how well they will suite our Japandi style for the bathroom.
The reason I bring this up!
If you search accessible design in different search engines there is a phrase that pops up from the websites of big box home improvement retailers. The phrase I have seen is “mostly accessible”. The issue at hand is that products are being advertised to address a valuable need in North Americans. This brings consumers into the store to use the advice of their retail sales team on the floor.
The question is how qualified can their recommendations or knowledge be?
Does this mean they will provide qualified recommendations and products that meet certifications and testing standards?
Will they recommend a product that they do not carry in their store?
What is the warranty like?
The commercial transaction of this type of product needs independent and knowledgeable recommendations from qualified professionals. It is in the long term interests of consumers to have equipment designed and tested to bear weight in their specific use case scenarios with proper installation guidance.
*Good questions will always be a productive part of the journey towards accessible design.
Conclusion
Providing dignity to a greater percentage of our population is a fundamental reason for our studio’s advocacy. Our clients wanted to renovate their bathroom to not just meet their current needs but also some long term needs for the future. Our creative director incorporated accessible features into the Japandi design for the bathroom. The bold matt black hardware and faucets from Brizo Faucets will coordinate seamlessly with the finish of the assist bars from Invisia for the both the steam shower and the toilet area.
This project showcases how an accessible bathroom does not have to look like the long term care wing of a hospital. The Japandi style of the bathroom boldly uses the black details to contrast against the Palladian blue finishes and the warm oak cabinetry. Making the design visually accessible. By incorporating elements such as assist bars and non-slip flooring using quality tested materials you can transform your bathroom space into a welcoming, accessible space that supports the ever changing needs of a household with style.
It’s actually a beginning
We are fortunate now to have guidelines, different acts and building code requirements across the United States and Canada to meet these needs. The fields of both accessible and inclusive design will continue to evolve with time, changing societal norms, and use. The new fourth edition of the Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines provides realistic and thoughtful recommendations across Canada and the U.S. that have vast differences in building code regulations and guidelines. Particularly in the U.S., where accessibility in commercial is legislated through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility in residential is the piecemeal result of many legislative state and federal requirements, these guidelines are a significant change.
In contrast, across Canada, accessibility is a right protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the federal government has passed the Accessibility Act mandating that provincial building codes incorporate accessibility instead of separating it. It is in fact the beginning of a journey, now with a solid foundation to address the very human needs of physical limitations, age, and more. To create these new types of fully accessible spaces (both residential and commercial) will take time, resources, and qualified thoughtful design to actually manifest in the next decades. An accessible bathroom can be the foundation of independence and safety for many who have been traditionally marginalised by the built environment. They may have different types of disabilities or temporary health conditions like a knee replacement.
We believe the parameters for accessible spaces will evolve with the dialogues surrounding inclusive design. This is why our studio will continue our advocacy, as there is a long term need in both our housing supply and our general quality of life as a democratic society. Our founding principal designer, Corey Klassen, is the reason our design studio is known for our colourful style, comprehensive constructions drawings, and now both inclusive and accessible design.
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