3 minute read
WHAT DO WE WANT FROM A BATHROOM?
Today, there are a number of factors effecting how we design a bathroom and how we meet a homeowner’s expectations.
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As consumers, we are becoming far more aware of sustainability and water saving. There is a wider understanding about the damage we are having on our environment and the measures we can take to reduce that impact. Reducing water and energy consumption is an important concept for consumers and subsequently, a growing number of bathrooms now have dual-flush cisterns.
Space is an important consideration when it comes to designing a bathroom. The layout of homes is changing especially in built up areas where houses in new developments are getting smaller and require unique solutions. In some cases whilst our bathrooms may be becoming smaller our expectations of them are becoming larger. We want more than functionality, it also has to reflect our lifestyle, our tastes and offer us relaxation. So, we expect functionality, privacy and design - all from one, small space.
There are a variety of products on the market that will help optimise space and will even reduce installation time. The latest installation systems conceal the cistern behind the wall, offering an alternative to traditional ceramic cisterns and are ideal for saving space in the bathroom and preserving the integrity of the design scheme. Compact options are also available when space is at a premium as well as low height variations to help with concealed installations beneath windows. An illusion of space can also be achieved by using wallhung furniture and selecting streamlined furniture in a material, finish and colour that gives the illusion of space will be effective for all the right reasons.
It’s not just space that can be issue, it’s also difficult layouts. A great solution for this type of problem is a WC with an integrated cistern. In this type of toilet, the cistern and flush plate do not need to be built into a wall, allowing for greater flexibility when planning a bathroom layout – it gives you the possibility to place a (wall hung) WC in tricky spots such as on a low partition wall or underneath a window frame. It also allows for easier installation and maintenance, again, as the cistern is not built into the wall.
We now expect technology to be incorporated into our homes. Whether that’s being able to turn the heating on so its warm when you get home or being able to boil the kettle before you get up in the mornings. All areas of the home are rapidly changing due to the impact of technology and the bathroom is no different, with mirrors housing Wi-Fi connections, integrated sockets in furniture and in-built TV options. The bathroom can be a hub of smart technology and offers a great business opportunity to installers.
One of the latest trends to hit the UK market is for smart toilets. They are easy to use and incorporate intuitive controls with functions being controlled via a remote control. Smart toilets can also be extremely easy to install. For example, the Roca In-Wash Inspira has hidden fixings and requires only one inlet and a conventional power supply. In-Wash also features an integrated control panel with wash, dry and stop functions making it simple to use for homeowners. The water temperature, pressure, positing and dryer mode can all be set for individual users via the remote control. With its quick release soft close seat and self-cleaning nozzle, this toilet is easy to clean and hygienic giving homeowner’s peace of mind.
In summary, the bathroom needs to be functional whilst providing an environment to relax and unwind whilst reflecting the homeowners design styles. All of these elements combined can bring new business opportunities for installers and provide them with a chance to exceed their customer’s expectations.
By Claire Gay, Sector Marketing Manager at Roca UK
www.uk.roca.com
