PLANNING A… BATHROOM LAYOUT All the essential factors to consider, from the head of design at C. P. Hart
YOUSEF MANSURI, HEAD OF DESIGN AT C.P. HART, EXPLAINS HOW TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS
SIZE RULES The room size undoubtedly has the biggest impact on what can be achieved, but you also need to consider door and window positions, as well as any fixed features like a fireplace or Listed panelling. For a separate shower and bath, plus WC and basin, we’d suggest a bathroom of at least 1.7x3m. Almost all bathrooms require compromises. If you want a large, luxurious shower, prepare to settle for a small vanity. Prioritising your preferences is a good place to start.
LOCATE PLUMBING You don’t need to be a slave to the soil pipe when positioning fittings, but you do need to know where it is coming in, and how far it can be moved without affecting performance. The less distance soil has to travel the better. Soil pipes can be extended within stud walls, under the floorboards (if joist direction allows), or even redirected on the exterior wall to enter the bathroom exactly where you want it.
FIND YOUR FOCUS Establish a focal point upon entering your bathroom. This could be a lovely vanity unit with mirrors and wall lights, or a beautiful free-standing bath. It should not be the WC, if at all possible. Where there is a window, the sill height is very important. Can you fit that WC cistern frame under the window? If the window is large or particularly beautiful, you may wish to highlight it by positioning a bath below.
ROOM TO MOVE There must be sufficient space between fittings for usability, cleaning and aesthetics. Leave at least 10cm between a vanity unit and a wall or shower screen, and allow 80cm-width for the WC, to provide elbow room. The same for a shower; I wouldn’t like to go below 80cm wide inside. Consider circulation space in the centre of a room. Can you move around comfortably and is there enough space to fully extend the vanity unit drawer, or to bend your legs when sat on the WC?
BOOSTING SPACE Wall-hung fittings allow you to see underneath, giving a better sense of space. A stud wall is built out by at least 12-20cm to hide cistern and pipes but if you have a studpartition wall already, for example it’s a newly created en suite, you can utilise the interior voids. Wetroom floors can also give the illusion of extra space as there is no break in the floor type. Underfloor heating can free up wall space for other fittings.
AVOIDING EMPTINESS In very large rooms, putting fittings around the edges can make the centre feel cold and empty. I often try to play with interior architecture in big bathrooms. For example, using stud walls for separate shower and WC areas, placing large baths centrally, or creating double-entry shower scenarios. It’s also lovely to include seating – a bench, a side chair, or even a glamorous chaise longue – to create space for relaxation.
THINK VERTICALLY If ceilings are particularly high, then I would stop the tiling at 2.2m or 2.4m high (picture rail height) and paint above. High ceilings can push lighting out of Ip-rating zones, affording more design choice – consider a glamorous chandelier. A low ceiling requires careful showerhead positioning. A flush-to-ceiling shower can help gain extra headroom, as will a low-level shower tray.
C.P. Hart, 0333 270 8692, cphart.co.uk