Designing a wet room

The thought of

“everything getting wet” in a wet room puts off many homeowners but it is a very convenient option, provided you choose the right materials, says interior architect Trisch Barnard of Project Works. “With good advice and the right design, a wet room can be a practical and cost-effective option for a bathroom.” Keep these tips in mind: • Ventilation is extremely important. I prefer a window that can open for fresh air but if there isn’t enough space, an extractor fan or a combination of the two is also an option. • Make sure the finishes you choose can handle a lot of moisture. Aluminium window frames and shutters work well in a wet room; they provide privacy and can easily be cleaned.

• Your floor should have a slight slope and preferably a long, rectangular drain that will allow excess water to flow away easily and quickly. A few round drains will also work. If you don’t have the services of an architect or contractor at your disposal, a good plumber with the right experience should be able to help you with the layout of the drains.

• Choose a non-slip floor finish. The substrate under this finish – whether it be cement, tiles or some other material – plays a major role in the waterproofing of the room.

• If there is no natural light in the wet room, consider a skylight. But keep in mind that this is not an adequate solution for ventilation. Special care is needed when it comes to the waterproofing of a skylight.

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