Designing accessible bathrooms SA Plumbing Supply

Universal and accessible bathroom design does not need to look institutional – something that, traditionally, has been the case. However with an expanding range of products available designed specifically for this purpose, there is no longer any need to create accessible bathrooms devoid of character and style.

The German-designed HEWI range of bathroomware has been developed to meet this niche, and is gaining popularity in New Zealand because of its combined emphasis on both style and function, SA Plumbing Supply’s Sean Paterson says.

“HEWI specialises in designing beautiful, accessible bathroom solutions with high quality materials and in turn, is a market leader in de-stigmatising disability,” Sean says. It is because of this that many of the world’s most renowned hotels have HEWI in common. “HEWI incorporates a unique range of removable rails and shower seats to allow bathrooms to be transformed in seconds to meet the needs of all guests.”

While of course, there are various options to create accessible bathrooms with style, Sean says HEWI is the top of the line, followed closely by Goman. “Twenty percent of New Zealanders live with a disability and for most of them, accessible bathroomware has meant institutional-like stainless steel products. While these products are functional and will get the job done, there is no need to settle for what I like to call the ‘economy ticket’.

“Goman is the next step up in terms of accessible bathroomware, and akin to buying a business class ticket. It has a lot more style, but isn’t the top of the range. HEWI is comparable to buying a first class ticket. You will have a great experience with these products because of the design behind them.”

For Sean, accessible bathroomware is no longer an area he believes needs to be dealt in the traditional functional manner. “Accessible bathrooms can and should be beautiful spaces you walk into and don’t even realise they are designed for someone with a disability.”

It is, perhaps, due to the extensive research and development behind each of HEWI’s specialist products that they stand out in their effortless style and beauty combined with functionality.

For example, a range has been developed for those with dementia. “Coloured contrasts can be used to structure a room and to facilitate the perception of the environment for someone with dementia,” Sean says. “The dementia washbasin and related accessories are based on these design requirements.

“In regards to the dementia design, it is known that apart from symptoms such as forgetfulness or speech disorders, the illness is also reflected in the affected person’s increasing inability to orientate themselves. This particularly limits their independence. Different design concepts have a deliberately created, clearly structured environment as an attempt to give dementia sufferers an orientation aid and therefore to assist them in their independence.”

Other situations in which specialist bathroomware is desired are vast, but one in particular that is developing in popularity is bathroom products designed for those with rheumatic disorders.

“The Warm Touch range unites the visual properties of high glass chrome surfaces with the haptic properties of polyamide to create products that feel pleasantly warm, and because of this they are especially suitable for those with increased sensitivity to cold, such as those with rheumatic disorders,” Sean says.

Specialist bathroomware is a growing industry in New Zealand and one SA Plumbing Supply is focused on.

Visit SA Plumbing Supply on ArchiPro here to peruse the latest in niche bathroomware and view the full scope of specialist products.