Awash with design

publication date: Nov 20, 2008

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author/source: IGLOOS Washrooms

TRADITIONALLY, WASHROOMS AS A DESIGN STATEMENT HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED: AS LONG AS THEY FUNCTIONED AND WERE HYGIENIC, IT DIDN’T MATTER IF THEY LOOKED UNINTERESTING OR WERE BLAND IN DESIGN. HOWEVER, WE ARE NOW SEEING HEAD-TURNING WASHROOMS THAT ARE LUXURIOUS, STYLISH AND ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE A LONG LASTING IMPRESSION.

This is due in part to the new generation of washroom designers who are inspiring both commercial and business organisations with infinite design possibilities that are cost-effective and can be tailored to suit an environment or a building’s footfall. The smallest room in the house has suddenly reinvented itself as an opportunity to reflect trends and showcase innovative styling.

The breakthrough in washroom design has been largely achieved by offering a much broader range of different materials and bespoke design. However, choosing a material often depends on the expected lifespan of a washroom. For instance, for the cubicle and walls Solid Grade Laminate is expensive but durable whereas Melamine Faced Chipboard (mfc) is a much lighter, cheaper product and is recommended for environments that are not constantly exposed to water. Vanity tops can also be made using post formed mfc but again if a more hardwearing option is needed, natural stone such as granite or slate provides a sustainable solution.

To suit both traditional and contemporary environments, today’s washroom will often incorporate a combination of different finishes to achieve a desired look. For example, natural oak with black granite and stainless steel provide a perfect blend for a sophisticated warm appearance.

This flexible independent approach has created an opportunity to produce designs to match corporate identities, convey advertising messages or create inspirational environments with the use of graphics. Through the innovative use of technology, the washroom has also become a place within a building where quality, customersatisfaction and commitment to the environment can be demonstrated.

For ultimate hygiene and a state of the art environment infrared taps and flush panels have the definite ‘wow’ factor. LED can also be incorporated within the washroom to create energy efficient ambient lighting. Water saving devices are commendable and testify to a sense of social responsibility.

To overcome architectural barriers washroom designers use a combination of autoCAD, 3D imaging programmes and graphics software to achieve the best layout. This means space saving designs can be created from the outset and details such as frequency of use right down to choosing the most appropriate hand drying method are all considered beforehand.

With this new found freedom washrooms have become an integral part of a building concept. Clean lines and bespoke design have opened up exciting opportunities for architects and interior designers to create unique decor within budget constraints.

The washroom is not just a public space: it’s also a personal space which often finds itself under the microscope therefore it’s important to make this room a positive experience and not just a room of convenience.