Bringing beautiful products to accessible bathroom layouts
Written by
07 March 2024
•
5 min read
The success of any project – whether it be residential or commercial – relies much on sourcing the right products. In any bathroom, this ranges from the tiles and tapware to the toilet, vanity, bathtub and shower.
When designing accessible bathrooms, this is particularly important, and where choosing the right product has traditionally meant compromising on style, this is no longer the case.
“There’s a need in New Zealand to improve and think better about universal design and accessible bathrooms,” says Sean Paterson, director at SA Plumbing Supply.
Dedicated to helping architects and design professionals create bathrooms that people can live in and enjoy regardless of their age, mobility or stage of life, SA Plumbing Supply has collaborated with Avail Design to make its range of accessible bathroomware available in New Zealand.
“Sadly, there are still five-star hotel bathrooms with hospital fit-out rails. There can be more done to make all the rooms look nice, and when there is a range of products like this, there’s now no reason that can’t be done.”
Read more: Biggest design mistakes in otherwise-abled spaces
Creating safer bathrooms in style
When Dave Sayers, founder of Avail Designs, had grandparents needing to install grab rails in their home, he was disappointed with the options available.
“They refused to have grab rails installed because of the stigma attached with the stale hospital-looking rails,” he says. “While working as a design engineer, I was approached by an occupational therapist friend who spoke of the requests from her clients for more attractive home care products. From there, Avail began with a more ground-up redesign of the grab rail to improve their style, ergonomics and installation.”
Available in finishes including chrome, brushed nickel, brushed brass, brushed gold, bronze, gun metal and matt black, the Avail Design grab rails are stylish and can blend seamlessly with the rest of the design – including matching tapware choices from Nero, available via SA Plumbing Supply. The brand also supplies matching accessories including toilet roll holders, foot rests, towel rails shelves and robe hooks to complete the look.
“It’s a range of colours that’s not available from other brands that provide products for accessible bathrooms – they are far more aesthetically pleasing, which is really key to being able to have a cohesive design,” says Paterson.
“The products have also been designed to be modular meaning you can easily make a custom size with the way the mounting system works.
“It’s a really nice alternative choice to bring into the accessible market here in New Zealand for both private and commercial spaces like hotels – and it’s offered at a very good price point.”
They are far more aesthetically pleasing, which is really key to being able to have a cohesive design.
Calibre Shower Rail by Avail Design
Ideal for the home, retirement villages, care facilities and hotels, this T-shaped shower rail has a responsive design and stylish PVD finishes – not only performing as a functional accessory for universal bathrooms but also as an architectural touch to the space with six colours to choose from.
Liberty Shower Seats by Avail Design
With brackets that can be matched to other fittings in the bathroom – including brushed brass, brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, gun metal and matt black – the Liberty Shower Seat ensures comfort and safety while in the shower.
With an ergonomic design and a full-width seat, it’s an attractive and functional option that is the perfect choice for those needing to increase independence and safety in the shower.
“At SA Plumbing Supply we are trying to provide the market with a whole range of options that suit all price points and design styles. All brands have a different design style – it’s like artwork, you either like or you don’t. It’s about giving people choices so we can move forward and create great universally designed bathrooms,” says Paterson.
The need for accessibility shouldn’t compromise the beauty of a space, and Avail Design’s products are focused on combining safety with style, creating dignified, safer home solutions.
“At Avail, our core aim is to give the peace of mind that we and our loved ones can live safely and independently with dignity,” says Sayers. “Design has the unique ability to dignify – it can make people feel valued, respected, honoured and seen.”
It’s about giving people choices so we can move forward and create great universally designed bathrooms.
Read more: Designing accessible bathrooms
If you’re looking to make your bathroom a more accessible space, or are a design professional helping clients create universally designed bathrooms in residential and commercial settings, explore the range of Avail Design products from SA Plumbing Supply.