Multi-generation bathrooms: how to plan the perfect new-build project

Our society is getting older. This is changing expectations for modern residential spaces from one stage of life to another. Many people want to live independently within their own four walls for as long as possible. Sustainable architecture combined with the dwelling’s fixtures and fittings should thus be optimum for people of any age, and enable a long, self-determined life at home without outside help. These requirements should already be accounted for in new-build projects.

In bathrooms especially, safety, simple operation and adequate space to move around in are critical. Aesthetics also plays a role: multi-generation bathrooms should not merely offer functional support but should be designed with a high-quality, contemporary style in mind. If these aspects are accounted for early on, a bathroom can remain usable and comfortable for many generations over the years. A generously sized and accessible bathroom is also an asset that enhances a property’s value. SCHELL’s solutions support future-proof bathroom planning by being safe and durable, and easily installable as retrofits.

Multi-generation bathrooms should offer comfort and safety – and be aesthetically appealing – to both young and old. New-build planning therefore offers the perfect opportunity to ensure that key points are directly addressed. This creates a space that stays flexible and can thus adapt to meet changing needs.

To stay usable at every stage of life, multi-generation bathrooms should be oriented towards the basic principles of accessible bathroom design. DIN 18040-2 offers a clear set of rules and planning guidance. Key requirements include the following:

• Adequate space to move around in
• Slip-resistant floor coverings
• Floor-level access and wide doors
• Walk-in showers
• Straightforward controls for fittings
• Anti-scalding protection with temperature limitation (max. 45 °C at the outlet)
• Grab bars and handles
• Anti-glare lighting, controls within easy reach
• Wash basin with wheelchair access underneath

Wash basin: The wash basin should be planned for wheelchair access, and designed for both seated and standing use. The tap should not only be easily accessible, but also simple and intuitive to use – both for children and for individuals with limited hand motor function. Reliable anti-scalding protection is also important, so as to protect children and older people in particular from excessively hot water.

Shower: A walk-in, floor-level shower ensures safe entry for people at any stage of their lives. The shower should also offer adequate space to move around in and be equipped with a slip-resistant surface. The shower fitting should be fitted so it is easily accessible and simple to use. Integrated anti-scalding and burn protection is essential. Showers are a place where a sudden reaction as someone tries to escape a jet of very hot water may lead to falls or other serious injuries. A shower seat improves both comfort and safety – and not only for older people.

WC facilities: Enough space should be provided around the WC: this is essential to ensure freedom of movement. Grab bars and handles should be designed in from the outset or at least be an easy retrofit. These fixtures need a load-bearing substructure and should therefore be accounted for early on in the planning process. Little details make all the difference here: the toilet paper holder should be easily accessible while seated, to ensure that children and people with reduced mobility can use the WC both safely and independently.

Planning ahead can help to avoid later renovations and their associated expenses. In new-build projects in particular, structures can be planned so that they can be easily adjusted to changing needs as required. Something might offer greater comfort today but offer key support in old age. If considered early on, these aspects can form the basis for a multi-generation bathroom that stays usable for decades.

Wash basins

Fittings that are intuitive to use with reliable anti-scalding protection are an excellent choice on the wash basin. The wash basin taps from SCHELL’s MODUS and MODUS CARE series are ideally suited to this kind of scenario. MODUS taps are available with two different kinds of lever styles: The closed designer lever offers an impressively modern appearance and intuitive operation. The open loop lever is especially easy to grasp hold of, thanks to its centre cut-out, and is suitable for children as well as people with limited hand motor function.

For even greater comfort and safety, SCHELL offers a variant designed especially for accessible installations: the MODUS CARE EH-T single-lever mixer. The open and extended loop lever with ergonomic tip makes it particularly easy to use, even for people with weakened grip strength. Intuitive and safe operation is also made possible by the large and easily visible colour-coded markings for hot and cold water, plus integrated anti-scalding protection.

To ensure that showers can continue to be used safely at any age, they need reliable temperature control and straightforward operation. The MODUS MD-T exposed shower fitting from SCHELL offers innovative ThermoProtect technology to provide effective protection against scalding, while the IsoBody technology prevents the housing from heating up even if water temperatures are high – so as to provide reliable protection against burns. The well thought-out design of the shower thermostat, with wing handles and pictograms, makes it intuitive to use, even for user groups with physical limitations.

Using a WC becomes increasingly challenging for many people as they age. Support (folding) handles can offer users something to safely hold on to while sitting and standing up. Even if these kinds of support (folding) handles are not needed immediately, the structural requirements for them should be planned in early on. SCHELL has designed the MONTUS Type CS 120 cistern module especially for use in accessible sanitary facilities. Thanks to its narrow frame design, this cistern module can be easily combined with the SCHELL MONTUS high load mounting modules – on one or both sides. The high load mounting modules enable the simple and standardised installation of wall-mounted support (folding) handles and other types of fixtures – even as later retrofits. This ensures that the WC area offers several usage options and can be adapted to new requirements without major structural rework.