One in five Australians identifies as having some form of disability, which is why accessibility and inclusivity are two key focuses when designing public bathroom facilities. But although public bathrooms are often treated as a basic necessity, there’s no reason you can’t think outside the box and make them as functional, visually pleasing and easy to use as possible.
Let’s take a look at accessible bathroom design and how Corian® products can be used to create congruence and design sentimentality.
Accessibility guidelines in Australia
There are certain guidelines that must be followed when designing accessible bathrooms in Australia. Many matters must be considered, but the priority lies in making bathrooms accessible and functional for all, including people with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and those with temporary injuries.
The key points are around accessibility, safety and hygiene. At a top-line level, these are some of the main factors:
- Must be simple to navigate and use as independently as possible.
- Adhere to regulations regarding the distance between the sink and toilet, allowing room for wheelchair maneuvering.
- Consider the height of bathroom accessories and distance from the toilet, including toilet paper holders and handles.
- The incorporation of grab bars for ease and safety.
- Adequate signage.
Ensure you read the full guidelines to address all necessary aspects in your design.
A congruent and inclusive design
While accessible design relates to the facility itself (in this case, accessible bathrooms for people with special requirements), inclusive design focuses more on how to design facilities for everybody. It’s the methodology behind the entire design process.
When you use an inclusive design methodology, accessibility and creating a bathroom facility that can be shared by everyone is the outcome. There are other practical and financial advantages to using inclusive design, too. Instead of building two basic bathroom facilities and one accessible bathroom, you could construct two fully inclusive bathrooms that everybody can use, thereby saving space and money.
Accessible bathroom design using Corian®
Corian® surfaces are a terrific option in all types of public bathrooms for a number of reasons, including hygiene and functionality. Find out more about the benefits of Corian® below.
Corian® is customisable
Versatility is always desirable for any building materials, and that’s why Corian® makes sense for public bathrooms. Corian® surfaces can be shaped and customised to suit any design aesthetic or space. When dealing with a limited area, or needing to maximise the space available, Corian® vanities, Corian® basins and washplanes offer the design flexibility you need.
At CASF, we have a range of ready-made designs that comply with the relevant Australian building and accessibility standards. This collection offers luxurious designs with curved edges, benchtop space, considered tap placement and basin width.
We also work with our clients to create custom Corian® solutions. Whatever your needs, we have a solution. Explore our work with Westpoint Shopping Centre to see these accessible options in action.
A wide range of colours
Just because a bathroom is a necessity, that doesn’t mean it should look unappealing. Enhance the user experience of any bathroom by taking advantage of the wide range of Corian® colours available. Benefit from the freedom to combine design elements; the same colour scheme and design sentimentality can be used throughout the bathroom thanks to the various hues of Corian®.
The hygienic option
Perhaps most importantly, Corian® is a non-porous material. Plus, products such as vanities, washplanes and basins can be made with completely seamless joins. This means cleaning is so much easier, hygiene is improved, and there is no compromise on the visual appeal of the bathroom. The lack of joins means there are fewer places for water to sneak through, and also fewer places for bacteria to thrive.
One of the main challenges in bathroom design is functionality. That is, ensuring the design supports the reduction of water spills, paper wastage, and of course, ease of cleaning. Corian® ticks all of these boxes and offers an accessible, inclusive option.
Let CASF transform your accessible bathrooms
Here at CASF, we provide a massive selection of beautiful Corian® bathroom products for accessible bathrooms. We can work with you to provide the perfect solutions, no matter what type of bathroom you’re planning. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
