Image courtesy of Drew Moore Constructions, TAS

Cover image courtesy of Minosa, NSW

Guide to Bathroom
Photographer Nicole England.

Guide to Bathroom
Planning & Design Planning & Design

CONTENTS
Design Brief 6

Layouts 24

Space Planning & Storage 52

Lighting 82

Elements & Principles 116

Materials & Finishes 150

Fixtures & Fittings 186

Liveable Design 220

Sustainable Design 232

Check Measure 246

Services & Waterproofing 252

Digital Technology 262

Project Documentation 276

Forms 294

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 It’s Only Natural
Natural materials have been cleverly used
to incorporate texture and tone into an
otherwise neutral colour palette in this
spectacular family bathroom. Timber is by far
the stand-out element with a combination of
reclaimed messmate and cedar seamlessly
incorporating to bring warmth to the room.
The stunning, slim-line vanity with solid timber
construction was an achievement in itself.
In consultation with the plumber, computer
aided design was used to plan the vanity to
the millimetre—this was necessary to ensure
plumbing components could be installed while
endeavouring to maximise storage—three
shallow drawers run the length of the vanity-
top. Clad in reclaimed solid timber, a finger
grip beneath the drawer front was included to
remove the requirement for handles.

FOCUS ON DESIGN
Above the vanity, a full-wall mirror with
carefully planned penetrations for lighting
and wall-hung tapware reflects the open
showering zone. A full length storage niche
Hargreaves Joinery & Walshe’s Alternative Living, Victoria services the shower and bath area and is
coupled with recessed LED lighting which
highlights the stunning wall tiles.
An open shelving unit, fitted with power points
provides point-of-use storage for electrical
appliances at the vanity. For convenience, a
magnifying mirror was installed here and it
can be retracted when not in use. Additional
storage is available with a full height cabinet
at the bathroom entry. The streamlined look is
preserved with touch opening doors. The finer
details within the joinery are not overlooked—
the cabinet has a low-gloss two-pack finish
and is fitted with brass shelf supports. The
drawer hardware is powder coated black and
black colourboard was used in the carcass
construction. The owners are absolutely
thrilled.
- Nev Hargreaves, Hargreaves Joinery, VIC.

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56 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN
 Image courtesy of Minosa, Designer Simona Castanga NSW
Photographer: Nicole England

Design Principles Using the principles of scale and proportion,

designers can create or minimise points
Scale and Proportion of emphasis. If a bathroom is out of scale
or oddly proportioned, it will create a point
A clear understanding of scale and of emphasis (focal point) that can be used
proportion and their relationship with one to advantage (e.g. to draw attention to a
another is essential in design. Scale refers particular feature) if you are clever about
to the overall size of the bathroom, while the layout. Most well-designed rooms have
proportion refers to relative size of the several elements that make them so, including
fixtures within the room (e.g. an oversize the right scale and proportion. They will also
bathtub may look out of proportion in a very have a sense of symmetry.
small bathroom). Standard design rules will
often be disregarded where scale might be
affected—for example in a small space, the Balance and Symmetry
usual convention of grouping three pendant Balance refers to the concept of visually
lights together may result in the space being distributing the ‘weight’ of objects in the room.
overcrowded, and so only two lights will be If balance isn’t achieved, the room will appear
specified. cluttered and overwhelming. In bathrooms,
the usually compact floorplan and individual,
distinct fixtures (i.e. toilet/shower/bathtub)
Most well-designed rooms have means that the style of mirror-imaging for
several elements that make them visual balance (often used in kitchens) is out
so, including the right scale and of the question. Balance needs to work hand-
proportion. They will also have a in-hand with symmetry.
sense of symmetry. Asymmetrical balance is much more common
than symmetrical designs in bathrooms.
Dissimilar objects (bathtub and basin) are
Proportion evaluates the relationship between arranged in such a way that they appear to
parts (fixtures) of a whole (the bathroom). have an equal ‘weight’. Specifying a darker-
It pertains to the design of objects, such coloured vanity unit can balance a large
as cabinetry, and their placement in the freestanding bathtub despite their obvious
bathroom layout. The size of the wall and floor size difference.
tiles should also be considered in relation
to the size of the room. It is important when Radial balance in design is based on a circular
designing a bathroom to get the proportion organisation of elements that extend outward
just right. To do this, take a close look at the from a central point so that the visual weight
scale of the room as this will influence the size is distributed equally.
and colour of fixtures and finishes that are
If balance cannot be achieved, designers can
chosen. In a small bathroom, smaller fittings
give the illusion of balance by developing
and fixtures will present a better design
two separate spaces alongside each other.
aesthetic. In a large bathroom, bold patterns
An example of this is the use of a dividing
and grand fixtures will be visually appealing.
wall within the room concealing fixtures that
conflict with the overall look and feel of
Balance can be difficult to achieve the room.
in bathrooms without a few tricks up
your sleeve.

Balance is not always about symmetry. Balance can also be created by

having other elements that offer balance to elevation. For instance in this
bathroom, we have an open space to the left of the vanity. To establish a
balanced design aesthetic we created the open boxes to the right hand side.
The differing elements are connected and grounded by the offset benchtop
and the carefully selected materials.

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136 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN
 Images courtesy of Pepper Constructions, VIC

Natural Light
Natural light is restful for the eye and enters
the bathroom from windows or skylights.
Most bathrooms have at least some access to
natural light (although a windowless bathroom
is not unheard of) and bathroom designers
need to take this into account. Clever lighting
design will make the most of what natural light
is available and make it work within the overall Making the most out of natural
lighting plan for the room. However, as levels light but still retaining privacy
of natural light vary throughout the day and at
different times of the year, it cannot be relied
upon as the main light source in a bathroom.
Skylights and roof windows are popular means
of introducing natural light into windowless or
dim rooms. Before specifying modifications
that involve the roof, arrange for the home to
be examined by a licensed building contractor
to ensure any planned construction alterations
will be within the client’s budget.

Image courtesy of Helm, NSW

Introduce natural light through a beautifully designed skylight addition

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86 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN
 A bathroom renovation brings a new set of In any layout, understanding the bathroom
challenges for designers. Often, a compromise activity centres is the key principle for a good
has to be struck—while the relocation of design. The following basic layouts can be
plumbing, drainage and electrical services applied to most bathrooms and are a good
can be costly, don’t be bound to the old layout starting point.
for the sake of a few dollars. Helen Tadiello
of Sugar Designs says: ‘designers should not
constrain themselves to the existing footprint Traditional
unless budget is the absolute driving factor. A traditional bathroom layout has the
Think outside of the box. If you can steal a doorway, shower, bath and vanity each
little bit of room from another space next to occupying a corner with not much room to
the bathroom to fit in a freestanding bath or a move in between. The toilet is housed in an
double shower then explore the potential and adjacent cubicle. In a small space, (1.5m x
create a little bit of opulence for your client.’ 2.5m), this layout would have limited storage
opportunities for even the most creative
In the past, a small area of a house plan would
designer and would be best suited to a single
have been designated for the bathroom and
user. For improved functionality exclude the
the space planned to fit the basic fixtures
bathtub, use a shower-over-bath design or
(basin, shower, bath and toilet) with not much
increase space by removing the dividing toilet
additional thought given to the functionality
wall.
of the design. Today, you may be asked to
include any combination of fixtures, often in
multiples. As well, these days more space One-wall
is set aside for bathrooms in new homes
and, with fixtures now coming to market in The one-wall is the simplest of layouts and is
all shapes and dimensions, there is no such well suited to a long, narrow room. Fixtures
thing as ‘standard’ bathroom sizing. That are all set along one wall with all plumbing
said, in any design, functionality not fixtures, placed in close proximity, keeping those costs
should be the dominant consideration and to a minimum. A half-height nib wall can be
determining factor for the final layout. used to ‘hide’ the toilet and provide additional
privacy. Placing the toilet discreetly behind the
vanity unit on the one-wall layout hides it from
view from the entrance door.
Don’t be afraid to ask your client
to reconsider their wish-list if Galley
you believe the design will be
A galley-style layout with fixtures on opposing
compromised by trying to fit
walls is common where two entries are
everything in. required (such as in a combined bathroom/
ensuite). Generally the bathtub and toilet are
located to one side with the vanity, shower
Initially, you should examine the space and storage on the other. The minimum
carefully and try to envisage how the activity recommended walkway through a galley
centres will perform on a day-to-day basis. If bathroom is 900mm. In a walk-through
it looks like the desired layout will interrupt layout, an open shower is not recommended
the function and flow of a bathroom, don’t because of the safety issues presented by
be afraid to revisit this with your client as water splashing across the thoroughfare. If
they may need to reconsider the wish-list the space is small, a dual-access bathroom
for an overall better design. To this end, it will limit design options and designers should
can be useful to ask your client to rank their ask their clients to reconsider whether the
inclusions from most to least important. Many additional doorway is absolutely necessary.
clients will be unrealistic about how much will
fit in their new bathroom before functionality
is compromised. It will save a lot of time if you
understand which items are non-negotiable
from the outset. Computerised design
Galley-style layout has programs will assist you when presenting
layout options to demonstrate to your client
walk-through either end of and explain why a particular layout is more
suitable than another.
this luxury master ensuite.
The defining element is DESIGN TIP
If you have the luxury of a designing a
the striking mosaic profile bathroom in a large space, experiment
of David which clads an with different layout options, such as
moving the doorway away from the corner,
entire wall to provide a better design aesthetic.

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30 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN Image courtesy of Urbanedge, VIC
 Image courtesy of Minosa, NSW

DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY

In this digital age there is a vast array of When selecting a program there are many Marketing
products and programs to suit a range of factors that must be considered, including:
needs. When used properly, digital technology Most bathroom specialists will use some
can have a positive impact on any number • Is it difficult to learn and use? (It is form of advertising to maintain or increase
of businesses, including those of bathroom supposed to make your life easier.) their businesses’ work flow. The uptake of
designers and specialists. digital technology by consumers has meant
• What is the upfront and ongoing outlay?
that marketing your business online is more
Will your existing hardware require
cost-effective and has greater reach than ever
replacement? Can you purchase add-on
Digital technology can help you to: before.
features later to spread your investment?
• improve your designs
• enhance client communication • How much upfront and ongoing training
• increase sales is included? Is customer support provided If your website is difficult to navigate
• reduce errors online, over the phone, or face-to-face? or the pages and images take too
• improve margins long to open, users will lose interest
• Can the program be customised to suit
• save time. and move on.
your business? Can it calculate GST (or
Digital technology can be used for a not) per contractor?
variety of functions, such as:
• marketing • How many users and devices (tablets, Website
• sales laptops, desktops, smart phones) will it Your website is a full-colour brochure that
• digital site measure integrate? Will it grow with your business? contains important information about you
• design • How frequent are software updates and your business. It’s available day and night
• manufacturing and construction available? and, unlike printed brochures, can be instantly
specifications updated. Ensure your website is kept up-to-
• project management • Will your internet provider be able to date by reviewing it regularly. As a minimum,
• digital photography. provide sufficient data transfer to run the websites should be updated every three
programs? months at the changing of the season. Also
include testimonials from happy clients; these
The first step in digitising your business is to • Does the supplier provide a free trial are invaluable for your business.
decide what function you need. Do you need period to road-test the program?
to reach more potential clients with online Presenting your work through colour photo
Remember to canvas the opinions of your galleries online will always draw an audience.
marketing? Could your business benefit from team when assessing hardware and software,
more streamlined project management and Galleries should also be updated regularly
as they may have specific requirements in to keep them fresh and interesting to return
coordination of tradespeople? Once you have their area that you may not have considered.
established this you will be able to assess visitors. If you don’t have a website, there are
available products and programs and choose At the end of the day you get what you pay a number of companies that will set up a
one that is the right fit for your business. for: free online software is usually missing basic site with limited functionality for a
There is currently no single program that is key functions (for example, the ability to print reasonable price.
able to provide for every requirement across designs) or may be ‘clunky’ to use. Take the
a bathroom specialist’s business. If you have time to research the best packages that can
a clear idea about what you are seeking to be used as a whole-of-business tool. Digital
manage and the features you will need, you technology is a long-term investment for your
will be able to confidently assess the potential business.
of the programs that are available on the
market.

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264 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN
 Image courtesy of Sugar Designs, ACT
Photographer: Art Atlier Photography

The Client Interview Include questions on colour preferences, materials and the type of
fixtures favoured. It can also be helpful to ask your client to rank their list
In order to produce an acceptable design solution, as the bathroom of desired inclusions from most to least important. The budget may not
designer you should interview the client, if possible in a face-to-face
meeting, to ensure that you are comfortable and fully understand the
cover every item on the wish-list; however, once you know the client’s
priorities you can endeavour to include as much as the budget will bear. What is the look and feel your
desired outcome before commencing work.
Visit the site of the project early in the process or as part of the client client is wanting to create?
Important information about the clients, such as the way in which they meeting if possible. If the project is a renovation, it is important to clearly
use their bathroom, their lifestyle, personal tastes etc., can be captured understand the connections to the room—both indoors and outdoors. An
in general conversation and notes should be taken. The Client Interview unused adjacent space may offer the extra floor space you are looking
Form (Appendix 1, page 294) can be used as a checklist to ensure for or there may be an opportunity to make the most of an impressive
important details are not overlooked. view from a window. Perhaps there is a wardrobe in the adjoining room
which can be used to inset the vanity.
For a new home project, where the canvas is usually blank, the designer
Listening carefully and asking questions are the two may have the option to adjust window heights or door placements
most important parts of the initial design briefing to help achieve the best design to suit the client’s brief. Be creative:
armed with a comprehensive understanding of the client’s needs and by
thinking outside the box you can create a bathroom design that exceeds
Some designers provide clients with an interview form to be completed expectations.
before the initial meeting so they have time to consider the project,
their ideas and their responses. It is important to keep in mind that
homeowners may have a different understanding of dimensions and will
often overestimate their space requirements in a bathroom. I often ask my clients what they don’t like about their
At the same time, most will tend to underestimate the costs involved current bathroom,’ says designer Angela Gianakis from
to achieve the desired result. It is up to you to advise the client not only
Outside Square South Australia. ‘The most common
with regard to the design, new products and colour trends, but also what
is necessary for functionality without exceeding the budget. While the complaint is that they’re tripping over each other; it’s
final design may not include everything on the wish-list, it must meet the too small. People want the feeling of more space in
users’ needs. the bathroom and—particularly for ensuites—they
want extras like double vanities so two people can be
in there at the same time.’ Other priorities, Angela adds
‘are the desire for luxury, privacy and storage—people
QUESTIONS SHOULD COVER THE want somewhere to escape.’
FOLLOWING AREAS:
„„ site information and location
It is critical that site inspections are conducted for an existing house
„„ ideas for the new bathroom—likes and
to identify the presence or potential presence of asbestos prior to any
dislikes construction work being carried out. Homes that were built before 1987
„„ lifestyle factors may have building materials that contain asbestos in the bathroom and
laundry (most common areas), and/or in the walls and ceilings. Don’t
„„ fixtures and fittings—required and desired rely on hearsay to ascertain if asbestos is present or not. In some states
and territories it is mandatory that all workers who may come in contact
„„ colour scheme, style and desired look and with asbestos be provided with awareness training. In all states and
feel territories it is a requirement to be licensed to conduct asbestos removal
work where the area exceeds 10 square metres. If you are in any doubt,
„„ any special features or accents please contact your local HIA office for further information and advice
„„ individual needs and storage requirements from the HIA Building Services team on 1300 650 620.

„„ the budget.
See Appendix 1 on page 294 for a sample client Randall Morrison from Bathrooms Are Us
interview form. recommends designers carry out asbestos testing
prior to commencing any design work—demolition
costs can jump more than tenfold where asbestos
Collecting the information required may take several discussions. Clients management and removal is required and its presence
should be encouraged to collect images and examples of bathrooms call spell the end of a project. Randall warns that
they like and explain what they like about them—this will provide a good designers should be aware that asbestos and products
starting point to ascertain their taste and preferences.
containing asbestos were not banned throughout
If your client has gathered images of bathrooms, ask what it is they find Australia until 2004.
appealing. It may be a small detail; for example, the placement or style of
a tap or an interesting lighting feature, a colour or texture and materials
used. Conversely, determining what your client does not like is also an
important part of this process.

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10 GUIDE TO BATHROOM PLANNING & DESIGN
Guide to Bathroom
Planning & Design

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