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Designed to Perfection

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As soon as the word 'inclusive' is added to the word 'bathroom' or 'kitchen', many will think of institutional spaces that look out of place in most homes. Here Stuart Reynolds, UK Marketing & Product Management Director at AKW, a leading provider of inclusive solutions, shows architects and designers how style and functionality can be combined in the bathroom and kitchen to encourage accessibility that is beautiful as well as practical.

The data shows that by 2035, the number of people aged 60+ in England alone will reach 29% of the population. Alongside this ageing demographic, a survey released by the Department for Work and Pensions in March* has also shown that the number of disabled people in the UK is on the rise. Nearly one in four (24%) of the total population is now classified as disabled, representing an increase of 3.9 million people over the past decade.

Changing needs

Based on these statistics, it is no wonder that demand is on the rise for inclusive bathrooms and kitchens. When accessibility was discussed by RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) during last year's Accessible Homes Week, Amy Francis-Smith, an architect and accessibility expert, said that she thought more emphasis needed be placed on the subject of meeting the changing needs of occupiers over time. She said that this could be met through thoughtfully designed, adapted housing**.

So, what does thoughtfully designed housing look like when it comes to the kitchen and bathroom areas in particular? Guidance can be found in many places, including the Approved Document M building regulations, the BS 8300-2:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment, and The Access Audit Handbook: An inclusive approach to auditing buildings.

In addition, working with occupational therapists, AKW has developed a range of guides on the subject of accessible design in bathrooms and kitchens. All of these can be found at www.akw-ltd.co.uk. Here are some of the outtakes from them.

Designing a stylish inclusive bathroom

One of the easiest ways for developers to create inclusivity in the bathroom is with the use of a level-access shower room or wet room. Here at AKW we have seen increased demand for products that place as much of a priority on aesthetics as on functionality. Hence the launch of our popular AKW Onyx range of shower trays, grab rails and accessories that bring affordable luxury to the showering area.

When it comes to designing a stylish inclusive bathroom, here are some of the key things to consider when developing bathrooms for those with existing disabilities or for the older demographic:

Easy navigation: a well-lit bathroom is essential, and the light must be adequate for a variety of tasks, avoiding shadows, dark areas, and glare. If designing for visual impairments, trip hazards can be minimised by using anti-slip flooring and contrasting colours that have a light reflective value difference of at least 30 on grab rails and shower seats, to help navigate around the space.

Ease of use: the standard bathroom layout has numerous trip points, slippery floors, hot water, and potentially confusing layouts. For ease of use for older users and those with dementia it is important to include tonal contrasts between surfaces and critical planes, and include thermostatic taps, low surface temperature radiators and under-floor heating where possible to avoid scalding and burns.

Wheelchair movement: for wheelchair users, level access should be prioritised, and doors positioned to face outwards and include a raised height toilet with accessibility on both sides if possible. Use a wall-hung sink, think about radiator and towel rail placement, and remove external pipe work, to improve access.

Accessible kitchens in practice

Whether designing for potential accessibility issues in the future or the present demands of a wheelchair user, there is a good-looking solution for every requirement.

Storage: For wheelchair users, all units should be fitted at no more than 350mm above the worktop to maximise use. Wall units can be fitted with pull down baskets to allow easier access to items, or fitted with electrically operated units, such as AKW's ActivMotion Wall Units, that come forwards and down, to enable those with limited reach to have use of the whole kitchen.Although designed for wheelchair users, such easy access storage can also be installed for those difficult to reach areas that would require a non-wheelchair user to get a stool to access the higher shelves.

Lighting: For safety thought needs to be given to the placement of two types of lighting, task and general lighting. General lighting via downlighters should be calculated as one per 1.5 to 2m2. These should be positioned over key task areas. Task lighting should be used under the cupboards and in drawers where specific spaces need to be highlighted.

Cooking: Choosing a hob that can be recessed into the worktop ensures the smooth sliding of dishes and saucepans over it, reducing the need for a wheelchair user – or someone with weaker mobility – to lift and carry heavy items. The only ovens suitable for accessible kitchens will have either a slide and hide or side opening door and will also be fitted with at least one pair of telescopic shelf rails. The oven should be fitted into a tall housing unit and located with its main shelf position at a height suitable to the users' needs.

Get creative!

As designers, it is possible to create inclusive bathrooms and kitchens that combine style, reliability, and accessibility both quickly and affordably.

For more details on inclusive design in the kitchen or bathroom, why not download one of AKW's free best practice guides? Alternatively, AKW will be on stand B62 at The Care Show in Birmingham 9th & 10th October, or an appointment can be booked at AKW's Droitwich or Middlewich showrooms, to see best practice inclusive bathrooms and kitchens in situ.

For more information, please contact AKW on 01905 823298, email sales@akw-ltd.co.uk, or visit AKW.

* Department for Work and Pensions, Family Resources Survey 2022 – 2023, Updated 26 March 2024.
* RIBA, How Architects Can Help When an Occupant's Accessibility Needs Change, 7 Sep 23.

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