Image: Iwan Sastrawiguna
So periodically I will feature architectural design that isn’t specifically made for universal design, but the space has aspects of accessibility. Many times the space can serve as a design inspiration when making something that is meant to be accessible. That is definitely the case for today’s Architecture+Design feature. This is a semi outdoor roll-in shower by Indonesia based Iwan Sastrawiguna Interior Design.
Image: Simon Michel & Steffen Gramsch via Yanko Design
When it comes to shower surround walls, you can create a countless number of designs and colors. Although you’re typically limited to certain materials such as tile, stones, glass, or plastic/fiberglass. Those who are lucky enough can even have clear glass walls surrounded by nature. Of course most of us don’t live in a place that has such secluded privacy. But this concept shower surround by Simon Michel & Steffen Gramsch could have us showering anywhere in the world, virtually speaking. Their OLED Shower turns the shower surround walls into big screens and their examples also happen to be roll-in showers.
Sometimes in life there are things that seem like they would be a simple process but turn out to be complicated. Installation of grab bars can be one of those processes. Just putting them anywhere on the wall won’t work. You need to make sure you’re mounting to a stud or wood backing. If none are available, wall anchors can used but not on all types of walls will work. Plus all these processes involve drilling holes. Which some may not want to do on their nice and expensive tile walls. There’s also the risk of cracking the tile when drilling. To solve this dilemma, a no drill option is available. Nie Wieder Bohren (aka No Drilling Required) is grab bar mounting system that utilizes high strength adhesives. The grab bars can be found in some stores and online websites so many of you may already be familiar with them. But for those who are not let’s see how they work.
Image: k Yoder design
When I look for architectural and interior design spaces to feature, I like to choose ones that really jump out at me. Immediately when I saw this roll-in shower I knew it was going to be written about. Even though it’s not specifically designed for accessibility, it’s still a design inspiration. Designed by k Yoder design of Philadelphia, this roll-in shower definitely stands out.
Image: Harth Builders
Sometimes when I have a bathroom that needs to be modified for accessibility, the existing space can provide space challenges. Either because of the size and shape of the space or the locations of the fixtures. Which especially on a limited budget, requires some creativity. This wheelchair accessible bathroom by Harth Builders of Spring House, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a typical bathroom arrangement. Yet it does maximize functionality with the space given.
Image: Klima Design Group
As the saying goes, “What’s old is new again”. Which is a saying that can be applied in multiple ways. Sometimes it means taking an old style and tweaking it with new style. In my opinion there are periods of classical architecture that are simply timeless. But that doesn’t mean we can’t modernize them some to create something new. Such is the case with this wheelchair accessible bathroom by the Klima Design Group of New Jersey. A bathroom that combines modern and classical elements.
Image: Christa Young
When deciding on what kind of shower bench or seat to have in a roll-in shower, there are a lot of different options. Materials are mostly narrowed down to wood, plastic, or a built in tile. Well here is an option that I’ve never seen before. A built in glass shower bench with LED lights. This was done for a project in Colorado Springs by interior designer Christa Young of TY Design.
