HEWI MAG / accessibility
Accessible bathroom design – the advantages of the multi-generational bathroom
Intergenerational living is a component of building planning that has been gaining in importance for several years. An ageing society and changing family structures are decisive for developments in the sector. In this article, you will learn why it makes sense to think about intergenerational bathroom design right from the start.
Barrier-free bathroom design enables the bathroom to be used safely and comfortably by different generations within a family or as part of new living concepts - such as multi-generational shared flats. The requirements for the intergenerational bathroom are diverse: The desire for modern, appealing aesthetics is just as great as that for standardised accessibility that enables independent and autonomous living in old age and is realised with durable, robust products.
What are the advantages of an intergenerational bathroom?
For new builds or renovations, it is advisable to consider barrier-free bathroom design right from the planning stage – because a comfortable bathroom today will be a supportive bathroom for independent personal hygiene routines tomorrow. These benefits are offered by intergenerational bathrooms:
- Intergenerational fittings respond to demographic change
Intergenerational bathroom concepts are your response as planners and architects to the demographic changes of our time. People today have a longer life expectancy. At the same time, many older people wish to spend their twilight years in their own home for as long as possible rather than in a care facility. Barrier-free bathroom fittings help ageing people or people with changed circumstances to fulfil this wish in the best possible way.
- Multi-generational bathrooms strengthen social ties
The multi-generational bathroom is designed to bring together different generations. This strengthens interaction and social ties between different age groups. Intergenerational bathrooms stimulate contact between the members of the household and counteract loneliness. Older people in particular feel increasingly confronted with loneliness: modern living concepts can be the answer. Mutual support is another factor in the intergenerational bathroom that many residents consider to be a great advantage.
- Cost savings thanks to the intergenerational bathroom
The basic idea of a multi-generational household is clear: all family members share one living space. This saves both rental and heating costs and other resources. Another advantage is that conversion measures that are often cost-intensive or difficult to implement are reduced. If you need more support in your daily bathroom routine after an accident, in the event of illness or in old age, the generation bathroom reacts immediately – conversion measures and retrofitting are superfluous, as the bathroom is designed to be barrier-free right from the start.
- Intergenerational bathrooms offer flexibility
Bathrooms with intergenerational, barrier-free fittings offer a high degree of flexibility. They are designed in such a way that they can easily adapt to changing living conditions and support their residents in their daily lives in the best possible way. Retrofitting can be avoided in intergenerational bathrooms thanks to forward-looking planning. Fitting a bathroom out with mobile solutions that can be used as required is ideal.
- Intergenerational bathroom fittings offer a plus in terms of sustainability
With intergenerational bathroom concepts, you choose the sanitary solutions with foresight and awareness. Thanks to mobile solutions, the there is no need for the replacement or expansion of products as life circumstances change since this has already been planned for in the intergenerational bathroom. The sanitary products therefore accompany your customers over a long period of time. When choosing a product with regard to sustainability, pay particular attention to robust and durable materials.
What equipment is suitable for the intergenerational bathroom?
Ideally, the equipment in the multi-generational bathroom will fulfil all accessibility requirements. Flexibility to react to the individual needs of your customers plays another important role in fitting the bathroom out. Mobile products with clever functions in particular offer maximum convenience and flexible support.
These requirements form the basis for the design of the accessible sanitary series and systems from HEWI, which are ideal for use in multi-generational bathrooms.
The innovation for barrier-free bathrooms – System 900
System 900 is the answer to the complex requirements made of accessible bathrooms. The products are well thought-out down to the smallest detail – they score high with their functionality, durable quality, clever assembly technology, and hygienic design. The mobile solutions bring more flexibility to the generational bathroom.
The sanitary solutions are available in the trendy colours black and matt white, in the high-quality chrome, stainless steel and powder-coated surfaces as well as in your personal favourite colour – the design options of our System 900 leave nothing to be desired. For us, accessibility does not mean renouncing aesthetics. That's why our solutions are created with a combination of design and comfort.
How you can implement accessibility in the cross-generational bathroom, at toilet, washbasin and in the shower can be found in our series of articles.
Intergenerational bathroom concepts are trend-setting
Intergenerational bathrooms offer many different advantages for users. By planning multi-generational bathroom fittings in advance, you can help your customers to realise their dream bathroom that will accompany them for many years to come. The right equipment plays a decisive role in this.
We are happy to support you!
Do you need support in implementing barrier-free sanitary facilities? On our planning service page you will find more information about our free offer.
