Universal Bath - 2019 Bay Area Award Winner

The owners of this charming 1922 house planned for it to be their forever home. With the health decline of the husband, they realized they would need to accommodate his progressive disability and potential future use of a walker or wheelchair. Access to and functionality of the master bathroom was critical. Previous owners had done quirky remodels that made the bathroom dark, dated and not accommodating. A major UD remodel was needed and everything was designedfor easy access and mobility as well as beauty.

The Challenge:
• The floor plan layout was cramped and awkward, even for a “healthy” individual, with a large enclosed toilet room jutting into the space. • Client elected not to include an accessible / adaptable vanity knee space, as the husband wasn’t yet wheelchair bound and not ready to make a change. • Shower enclosure entry was extremely narrow with high step. • The large jacuzzi tub took up valuable real estate and was never used. • The tight and awkward vanity area was dark, and limited even normal access. • The room felt simultaneously tired and gloomy, yet easily overheated, due to varied sizes of small, single paned windows. • The awkward single pane windows didn’t maximize the spectacular San Francisco view. • There were no balance assistance devices (grab bars), and blocking had to be provided • Thoughtful storage solutions had to be created due to the removal of a medicine pantry in the master foyer. • A pocket door had to be created as a new accessible bathroom entry

The Result:
Elegant Universal Design solutions were employed that were essentially invisible, but highly functional for both current and future residents. By updating the floor plan, eliminating the enclosed toilet area and unused bath tub, the master bath room became a seamless whole -- light-filled, open and accessible. A spacious barrier-free shower with seating creates a beautiful focus to the room. New lighting, wall mirrors, comforting soft colors, and large energy saving windows bring in natural daylight. Cutting-edge technology was used -- from bath fixtures to touch control illuminated cabinets to washlet toilets-- but designed in a warm traditional palette, in keeping with the integrity of the century home.