12 Key Aspects to consider when Designing a Wet room

12 Key Aspects to consider when Designing a Wet room.

When designing a wet room, there are many factors architects need to consider to ensure functionality, safety, aesthetics, and compliance with regulations.   We’ve put together a brief overview of the key aspects you need to consider when planning a wet room.

 1. Layout and Space Planning

Room Size and Shape: Determining the size and shape of the wet room to accommodate fixtures and allow for comfortable movement.

Fixture Placement: Planning the placement of the shower, toilet, sink, and any other fixtures to optimize space and functionality.

 2. Slopes and Drainage

Slope: Designing the floor with the correct gradient to direct water towards the drain efficiently.  There are numerous wet room systems on the market place, floor finishes can decide on the type of slopes you wish to specify.  For example, a one way slope to a wall mounted linear drain is perfect for large format tiles and marble.  A centre square drain works well with mosaics or larger tiles with envelope cuts. Find out more about different wet room kits.

Drain Types: Selecting suitable drain types (linear drains, point drains) and locations to ensure effective water removal.  Take into account the floor finish, wet room drains are typically designed for certain finishes re vinyl, tiles or resin.

Capacity: Can the drain handle the amount of water output from the shower or multiple shower heads.

Compliancy:  Is the drain compliant with UK building regulations BS1253.

Floor Depth: Is there enough depth in the floor to cater for level access?  If a building has more than four floors, the drain must have a 50mm water seal – BS1253-06.

3. Waterproofing

Materials: Choosing appropriate waterproof materials for floors, walls, and ceilings to prevent water damage.  There are a full range of waterproofing materials on the market, look out for a flexible, eco friendly solution.

Sealing: Ensuring all joints, edges, and corners are properly sealed to prevent leaks.

Compatibility: Is the membrane suitable for use with your floor finish?  Some membranes can react with tile adhesive and cause staining to the underneath of the tile or marble.

4. Ventilation

Airflow: Ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mould and mildew growth by incorporating exhaust fans or ventilation windows.

Humidity Control: Considering humidity control systems to maintain air quality and comfort.

 5. Safety

Slip-Resistance: Choosing slip-resistant flooring materials to prevent accidents.  High gloss tiles look amazing on the walls, but best not to use them on the floor.

Grab Bars and Supports: Including grab bars and supports if required for accessibility and safety.

6. Heating

Underfloor Heating: Installing underfloor heating systems for comfort and to aid in drying the room.  Make sure that the underfloor heating isn’t too close to the drain!

Towel Warmers: Including heated towel rails for added comfort and functionality.

 7. Lighting

Natural Light: Maximizing the use of natural light while ensuring privacy.

Artificial Lighting: Designing appropriate artificial lighting for functionality and ambiance, considering moisture-resistant fixtures.

8. Aesthetics

Design Theme: Selecting materials, colours, and finishes that align with the overall design theme and desired aesthetics.

Fixtures and Fittings: Choosing stylish and functional fixtures and fittings.

9. Regulations and Codes

Building Codes: Adhering to building regulations regarding wet room construction.  Always specify compliant products and materials.

10. Budget and Cost Management

Material Costs: Managing the costs of high-quality waterproof materials and fixtures.

Labour Costs: Considering the labour costs for specialised waterproofing and installation work.

11. Maintenance

Ease of Cleaning: Choosing materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain.

12. Durability

Durability: Ensuring the materials and construction methods used are durable and long-lasting to reduce maintenance frequency.

Conclusions

There are numerous wetroom systems and products on the marketplace.  By addressing these considerations, architects can design wet rooms that are not only functional and safe but also aesthetically pleasing and compliant with regulations.

Check out our Architects Guide to Wet rooms for additional information.  Should you wish to discuss your project with one of our specification managers, we’d be delighted to hear from you.  Contact our specification team on 01332 840820 .

Important update to the NHBS Specifications 2018

Backing surfaces for tiling should;

• Be moisture resistant, where frequent wetting occurs 

When Tiling; 

• Proprietary water-resistant grouting should be used in accordance with the manufacturer 

Grouting should be: 

• As specified in the design including mix and colour 
• Cement-based, epoxy resin or a proprietary product 
• ‘Waterproof in and around shower enclosures and where tiling can be saturated’. 

Gypsum plaster should not be used where; 

• ‘Repeated or persistent wetting may occur’