Post by Wetroom Materials
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Building Codes: Adhering to building regulations regarding wet room construction. Always specify compliant products and materials.
Material Costs: Managing the costs of high-quality waterproof materials and fixtures.
Labour Costs: Considering the labour costs for specialised waterproofing and installation work.
Ease of Cleaning: Choosing materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain.
Durability: Ensuring the materials and construction methods used are durable and long-lasting to reduce maintenance frequency.
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 .
Top 10 Favourite Wet Room Designs
23rd May 2024
My client bought a range of Wet Room Unislope Systems from our local retailer, Bathworks. We struggled to find anyone to come to site and take responsibility for the waterproofing until we came across WM | Wetroom Materials. They were willing to stand over their tanking system and more than helpful throughout all stages of the installation from site survey and room preparation to installation. A 10 Year no leak fully insured warranty gave me the confidence that we were dealing with a professional organisation. I would highly recommend these guys and will certainly be using them going forward.
Steven Quinlan | Director | Citius Limited
I have honestly found, WM | Wetroom Materials to be an easy and reliable company to work with. Whether it be a one wet room residential project, apartment block or a gym; they ensure there are no installation problems and we don’t have to worry about leaks. They take care of the specification and advising us on correct build ups and preparation. On a recent project we were able to buy their Unislope System from our bathroom show room retailer and they subsequently came to site to tank out the bathrooms. It was a time sensitive job and The Wet Room lads worked through the evening and into the weekend to ensure we completed the project on time. I have no hesitation in recommending WM, they are a pleasure to deal with.
Noel Geraghty | Director/Founder | NGS Mechanical Services
In Bright Designs, we understand the importance of specifying a reliable waterproofing system for bathrooms. We have worked on a number of projects with WM | Wetroom Materials over the years and I can honestly say that their waterproofing installation service offers complete peace of mind for us and our clients. The WM Team are there throughout all stages of the project from site survey and specification to installation. More importantly they also give us a 10 year no leak guarantee. I also like the fact that they will handle communication with the client and contractors in terms of delivering a high-quality installation which allows me the head space to focus on other aspects of the build."
Alan Burns | Director/Co-founder | Bright Designs. B Arch, B Sc Arch, MRIAI.
