The bathrooms of the future are accessible, and this transition is visible today, with modern bathroom architecture focusing on plans and designs that meet personal preferences in terms of features and comfort while also thinking ahead to tomorrow. For private dwellings and residential buildings, for care institutions and public sanitary facilities, cross-generational, age- and care-appropriate, future-proof design concepts are being developed that meet both individual needs and the requirements of a modern, inclusive society.
The defining characteristics of accessible bathrooms are, above all, sufficient freedom of movement and considered layout of installations. Unimpeded use must be possible for people using a wheelchair, a walking frame or with sensory disabilities. The most important criteria, defined for example in DIN 18040, include the following specifications: shower trays must be installed level with the floor and be non-slip. Movement areas may overlap. Sufficient stability of the walls must be ensured for sub-structures for items such as extra-long toilets, folding supports or shower seats. If these conditions are not present on-site, the use of fixing elements and installation systems is recommended.
As a full-service provider for bathrooms, Villeroy & Boch continuously develops new product solutions covering the entire process of planning and equipping accessible bathrooms. The comprehensive ViCare collection offers planners attractive, ergonomic and DIN-compliant bathroom ceramics and supporting accessories. It also includes all required installation elements and controls as well as flush-fitting shower trays and user-friendly taps and fittings – for accessible bathrooms in all areas of life.
Villeroy & Boch has also produced the factbook “Obstacle-free planning” which provides detailed information and guidance on selecting installations for accessible bathrooms.
Added value for private homes
The proportion of elderly people in the general population who want to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible is constantly growing. An accessible bathroom makes a significant contribution in this respect. From new builds to renovations, from private builders to housing societies, accessible bathrooms can be installed or the foundations laid for the future with little added expense. This increases the value of the property and its returns – for inhabitants and users as well as for investors who may receive subsidies for their building project.
The ViCare collection makes it possible to design safe, homely, stylish and comfortable accessible bathrooms. For additional design scope and a greater choice of installations, ViCare can also be combined with other Villeroy & Boch collections and bathroom furniture. For example, as well as a washbasin with clearance for a wheelchair, a rimless ViClean shower toilet provides maximum hygiene and makes it possible for users with reduced mobility to maintain personal care routines. With appropriate planning and preparation, additional components such as handles or a shower seat can also be easily installed at a later date as required.
Advantages in a care setting
Significant challenges are involved in the planning and installation of accessible bathrooms in a care setting. DIN-18040 2(R) clearly specifies movement areas around toilets, washbasins and showers in nursing and care facilities. Bathrooms with ergonomic sanitary installations and intelligent products such as washbasins with extra clearance for a wheelchair make daily routines easier. They improve safety and promote autonomy, even for people with motor disabilities, which helps relieve the workload of nursing staff. Smooth, dirt-repellent or antibacterial surfaces with very few joints, such as Villeroy & Boch’s CeramicPlus and AntiBac finishes, are also easier to clean, which means savings in labor and operating expenses.
Elderly people who do not require care prefer to live in retirement homes and sheltered housing. While completely accessible design is not mandatory for bathrooms in these facilities, operators should still look to the future: it is advisable to plan accessible bathrooms right from the start or at least lay the foundations to allow items to be fitted quickly and easily if the need arises at a later date.
With the ViCare collection, residents in care homes and retirement residences can enjoy attractive bathrooms that feel pleasant to use, with installations tailored to their individual needs and allowing a high level of autonomy. Thanks to its timeless design, ViCare can be used to create appealing, accessible bathrooms that combine comfort with cost efficiency.
Hygiene and comfort in public areas
A wide range of statutory requirements apply in relation to accessibility in the public sector. As well as larger movement areas, another important consideration is the fact that public sanitary facilities are looked for and used far more frequently than private bathrooms. From shopping centers to hotels and restaurants, swimming pools or offices – clever system solutions pave the way for accessible sanitary facilities that meet high standards in terms of comfort and hygiene, are suitable for all users and are also durable and economical.
Villeroy & Boch’s ViCare collection makes it far easier for planners to design accessible public sanitary facilities. All products are characterized by their great resistance and hygiene – with an intelligent design and high-quality workmanship, as well as special surface finishes that reduce bacterial growth and accumulation of dirt to save cleaning time and costs. For example, each flush rinses the entire bowl of the rimless ViCare toilet for more efficient and thorough cleaning.
Villeroy & Boch
Villeroy & Boch is one of the world’s leading premium brands for ceramic products. The family business, which was founded in 1748 and is headquartered in Mettlach/Germany, stands for innovation, tradition and exceptional style. As a renowned lifestyle brand, Villeroy & Boch offers products from the sectors of Bathroom and Wellness and Dining & Lifestyle and is active in 125 countries.
