Architecture & Design – July-September 2019

Building better bathrooms

with customisation and care

Australia’s growing – and ageing population

• has increased demand for healthcare and
  aged-care facilities. This presents a challenge
  for designers as healthcare environments must
  balance aesthetics, safety, comfort and hygiene
  while accommodating a varied range of ages
  and physical ability levels. This is especially
  relevant when designing bathrooms and
  specifying bathroom fixtures.

New Markets, New Demands

Based on recent statistics, the proportion of

people aged 65 years and over has been steadily

increasing. In 2017-2018, over 20,000 people

presented to hospital emergency departments

across the country. Considering these trends,

designers must create bathroom facilities that

can accommodate heavy traffic volumes and

anticipate a broad range of user types.

Design Solutions for Quality Bathrooms

A careful, holistic approach is required when

designing bathrooms for the healthcare sector.

All elements of bathroom design, including

accessories and fixtures, must work together

to deliver a safe, hygienic and functional

environment.

Based on Universal Design principles, some

of the key strategies include accommodating

a wide range of preferences, abilities and

physical characteristics, minimising safety risks

and ensuring low physical effort is required.

Incorporating Flexibility and Adaptability

Bathroom accessories such as washbasins,

showerheads and shower seats should be

height and sideways adjustable. Solutions that

allow for customisation at the design and/or

use stages ensure a wide range of use cases

can be addressed.

Ensuring Low Maintenance and Easy Cleaning

The risk of healthcare-associated infections

in healthcare facilities requires that ease of

clean be a key consideration when selecting

bathroom components. This should be

balanced with features that enhance overall

user safety and comfort.

Balancing Beauty and Utility

High quality products provide sufficient

design flexibility to achieve different styles,

from minimalist to ‘home-like’ aesthetics.

Environments that resemble home environments

are recommended as they can contribute to a

patient’s sense of belonging and comfort.

HLS Healthcare

HLS Healthcare is one of Australia’s leading

suppliers of high quality equipment and

furniture solutions for the healthcare sector.

This Melbourne-based company sources only

the highest quality healthcare products and

accessories from Australia and internationally

to deliver a comprehensive range of high

performance, ergonomic and safe solutions

that meet the needs of all users. The HLS range

includes Profilo Smart’s Track & Cover, Zero-

Gravity Height Adjustable Washbasin Bracket

and Toilet Lift-Up Arm Supports.

DowNLoAD FrEE wHItEpApEr

bit.ly/HLS_19Q3

profilosmart.com/products /

A&D x HLS HEAL

tHCArE

/ jul-sep 2019

promotioN feature

83

ADQ3_2019_HLS Healthcare_ADV_FP_FINAL.indd 83 26/7/19 3:40 pm