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Renovating Bathrooms

Help with bathroom layout

3 years ago

Hi. We are renovating the ground floor of a terrace, opening up the kitchen/living to the garden and moving the bathroom to a small and awkward space under the stairs. I'm struggling with the layout and would love any thoughts and advice.

Our current design is pictured - it's hard to tell with my design skills but the side with the toilet is partly under the stairs so has a sloping roof and is only just at head height where the toilet is.

The big decision is where to fit the bath/shower. There is compromised head room above where the toilet is so it is hard to fit a shower/bath there, but it is too strange to have the shower/bath in an alcove where I would be stepping into the narrow end of the bath?

I have checked out baths and can get one where there is a relatively straight edge to step into (the same as it would be stepping into the long edge of a bath) but I cannot find any images on the net that picture a bath in an alcove like this. Is it workable this way or has anyone had any experience with a bath design like this? I can imagine that it might feel claustrophobic to have a bath in a small alcove but I'm wondering if I could design it to feel cosy?

All advice on layout much appreciated. I know it may be easier to scrap the bath and just have a walk in shower but would love to fit a bath if we can. There is no other bath in the house.

It's an 1890s terrace so wanting to keep design fairly classic - white and wood and probably glossy subway tile and hanging plants. It's an internal room so there are no windows to the outside but high glass panel to living area so some natural light.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

oklouise
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
your plans and 3D looks excellent and i think it's a fabulous idea and great use of the space..we once had a bath space that was only 1200 x 600 built under a sloping roof with side access only 700 wide... the space was walled and tiled without a tub. (including tiles up the sloping ceiling)..worked perfectly but you have the luxury of enough space to add a bathtub that will be so much more comfortable and easier to clean and a standard drop in bath with the straight end at the front and layback at the far end ..standard installation just rotated with a nice low lip on the bath to make a flat ledge to line up your bubble bath and ducks...challenge will be getting the bath into the space.. there and a lightweight (often cheaper) bath may be easier and/or the installers may have to make a hole in the wall for access from the other end or the side and then refinish the walls...there are plenty of bathtubs that would fit the space but you'll need to discuss best options with plumber and tiler as they don't usually like surprises and, if a custom vanity was under the stairs with the sink offsett to the high side and the toilet behind the door there would be more comfortable standing space in front of the bath, a bigger vanity with more storage and easy access for towel rails near the bath..but, regardless of the width of the actual toilet, it needs to be installed close to the door (not centred in the space) to allow enough shoulder room but that means the door needs to be closed for broad shouldered adults to use the toilet comfortably..but that's not such a bad idea and another option for extra light (even in a downstairs enclosed room) is a Solar Skylight mounted on the wall or ceiling..research illume and Arcol brands for more info)
differentways
3 years ago
How tall is head height above the toilet. I would consider swapping the bath and toilet the widows in your proposed bath position will be a problem with the shower
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Yes thank you for your thoughts. the room is 2.8 (with window) vs 3.4m. I do find it a bit annoying too as I don't like that you open the door and see straight away into the shower (though I'm certain the door would have a lock). I'm sure they lined the bath up to be with the window as visually that looks better, but then I find the space at the end annoying. I like the alternative drawings (I like three of them lots!) and I had been considering an drop in bath built wall to wall rather than a freestanding but also finding it frustrating to find a really nice supportive bath and there are less drop in baths than freestanding around at the moment which is a bit annoying. Thanks Anna for the picture, that helps as that looks good (though we would have more space at either end, 50cm) and I prefer the look of yours with some space but not as cavenous... I think I might have to have a talk with my husband as we really need to work out what to do!!
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PRO
Bonnie Mills Architecture and Interiors
3 years ago
I think its a great use of space, the windows are workable, just make sure they are openable as youll need lots of ventilation and natural light. The shower cove is nice, keep tiles white and bright, consider the placement of your shower head, will it clash with the windows? I have some great space planning tips for bathroom renos in my 10 page bathroom design guide, you might find it helpful: https://www.bmai.com.au/bathroomguide101

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