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Some shower manufacturers offer a bespoke service
As the consumer becomes much more discerning when it comes to style and design in the bathroom, keeping abreast of changing trends is vital in attracting and maintaining the interest of prospective purchasers. While staying in touch with the latest looks may present enough of a challenge, housebuilders and developers in the UK are also confronted with the issue of limited space in the bathroom.
With the UK having, on average, some of the smallest bathrooms in Europe, creating a luxurious space can be problematic. This issue has also been exacerbated by the fact that house buyers now expect a standalone shower enclosure, and sometimes a bath, to be installed in their new home.
Recognising the increased popularity of the shower enclosure, and the limited space in the UK bathroom, manufacturers have developed a range of high performance designs, which maximise the available showering space and allow installation into problematic areas.
Overcoming restrictions
The bi-fold enclosure, for example, features inward folding doors that make installation into a narrow bathroom much more feasible. Extending the range of space saving enclosures even further, leading manufacturers have also created a tri-fold door enclosure, which features a third inward folding door. When the trifold is not in use, its doors can be neatly folded to the side, maximising the feeling of space. Similarly, corner entry designs allow housebuilders to incorporate a standalone enclosure in the bathroom even though the outward opening space may be restricted.
As well as space saving options, manufacturers have developed space enhancing enclosures that offer a more contemporary alternative to traditional designs. The curved bow front enclosure, for example, is narrower at the sides and increases in depth at its centre, which optimises the available showering space, particularly in awkward alcoves.
Made-to-measure
Manufacturers have also developed designs that provide the flexibility to maximise showering space in relation to the complex and restrictive layout of the bathroom.
For example, some bi-fold door designs can be installed with an additional, fixed in-line panel, which extends the width of the enclosure. Alternatively, bow front enclosures can be fitted with extra side panels, allowing installation against a wall or in a corner.
Providing the ultimate in flexible design, some shower enclosure manufacturers offer bespoke enclosures, which can be made to order. These tailor-made designs allow housebuilders and developers to accommodate existing restrictions such as doors, windows and sanitaryware, as well as roof spaces and stairwells.
A perfect finish
Alongside careful design, manufacturers have paid careful attention to frame and glass finishes when designing their latest space-enhancing and space-saving solutions.
Polished silver produces a sparkling, high shine finish in the bathroom, which makes it appear lighter and more spacious. Plain, curved glass has been more widely used in UK-manufactured enclosures, as, when it is teamed with a polished silver frame, it is very effective in creating the illusion of space in a smaller bathroom.
Completing the challenge
With today’s discerning house buyer casting a critical eye over the bathroom, housebuilders and developers must deliver a luxurious, high performance finish and, as a focal point of the bathroom, it is essential that the shower enclosure meets this criterion.
As well as size, shape, and style, the enclosure must also deliver the smooth operation and watertight performance that buyers expect. As such, the latest space-saving and space-enhancing enclosures also incorporate a number of advanced design features that deliver guaranteed leak-free operation and durability.
In addressing the specific concerns of the British market, particularly in terms of limited bathroom size and a high performance finish, UK manufacturers are developing and adapting shower enclosures to meet the needs of this country’s compact bathrooms. In turn, these solutions will help UK housebuilders and developers to create the ‘wow’ factor, which helps sell new homes.
