Many people planning a bathroom today want to take their future needs and requirements into account without compromising on contemporary, stylish design.
Driven by demographic change, demand for “multi-generational bathrooms” continues to increase. According to a government report “Future of an Ageing Population”, the UK population is ageing and nearly one in seven people is projected to be aged over 75 by 2040*. GROHE experts have long acknowledged these trends and have developed five attractive solutions to meet the growing need. These can be found in the brand’s newly released SMART COMFORT – Plan for Tomorrow Today brochure.
“Our ‘SMART COMFORT’ concept embraces a number of different approaches to helping older and physically impaired people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible”, says Andrea Bußmann, Regional Vice President Europe at Grohe AG. “An important contribution to this objective is delivered by specifically designed and engineered products combining elevated levels of comfort, ergonomics, user safety and longevity. A sensible room layout and a forward-looking choice of decor are equally instrumental in maximising the user-friendliness of what remains the most private room of any home.”
One solution for all members of the household: the SMART COMFORT Plus Bathroom
The SMART COMFORT Plus Bathroom was devised by GROHE experts specifically for households where there is only a single member with restricted mobility. Additional areas and fittings are provided to cater for these special needs. These include a wheelchair accessible basin as well as grab bars in the toilet area. Users with unrestricted mobility are provided with dual wash basins and a bathtub, complemented by taps from the GROHE Allure F-digital series offering elegant design and intuitive operation from any area within the bathroom. For added user safety, a GROHE Allure thermostat keeps the shower water temperature constant at the chosen level, reliably protecting against scalding. A GROHE Sensia® IGS shower toilet maximises comfort for all users thanks to its gentle cleansing action, using nothing but water and warm air.
Accommodating evolving needs: The SMART COMFORT Design Bathroom
The SMART COMFORT Design Bathroom demonstrates how a remodelling project can be easily and discreetly designed to meet future needs. The room layout should avoid narrow access ways, provide sufficient turning space for wheelchairs and walkers, while placing basins and WCs in easily accessible spots. In this concept, the low-profile basin is mounted on a wheelchair accessible timber panel and complemented by a stylish Essence tap, with an easy to use lever incorporating GROHE SilkMove® technology. The GROHE Rainshower® SmartControl takes the idea of comfortable showering to the next level, with three combined push-and-turn knobs giving users intuitive control of water flow, water temperature and spray pattern. The GROHE Sensia® Arena shower toilet is again used here, with its natural, water-only cleansing function and its wide array of customisable functions. The toilet uses advanced technologies to minimise maintenance and cleaning, offering a perfect combination of thorough body care, ultimate hygiene and personalised comfort.
Comfort without barriers: The SMART COMFORT Budget Bathroom
The SMART COMFORT Budget concept has been designed to demonstrate how a future proof and easy access bathroom can be created even where space is at a premium and/or budgets are limited. The layout places elements such as the wash basin in positions where they are easily accessible and can be used by all members of the household. A single-lever mixer with tall spout from the Eurostyle range leaves maximum space above the basin for hand washing, while its ergonomically shaped lever ensures easier operation for people with impaired motor skills. Style-matched accessories from the GROHE Essentials collection give the bathroom a coordinated and sleek look, and a seat near the shower area provides users with a space to relax. The toilet bowl is mounted at a comfortable height of 45 centimetres using the Rapid SL installation system, and is suitable for the possibility of retrofitting grab rails.
Enhanced quality of life for later years: The SMART COMFORT Care Bathroom
The SMART COMFORT Care Bathroom is designed to meet the specific needs of residents in retirement homes. Apart from safety and ergonomics for bathroom users, crucial factors in this segment include economic factors such as the cost of construction and equipment, as well as ongoing operational costs. In addition, it is important to take into account all statutory norms and standards, as well as insights from practical experience, at the early planning stages.
GROHE offers a wide variety of special water fittings for the healthcare and care sector. One example is the Grohtherm 2000 Special shower thermostat featuring easy to read dials and self-explanatory symbols. The basin tap chosen for this example is the tall-spout “L” version of the Eurostyle C single-lever mixer, however an alternative would be the Euroeco Special tap with its ergonomically shaped handle to ensure easy operation. Offering a variety of different spout heights and lengths, GROHE enables planners to specify the perfect tap for any basin, resulting in minimised splashing and preventing the spread of bacteria from the drain. For the toilet, a Tectron Skate unit combining infrared and push-button actuation provides flushing options for users of all abilities.
Unrestricted mobility away from home: The SMART COMFORT Hotel Bathroom
The SMART COMFORT Hotel Bathroom concept explores what a barrier-free or low- barrier bathroom for hotel guests can look like. Apart from creating a welcoming ambiance, it is important to specify water fittings which can be operated intuitively. This example shows an open en-suite bathroom with complementing decor to the overall style of the room. The bathroom is accessible from several sides and also for guests with impairments. The modern decor is complemented by a Eurostyle tap with tall spout and ergonomic lever. The shower is fitted with a Grohtherm 1000 thermostat which balances fluctuations in water temperature and pressure. The subtly illuminated Nova Cosmopolitan Light flush plate provides a gentle night light so there is no need to turn on harsh overhead lighting. The plate also offers a choice between two different flushing volumes, helping to promote water efficiency.
The “SMART COMFORT – Plan for Tomorrow Today” brochure can be downloaded here. . .
