Small room, big potential

Bathrooms can be a key differentiator in a project and there's an increasing number of ways for designers to create truly unique spaces. CID takes a look at some of the latest trends.

It's probably the first room everyone goes into at the start of the day, and the last room at night. As a result, the bathroom is a key component of any commercial interior, and a well designed, quality bathroom can become a major differentiator for a project.

"With tough competition in the construction market, it is becoming very important for a developer to deliver a high-quality product. That's why developers more and more seek premium products to differentiate and add value to their projects," said Phil Payne, general manager, Dornbracht Middle East.

Bathing the gulf

Much like the region itself, the ‘Gulf' bathroom is composed of a mix of influences from around the world, with strong Arabian elements providing a framework. "On the one hand, quality bathroom design in the Middle East reflects many influences from the US, as well as from Europe," said Franz Kook, CEO of Duravit.

"On the other hand, it is based on traditional Arabian characteristics, for example the frequent use of marble or stone. It is precisely a creative and integrative mix of both that differentiates requirements in the Middle East from those of the rest of the world."

Nevertheless, there is variation in ‘design literacy' among bathroom clients. "[The trend is] slightly more towards modern design, but the most important thing is functionality, comfort and water and energy saving," said Victor Schoone, Roca Middle East. Clients are also becoming increasingly aware of high-quality design and are, in some cases, already overtaking developers in awareness.

Payne cited the increase of freehold property in places such as the UAE as a driver of this awareness. "It is becoming quite common for new homeowners to refurbish the bathroom in their new home quite soon after taking possession. They want a style and quality that meets their expectations," he said.

"The purchasing dynamics in the UAE are changing. The traditional sanitaryware market will remain but there is also a clientele who ask for premium bathroom fittings and accessories and require a modernised environment from which to purchase it," he elaborated.

New trends

Growing awareness of the increasing importance of a bathroom as a lifestyle space, combined with new technologies and growing understanding of humanity's environmental impact are all converging to create a bathroom that is radically advanced compared to what was possible just a few years ago.

The need for sustainability in particular is having a large impact, as clients become increasingly understanding of the scarcity of water in the region.

Commercial projects typically call for urinals, which frequently use water in order to remain sanitary, but new advances have seen the use of water by such fixtures drop dramatically, without compromising on hygiene.

"With the McDry urinal, we prove that water can be done away with altogether. Alternatively, the Architec urinal flushes automatically with just one single litre," explained Kook.

Water savings are also possible with traditional cistern facilities. "Water and energy saving in cisterns and mixers save substantial amounts of water but don't affect the comfort and pleasure with which one uses the product," said Schoone. He also reported that such innovations were now possible at little to no extra cost.

As well as saving on water in cisterns, new modifications are coming into the tap market to increase energy savings. Dornbracht's new Supernova range features a new cartridge inside the tap to reduce the need to heat water. "If the tap handle is opened clockwise, the cartridge first opens the coldwater flow. Only when the tap is turned further does mixing with hot water take place. Thanks to this process, the water can be controlled particularly comfortably and, at the same time, energy is saved," said Payne.

Technology is expected to play an even greater role in bathrooms of the future and this poses an important challenge for designers. "Electronics, light and sound, electronic pictures and cleaning systems will advance," said Kook. "This technological advancement will need to be incorporated into the design; the bathroom needs to look good and function well," he continued.

One example is Duravit's new lighting system, e-mood. The system consists of seven modules for lighting, power supply and storage, and can create both mood and functional lighting. Colour changing LEDs provide gentle atmospheric lighting, while fluorescent tubes provide clear, even lighting around mirrors and cabinets.

‘Spa'throoms

One bathroom trend that designers feel is here to stay is the perception of the bathroom as being more than just a place to wash. "The consumer nowadays sees the bathroom as not being the wet room where one concentrates on cleanliness, but rather as a place where one spends time to relax, contemplate and perhaps even enjoy media," said Payne.

READERS' COMMENTS

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM