Andrew Hewson

The existing bathroom size was typical of a UK bathroom and although might fit a freestanding bath, it would not accommodate the chair or make a luxurious space. Size restrictions led me to propose the switch of bathroom and adjacent bedroom spaces as it was not used regularly.

The bedroom was bigger but with a pitched ceiling; new supply and waste pipe work would need to be run and the internal walls were only 65mm thick studwork. We’d build out the wall that adjoins the old bathroom to half height, providing the strength required to wall mount a toilet for ease of cleaning whilst concealing supply/waste pipework and toilet frame/cistern. It also provides space to accommodate a wall mounted basin mixer for a more minimal look to the basin area.

The clients are keen gardeners and their love of nature and their garden. Given its importance, I wanted to show how they could benefit from its calming influence while using the room. We proposed removing the bedroom window and installing a pair of French doors that could provide a view of the garden even when having a soak.

The freestanding bath was offset to allow for the client’s wooden armchair and was placed directly in front of the bathroom door to maximise its visual impact upon entry. Mood-lighting was placed behind the bath for sole use or in combination with the dimmable mirror lighting to provide a more subdued and relaxing atmosphere. The rear wall was built to balance out the boxing for the toilet and basin, providing space for ornaments and candles but without reducing access to behind the bath from either side. Rounded products and curved corners would be used where possible to soften off the harder edges.

Tapered ladder radiators would go at either side of the room, to provide balance to the room without the heaviness of a panel radiator. The angled vertical radiator bars work nicely with the chair legs and these have a similar shape to those of the vanity unit providing a further link. Wooden porcelain floor tiling to floor, stippled-look wall tiles for skirting and new stud boxing are used for visual texture and ease of cleaning.

The French doors open inwards with a flying mullion and an external frameless, toughened, low-iron glass balustrade to reduce visual obstructions to the garden and for safety.

The beach image was the inspiration for my colour scheme. Using the changing colours of the sand to bring warmth to the room and influence the choice of the tiles, tile trim, furniture range colour, brassware and wall paint. The darker shades are picked out with the vanity unit legs and the matt black radiators and mirror trim.

Project cost: £16,439.00

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