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When did you last enjoy a long hot soak in the bath? A recent survey revealed that 1 in 6 adults polled could not remember the last time they enjoyed a relaxing soak. The convenience of a shower fits perfectly with time constrained modern life. However, as luxury freestanding bath manufacturer Ashton and Bentley appreciate, when you want to relax and sooth away the stresses and strains of the day there is little to rival a long hot soak in a deep bath.

When designing a large luxury bathroom with space for both a shower and a bath the traditional tub is no longer just a functional piece of equipment, rather it has become a piece of furniture where design and aesthetics are as important as practicality and functionality.  A large luxury freestanding bath will often form the centre piece around which the rest of the bathroom is designed.

Ashton and Bentley are designers and manufacturers of luxury freestanding baths.  Their extensive range of contemporary and period baths includes roll top, slipper and double ended styles which are available in range of standard and extra-large sizes.

At a time when many bathroom brands manufacture products abroad, Ashton and Bentley successfully fly the flag for British manufacturing and innovation.  Each and every luxury bath in their extensive range is produced at their UK factory where finishing is carried out by skilled craftsmen.

Traditionally baths have been predominantly produced in either acrylic or steel, however, Ashton and Bentley crafts each bath from a material called Correro™, a type of polymer rich in white marble and exclusive to the brand.  Each Ashton and Bentley bath is vacuum formed from solid sheets of this innovative material.  The result is a finished product of the highest quality possessing great strength and thermal efficiency.

Whether you preference is for a deep or extra-large contemporary bath or a traditional roll top bath with elegant decorative cast legs there is something in the range to suit all tastes, however, there are also some interesting finishes and personalisation options.  The stunning Correro Metallic™ freestanding bath collection features a range of oxidised metallic finishes, providing the timeless beauty and appearance of a metal bath without the associated weight and thermal inefficiencies.  A further interesting option is the “self-paint bath”.  This range of traditional freestanding roll top baths provides a blank canvas for personalisation, designed to be painted by the customer in a colour or design of their choosing.

For more information about Ashton and Bentley luxury freestanding baths please do contact the design team at Room H2o or alternatively visit our Surrey and Dorset bathroom showrooms which are located in New Malden and Wareham.

Designed in a classic French style, the contemporary Vivaldi Collection from Fiora is a modern take on vintage and period bathroom furniture.

Vivaldi is the creation of Spanish designer bathroom brand Fiora and combines period elegance with modern materials resulting in a collection of beautiful and practical bathroom furniture.  The range includes freestanding vanity units, available in 1000mm and 1200mm widths, with integrated basins and elegant bathroom cabinets in conjunction with wall hung cabinets and mirrors.  The basin and work surface are formed in one seamless piece from Fiora’s patented Silex polymer compound and the result is both beautiful and practical.

Vivaldi vintage style bathroom furniture is available in four colours which include, Creama, Blanco, Nero, Plata and two decorative styles, Flores and Ondas.  Flores is a delightfully delicate floral pattern and Ondas is inspired by organic textures.  The Silex basins and worktops that accompany the vanity units, which feature either twin or single drawers, are available in range of colours including White, Cream, Beige, Gold, Grey, Cement, Titanium and Wenge.  In addition to Silex polymer basins the collection also includes a beautiful polished aluminium version that looks simply stunning when combined with a Wenge vanity unit.

Vintage and period themes are currently popular with both interior and fashion designers.  Vivaldi combines the elegance of the old with the simple beauty and practicality of the new in a timeless contemporary design that is equally suited to a period bathroom scheme incorporating wood panelling and painted surfaces or modern wetroom combined with rich natural materials.

For more information about the stunning Vivaldi range of bathroom furniture please contact us or alternatively see the collection for yourself at our showrooms which are located at Wareham in Dorset and New Malden in Surrey.

Have you ever thought of turning your bathroom into a fabulous piece of artwork? Well now you can with Porcel-Thin?s exclusive range of digitally printed ART tiles.

The ART Collection, from ultra-thin porcelain tile brand Porcel-Thin, includes a range of standard prints of paintings and sketches inspired by landscapes, nature, oriental, abstract and theatre.  Each image is digitally printed across a series of large format 1200 x 600mm porcelain tiles, measuring only 4.8mm in thickness.  Each design is printed to order with the image sized to each customer’s individual requirements.

The choice of designs is not limited to those included in the ART Collection, just about any image can be accurately reproduced by Porcel-Thin on large format porcelain tiles.  Be that a favourite work of art or a treasured memory caught on camera.  Furthermore, the extra-large 1200 x 600mm format of Porcel-Thin tiles ensures that unsightly grout lines are reduced to a minimum, allowing the image to take centre stage.

Tiles have traditionally been used in bathrooms and kitchens, however, advances in tile design and underfloor heating technology now present a wide range of possible domestic and commercial applications and digitally printed tiles offer further possibilities for interior designers.  Perhaps you would like to create a feature wall in a lounge depicting a design of your choice or display a logo or mission statement in the reception of your offices, both scenarios can be easily achieved with Porcel-Thin ART tiles.

Tiles from the Porcel-Thin ART Collection are manufactured to order with a delivery lead time of 8 weeks.  If you would like to know more about ART tiles or any of the 8 stunning large format ultra-thin tile collections offered by Porcel-Thin please do contact the experts at Room H2o or alternatively see the collections for yourself at our bathroom and tile showrooms which are located in Wareham, near Pool in Dorset or just minutes from the A3 in New Malden Surrey.

With the Porcel-Thin ART tile collection domestic and commercial bathrooms and interiors need never be boring again!

The concept of underfloor heating is not a new one. It is known that smoke channelled through covered trenches was used to heat the stone floors of dwellings as far back as 5000 BC. Nowadays underfloor heating is a popular choice and consequently there is a wide range of sophisticated systems available which are suitable for projects ranging from large new build houses to the simple renovation of a bathroom. But what is underfloor heating and why would you want to install it?

What is under floor heating?

Underfloor heating works by using the floor as a radiator to warm the room from the ground up.  By heating the floor radiant warmth is created which rises slowly, producing an even temperature that tends to provide comfort at levels below that of a traditional radiator heating system.  Due to lower operating temperatures underfloor heating can often be a more efficient way of heating a home.

What are the potential benefits of underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating can have many benefits over traditional radiator heating systems:

• Removing radiators creates space and makes it easier to position furniture.
• Rooms are heated evenly, eliminating hot and cold areas.
• Heat is released from the thermal slab slowly keeping areas warm for longer.
• Cost savings can be achieved as a lower temperature is required to heat the room.
• Rising heat keeps the feet and body warmer and head cooler, providing a more comfortable and less stuffy environment.
• Underfloor heating will help to control moisture and dry floors in wet areas such as bathrooms, wetrooms and kitchens.
• It is thought that there are also hygiene benefits to underfloor heating.  The even heat produced helps to prevent drafts and reduce dust particles and the reduction in humidity helps to prevent and control dust mites.
• Warm floors allow for practical surface finishes such as tiles to be used without feeling cold.

Are there any potential disadvantages associated with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating has few disadvantages but there are some aspects that should be considered.

• The reaction time of some systems can be quite slow because the thermal slab has to be heated to working temperature.  It should be noted that some electric systems can reach working temperature in a little as 5-10 minutes.  Warm up times are dependent upon the type of system used and the thermal efficiency of the floor slab.
• Wet underfloor heating systems can be expensive and difficult to retro fit into existing buildings and are better suited to new builds and extensions.
• Not all electric underfloor heating systems are compatible with wetroom tanking systems.

What types of underfloor heating are available?

Underfloor heating systems are available in either wet (piped hot water) or dry (electric) formats and it is important to select the right system for your project.  So what exactly are wet and dry underfloor heating systems?

Wet underfloor heating systems

Wet underfloor heating systems channel hot water, supplied by your boiler or equivalent heating source, through a grid of plastic water pipes which are laid beneath floor and encased in heat conducting screed.  The hot water heats the floor slab turning it into a radiator.

A wet underfloor heating system can be as much as 25-30% more efficient than a comparable radiator heating system because the water used to heat the thermal slab is cooler and therefore costs less to heat.  However, a wet underfloor heating system can take up to two hours from cold to reach working temperature because the thermal slab must first be heated which can partially offset a proportion the cost savings.

Installing a wet underfloor heating system is not a simple task, floors will have to be excavated and manifolds for controlling the system will be required.  For this reason Wet underfloor heating is best suited to new builds or extensions and professional advice should be taken in regard to both the design and installation of your heating system.  The applications for wet underfloor heating are wide and varied and it is therefore difficult to provide a definitive indication of cost, however, for a rough guide budget for £25 – £30 per square metre for supply and installation.

Dry underfloor heating systems

Dry underfloor heating systems use electricity to radiate heat through a grid of wires which are available in either “loose wire” or “matting” formats.  Typically electric underfloor heating is laid over the top of the existing sub floor, although insulation board must be laid first.  However there are electric underfloor heating systems such as “Thermoduo” by “Thermogroup” which are designed, like piped hot water systems, for use in concrete screeds.

Electric underfloor heating is generally not quite as efficient as a wet system.  However, it is significantly cheaper to buy and install and because it is laid on top of the existing floor warm up times can be significantly less than for an equivalent wet system, as little as 5 – 10 minutes in many instances.  Again, systems and specifications vary and therefore it is difficult to give a definitive indication of price, however, budget for a minimum of £15 per square metre.  The cost of installing an “in screed” electric underfloor heating system should be comparable with a wet piped hot water system.

Electric underfloor heating systems can be purchased as kits containing all of the required components including a time clock and comprehensive instructions.  Installing electric underfloor heating is relatively straight forward and can be undertaken by any competent person.  However, the system should be tested and commissioned by a Part P qualified electrician.

So which is better, wet or electric underfloor heating?

The answer to this question is largely dependent upon your own circumstances, requirements and budget.

Wet underfloor heating systems are generally more efficient and can be cheaper to run than electric systems but they are more difficult, expensive and intrusive to install.  These complex systems are a sensible option if you are considering a large extension or new-build, however, they are generally not well suited to smaller scale renovations.

Electric underfloor heating, although not generally as efficient as a wet system, is significantly cheaper to buy, easy and simple to install and perfect for smaller projects such as renovating bathrooms and kitchens or installing a wetroom.

What types of floor covering are suitable for use with underfloor heating?

There are hot water and electric underfloor heating systems available to suit most types of floor construction and covering.  It is, however, important to consult the manufacturers of the floor covering and heating system to ensure that the two are compatible.

Stone, ceramic and porcelain floors

Stone and tile floors have become increasingly fashionable, not only in traditional spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens but now also lounge’s, hallways and dining rooms.  Both electric and wet underfloor heating systems are suitable for use with tile and stone finishes and will keep floors warm and free of moisture.  However, the warm up response time may vary depending upon the thickness of the floor covering, ultra-thin tiles such as Porcel-Thin can speed this up.  Consideration should also be given to adhesives, grouts and wetroom tanking systems which should be suitable for use with underfloor heating.  Contact the floor and underfloor heating manufacturers for advice.

Wooden floors

Natural and engineered wooden floors can be used in conjunction with wet and electric underfloor heating.  However, you should select a product that is specifically designed to work with underfloor heating and expansion gaps will be required to accommodate movement.  Speak to the flooring retailer or manufacturer for advice on installing the floor and selecting a compatible underfloor heating system.

Vinyl floors

If Vinyl is your floor covering of choice it must be of good quality and designed to work specifically with underfloor heating.  It is likely that the underfloor heating will need to be covered by a thin layer of screed or levelling compound to provide a suitable surface for the vinyl and It is therefore advisable to seek advice from a flooring expert or manufacturer regarding products, compatible underfloor heating systems and installation.

Carpets and wooden floors

Underfloor heating systems such as “Thermocarbon” by Thermogroup, have been specifically developed for use with carpet and floating wooden floors.  Systems of this type feature an ultra-thin carbon fibre heating element that is designed to lay flat under the finished floor.

However, for guidance it is worth noting that carpets and underlays should not have a combined thermal resistance of greater than 2.5 Togs.  A higher rating may impede the heat from radiating effectively.

Natural and engineered wooden floors can be used in conjunction with wet and electric underfloor heating.  However, you should select a product that is specifically designed to work with this type of heating system and expansion gaps will be required to accommodate movement.

It is always advisable to seek professional advice when choosing underfloor heating and floor coverings in order to ensure that they are compatible.

What does underfloor heating cost to run?

Although underfloor heating can have a beneficial effect on the efficiency and running costs of a heating system it should not be overlooked that comfort, health, environment and design are equally important factors for consideration.

That said, potentially significant cost savings can be achieved and that is a compelling incentive for many people.  However, it is very difficult to provide accurate information regarding running costs and potential savings as this is largely dependent upon the type and complexity of the system used and, possibly of most importance, the thermal performance of the floor and building.  Installing electric underfloor heating in bathroom may be a luxury or practical choice rather than a decision lead purely by running costs, whereas a wet underfloor heating system combined with a ground source heat pump could provide significant savings.

For a more accurate indication of running costs it is advisable to obtain energy and performance data from the manufacturer of your chosen system.

Is there anything to consider before installing underfloor heating?

Insulation, for underfloor heating to work efficiently the sub floor or slab must be adequately insulated.  The manufacturer’s installation instructions should provide the insulation requirements.  If the sub floor is not adequately insulated the heating system will take longer to warm up and more energy will be consumed maintaining the temperature.  Insulation is therefore one of the most important underfloor heating considerations.

Both wet and dry underfloor heating systems work in conjunction with thermostats, and are often connected to a time clock, which will need to be wall mounted in a convenient location.  Furthermore, wet underfloor heating systems often require flow control manifolds to be sited in each room.  The position and accessibility of all these controls should be carefully considered, take professional advice even if you intend to install the system yourself.

Ensure that floor coverings, screeds, tile adhesives, grouts and wetroom tanking systems are compatible for use with your chosen underfloor heating system.

This guide is intended only to provide an introduction to the concept underfloor heating.  The choice of underfloor heating products is vast and many are highly sophisticated and it therefore important to consult a tile or flooring expert and seek their recommendations.

Notes about this guide

The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction and overview of underfloor heating systems and it is not intended to be a detailed technical guide. Room H2o is a stockist and retailer of Thermogroup electric underfloor heating products.  Images of electric underfloor heating products accompanying this article have been kindly provided by Thermogroup.

If you would like advice regarding electric underfloor heating please contact us or if you wish to experience the warmth for yourself please do visit our bathroom showrooms which are located in New Malden Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

At only 4.8mm in thickness the revolutionary range of Porcel-Thin tiles are stronger, lighter and more environmentally friendly than standard porcelain equivalents.

Porcel-Thin is a revolutionary ultra-thin large format tile that, at only 4.8mm in thickness, is both thinner and lighter than standard porcelain and this means that Porcel-Thin tiles can be manufactured in larger sizes while still being manageable to handle and install.  Standard Porcel-Thin tiles measure 1200 x 600mm, meaning faster coverage and less grouting.  Furthermore, bespoke sizes and screen printing are available as options for larger interior fit out projects.

The strength and durability of the Porcel-Thin Tile combined with a choice of glazed and textured finishes means that it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, from floors and walls to wet rooms and feature walls.  Porcel-Thin tiles also possess very low water and dirt absorption properties and are therefore ideally suited to high traffic or wet areas such as hotel lobbies or commercial bathrooms.

The environmental impact of the Porcel-Thin tile is also less than that of traditional ceramics, typically, requiring 60% less mineral resources to produce with a corresponding reduction in carbon and solid emissions of around 50%.

Porcel-Thin Tiles are available in 7 styles including simple pastel shades, striking metallic finishes, marble and stone effects, patterns and finally screen printed art including black and white imagery.  For more information about Porcel-Thin Tiles please contact us or alternatively visit our showrooms at New Malden in Surrey or Wareham in Dorset.

Is it time to future proof your bathroom by replacing the traditional bath tub with a modern shower enclosure or luxury wet room?

When it comes to a major bathroom refurbishment, an increasingly popular option is to consider replacing the bath in favour of a large shower enclosure or wet room.  A shower offers a number of distinct advantages over the traditional bath; showering is quicker than bathing and generally uses less water, the low thresholds of modern designer shower trays can provide the elderly with easier access and larger showers can accommodate a seat to aid the mobility impaired.

A standard bath measures approximately 1700 x 700, which is sufficient space to accommodate a stunning new modern shower enclosure such as an inline shower enclosure with hinged door and side return panel, or if space is an issue a sliding shower door will maximise space without protruding into the room.

Room H2o has a selection of stylish frameless and semi-frameless shower enclosures that can transform even a relatively small bathroom and if space is at a premium why not consider wet room that will maximise the floor area and provide level access to the shower for the elderly or those with impaired mobility?

If you are considering a major refurbishment of your bathroom, do talk to the design team at Room H2o.  In addition to our range of standard and custom made shower enclosures, we can supply a range of quality accessories from the best manufacturers to help complete your project.

While you were standing under a nice warm shower this morning did you consider how much water and energy you were using?

According to Waterwise*the average 8 minute shower uses 62 litres of water which is significantly less than the 80 litres used for the average bath.  However, a high pressure pumped shower can use as much as 136 litres.  So how can you save water and still enjoy an invigorating shower?  The answer is to install one of Hansgrohe’s EcoSmart water saving shower heads.

How do Hansgrohe water saving shower heads work?

Hansgrohe’s water saving shower heads work by restricting and aerating the flow of water to reduce usage while still producing a full bodied showering experience.  Many water saving shower heads require high water pressure, restricting the flow and then forcing it through a series of small holes to increase the pressure.  Hansgrohe EcoSmart shower heads feature an innovative flow limiting “precision O-ring” which flexibly reacts to the water pressure and adjusts the quantity of water accordingly.  The remaining water is then mixed with air before it passes through a series of specially designed jets.

How much water can you save?

Hansgrohe water saving shower heads can reduce consumption by up to 60%.  The extensive range of stylish “Raindance EcoSmart” overhead and handheld showers restricts the water flow rate to a maximum of 9.5 litres per minute regardless of water pressure.  Further savings can be achieved with the “Crometta 85 Green” handheld and overhead shower heads which restrict water flow to only 6 litres per minute.  Hansgrohe’s innovative range of water saving “EcoSmart” and “Crometta” are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications.

At Room H2o we pride ourselves on helping domestic and commercial clients to save both water and energy by providing advice and innovative eco-friendly bathroom products from a range of high quality manufacturers

Please contact us for more information about Hansgrohe water saving shower heads or if you would like to know more about reducing water and energy consumption in your bathroom.

With a little imagination, planning and professional design advice even the smallest spaces can be turned into practical and stylish en-suite bathrooms, often adding value to your home.

Bathrooms have become significant features of modern living and even smaller houses will often have a master bedroom with en-suite and a family bathroom.  Using modern space saving bathroom products, it is now possible to create en-suites in small spaces.  A well planned and properly constructed en-suite bathroom can add value to your home and increase its desirability when offered for sale.  According to the Channel 4 Homes website, a typical four bedroom house with an en-suite can be worth from £10,000 to £20,000 more than an identical house without an en-suite.

En-suite bathrooms in small spaces

An en-suite facility need not occupy a great deal of space and requires only a toilet, small basin and shower enclosure to create an additional bathroom that is both stylish and functional.  Even a window, although preferable, is not essential if the scheme incorporates light colours, reflective surfaces and adequate lighting and ventilation.  If you are considering creating an en-suite bathroom, space will often be a limiting factor and both layout and product selection will need to be considered carefully.

Planning en-suite bathrooms

A professional bathroom designer will be able to offer advice on important planning considerations such as drainage, lighting and ventilation as well as suggesting products, colours and surface finishes that are suitable for a small en-suite.  Using the latest 3D design software, a bathroom specialist can produce floor plans and full colour photographic visualisations of your proposed en-suite.

Some do’s and a don’t for creating a successful en-suite bathroom

• Do use a professional bathroom designer to help you make the most of available space and avoid costly mistakes.
• Do consider lighting at an early stage; simply adding lots of down lighters can produce a harsh light with shadows that can make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
• Do consider either a simple fixed walk-in shower screen or bifold sliding shower door; both will save space and may allow a larger shower to be created.
• Do consider using under floor heating instead of radiators to free up precious wall space.
• Do consider using a macerator if drainage is an issue; there are products specifically designed to handle all of the waste water from a small bathroom.
• Don’t overlook ventilation, which is especially important in small bathrooms and can cause subsequent damp problems if omitted.

If you are planning to add an en suite bathroom to your home or would like some bathroom design advice, please contact the experts at Room H2O or visit our bathroom showrooms at New Malden in Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

All bathrooms require careful planning and this is especially true of small bathrooms. Intelligent design incorporating space saving and bespoke bathroom products can make even the smallest of spaces into a stylish and practical bath or shower room.

A successful design for a small bathroom or shower room should maximise every inch of space and combine practical considerations such as storage and adequate heating and ventilation to create a bathroom design that is both stylish and uncluttered.

Choosing the colour scheme and tiles for a small bathroom

The best small bathroom designs make the most of the available light and maximise space.  The choice of colour and tiles is important, in order to maximise the feeling of space use light neutral colours combined with large tiles for floors and walls.  Where light is at a premium glazed wall tiles will help to reflect light, a contrasting tile of a similar tone can be used to define the floor.  Whilst mosaic tiles can be used for the floor of a wetroom, using small tiles throughout a small bathroom or wet room will make the room feel smaller as will dark colours.

A large mirror, installed above a bath, toilet or behind shelves in an alcove, can make even the smallest of bathrooms feel substantially bigger by reflecting light and creating the illusion of much greater space.

Lighting for small bathrooms

Lighting is an important part of bathroom design and is often overlooked.  Bathrooms require lighting solutions that are similar to kitchens, focussed light for work areas such as basins and vanity units and ambient or mood lighting for surrounding areas.  With careful planning and some forethought the correct lighting can make even the smallest bathroom feel bigger.

Areas such as basins require light to be projected from the wall towards the individual, lighting the face, rather than recessed spotlights which can cast a shadow over the basin when in use.  A good alternative to wall mounted lights is mirror with integrated lighting as this will provide illumination around the basin and take up less space than a mirror with separate lights.

Recessed ceiling lights are perfectly adequate for lighting the remaining areas of a bathroom, however, advances in LED and coloured lighting allow for interesting and attractive lighting effects to be created.  Small individual LED lights or strip lights can be mounted under shelves or vanity units to create ambient lighting effects or recessed into floors and walls to highlight areas such as a wet shower area or to create a warm glow from behind a toilet.

Keeping the colour pallet light and neutral will help to maximise the effectiveness of lighting in a small bathroom, however, the placement and type of lights must be considered.  Installing lots of high powered ceiling lights might seem like an effective means of introducing light into a small bathroom but the result can feel cold and more like an operating theatre.

Bathroom furniture and sanitary ware for small bathrooms

The best small bathroom furniture combines cleaver storage solutions with stylish clean lines.  Consider using a wall hung toilet and sink to keep the floor clear of clutter maximise space and make cleaning, which can be difficult in small bathrooms, easier.

A combined wall hung sink and small vanity unit with either integrated drawers or cupboard below will provide ample storage for many bathroom essentials with the added benefit of hiding unsightly pipework.   A slim bathroom cabinet mounted above the sink will provide further storage space; combine with mirrored doors and back lighting to create an attractive focal point.

Small bathrooms often feature awkward spaces such as alcoves and a good bathroom design will use these features to create further space.   Bespoke fitted bathroom furniture and shelving can turn even the most difficult of spaces into stylish and practical storage solutions.   Bathroom cabinets can be as little as 100mm in depth and it may be possible to replace elements of a stud wall with MDF carcases, potentially creating a substantial amount of storage with minimal intrusion into the available space within the bathroom.

Baths and shower enclosures for small bathrooms

In a small bathroom it may not be possible or necessary to accommodate a full size bath as shorter and deeper baths, such as the Hip Bath or Labette by Bette, occupy far less space while still facilitating a relaxing soak.  Smaller baths will still accommodate a glass bath screen for creating a shower within the bath.

A shower enclosure or wet room will often take up less space than a bath and can be a more efficient solution for small bathrooms.  A common problem associated with shower enclosures and small bathrooms is the spaced required to open the shower door into the room, a sliding or bifolding shower door that contains the opening portion of the door within the shower negates this issue and will often allow a larger shower to be created.  Bespoke shower enclosures and trays are now widely available and this makes it possible to create a full shower enclosure in awkward spaces, such as in an alcove or under the stairs, that would not normally accept a standard sized shower enclosure.

A wet room, although generally more expensive to install, will maximise floor space within the bathroom due to the lack of a shower tray, making cleaning easier and creating the illusion of space.  A simple fixed wet room shower screen is an option worth considering if the space available within the bathroom precludes the use of an outward opening hinged shower door.  If space is at a premium it is possible make the whole room a wet shower area and do without a shower screen, however, adequate drainage and ventilation will have to be installed to manage the moisture and standing water should be removed with a squeegee after each shower.

Heating and ventilation for small bathrooms

In any bathroom adequate heating and ventilation are important for both comfort and controlling ambient moisture.  The small, or often non-existent, windows and limited wall space that are features of small bathrooms require heating and ventilation to be carefully considered.  Free up valuable wall space by fitting under floor heating instead of a traditional radiator, and for drying towels consider mounting a small heated towel rail level above a bath or in the drying area of a wetroom.  Ventilation within small bathrooms is equally important, especially in a shower or wet room and an extractor fan of suitable capacity should be installed to draw away excess airborne moisture.

Room H2o have been creating imaginatively designed and beautifully executed small bathrooms for more than 10 years.  Why not take advantage of our expertise and state of the art 3D bathroom design software to design your perfect small bathroom or wet room.  Contact the experts at Room H2O today for a free small bathroom design consultation or alternatively visit our showrooms in New Malden, Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.

The sloping ceilings that are the defining feature of many loft conversions will often prevent the fitment of a standard full height shower enclosure. The solution is to install a bespoke shower enclosure from Room H2o that has been specifically designed to accommodate the sloping ceilings in your loft shower or bathroom.

Loft conversions have become increasingly popular, providing a cost effective solution for adding space and value to your home.  A well converted loft can provide space for additional bedrooms and bathrooms at a fraction of the cost of moving house.  However, it should be noted that the characteristics of loft spaces present architects and designers with a unique and often complex set of challenges.

When considered in isolation the additional floor space provided by a loft conversion can seem generous, however headroom is often restricted due to the height and pitch of the roof.  Consequently the layout for loft conversions and bathrooms will require careful planning.

Accommodating a full height shower enclosure in a loft conversion

Reduced head height, caused by the roof line and sloping ceilings, is the most common issue that must be overcome when designing shower enclosures and bathrooms for loft conversions. In order to create a usable shower the head will need to be positioned above head height and in loft shower room this will often require the shower enclosure to be positioned adjacent to or directly below the ridge line of the roof.  However, the slop and angle of the ceilings will often prevent the use of a standard, full height, shower enclosure.

The solution to this problem is to use a bespoke shower enclosure or screen which has been designed specifically for loft conversions.  Modern semi-frameless shower enclosure designs, with minimal framework, are particularly suited to loft applications because they can be manufactured to precisely suit the angle and pitch of sloping ceilings that are the defining feature of most loft conversions.

Room H2o bespoke shower enclosures & screens for loft conversions

Room H2o have been designing, supplying and installing bespoke shower enclosures and wetrooms for loft conversions for a number of years.  We understand the unique design challenges that must be addressed in order to design a successful loft bath or shower room and offer a number of made to measure shower enclosures specifically for loft conversions.

With a choice of styles available from manufacturers such as Matki, Mistley and Simpsons we can help you to choose a design that will suit your requirements.  Room H2o can also assist you with measuring and installing your bespoke loft shower screen.

Please contact us if you require an angled bespoke shower enclosure or would us to design the bath or shower room for your loft conversion.  Alternativley please visit our bathroom showrooms based at New Malden in Surrey and Wareham in Dorset.