With multi-generational living on the rise, Karen Wise of Triton Showers outlines the key considerations when specifying inclusive electric showers
Over the past few years, a monumental spike in the cost of living has contributed to an unprecedented level of demand for affordable housing. While the Government’s plan to deliver 1.5 million new homes before the close of the decade is a positive development, in the meantime, many are being forced into multi-generational living, while waiting for the plan to ‘get Britain building’ to come to fruition.
Research conducted by Aviva at the turn of the decade revealed that one in three UK homes were multi-generational and, given the countless challenges endured since then, the number of multi-generational households may now be much higher.
Bathroom specification
With more households now accommodating residents of all ages under one roof, catering for different needs and abilities may require adaptations throughout the home, particularly the bathroom. Deemed as the most dangerous area in the home by the US Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), slips and falls when exiting bathtubs and showers often
rank among the most common causes of accidents.
As a result, it’s important to specify showers with all users in mind. Selecting an inclusive solution can make showering the safe and accessible task it should be. An adapted set-up can also boost independence and wellbeing, providing occupants with the confidence to start or end their day in comfort.
Whether it’s the task of retrofitting the current stock of housing or preparing housing of the future for occupancy, what should housebuilders and developers consider when specifying electric showers?
Understanding the regulations
First and foremost, understanding the regulations associated with specifying bathrooms is essential. The Decent Homes Standard, which sets the minimum standards for social housing, stipulates that bathroom appliances, pipework and sanitaryware must not be more than 30 years old. Therefore, when the time for replacement comes around, understanding how to create
an updated space that preserves end-user safety is crucial.
The Decent Homes guidance specifies the need for an appropriately located bathroom and WC, with adequate space and layout. For those with mobility issues, wet rooms can produce a simple yet functional design. By forgoing a shower enclosure or raised shower tray, a wet room design can be practical in terms of planning a space, too.
Ensuring there is sufficient drainage, however, is just as important to maximise usability and safety across generations. The combined presence of sanitaryware and bathing facilities poses the risk of the bathroom floor becoming wet. To combat this issue, installing a grab bar will help users maintain balance and navigate areas with slip hazards. While this feature is sometimes overlooked due to the misconception of creating a clinical-looking area, there are options that maintain aesthetics while providing added functionality. Weight-bearing riser rails, for example, provide discreet support without sacrificing style.
Specifying sustainably
It should go without saying that driving sustainability is a major priority across the industry, and this is where electric showers really come into their own. Thanks to their ability to heat water on demand, electric showers have long been considered the most energy and water-efficient solution.
Triton’s research determined that electric showers could save more than 29,000 litres of water per year than a mixer shower, creating the potential to save over 300 kg of CO2e – the equivalent of driving 1,050 miles in a diesel hatchback. Electric showers supplied solely by cold mains run at a flow rate of around six litres per minute, compared to mixer showers which run at an average of nine litres per minute when drawing on a hot water system.
When using an electric shower, a user could therefore save a considerable amount of water and reduce energy consumption by up to 68%, which may prove invaluable to cutting bills.
Triton was recently honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise, recognising its outstanding commitment to Sustainable Development, which places sustainability at the heart of its long-term business strategy and Net Zero ambition. This year, Triton is just one of 29 organisations to be recognised nationally for its contribution to driving sustainable action.
Future-proofing bathroom spaces
It’s safe to say that the market has invested in developing offerings with a whole host of innovative features to make the lives of residents much easier. An example is a shower we have developed that is equipped with thermostatic temperature controls to prevent sudden drops in water temperature, and regulating within a range of +/-10 °C.
This thermostatic electric shower, which is suitable for all new and retrofit installations, aids visually impaired users by providing audible confirmation when the shower starts and ends. The appliance’s accreditation from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is a testament to the benefits of this feature.
With multi-generational living rapidly on the rise, it’s crucial that houses are suitably specified to improve lives at home. As one of the busiest rooms in the house, the bathroom is key to this movement. Choosing a manufacturer that offers a range of efficient showering solutions designed to meet all needs can help specifiers go the extra mile.
Karen Wise is head of product management at Triton Showers