Colour Choices in Less-abled Environments

Inclusive design

Sanitary accommodation should be designed and available for all types of users. In order to comply with the Doc M building regulations, at least one wheelchair-accessible unisex washroom should be provided within a building.

In today's less-abled washroom, colour choice and an all-inclusive design are significant factors. Research suggests that changing tastes means visual aesthetics are likely to become as important as technology and functionality. Many design factors should be considered within the washroom environment, particularly concerning the needs of people with visual or hearing impairments. Therefore, design considerations should include aesthetics, durability, and the user's specific needs to be the most user-friendly and compliant.

KWC DVS has designed many products with all these elements to provide a complete and practical solution. The range includes basins with coloured stripes, washbasins with integrated grab rails, and matte-finish stainless steel and blue epoxy-coated grab rails to make the washroom experience as easy as possible.

Colour choice

Colour choice is an essential factor within the washroom when catering to a user's specific needs; for example, products in the washroom that contrast visually with the surroundings tend to be more convenient to aid partially sighted people. The design of washrooms must allow for colour contrast between the main features of the washroom in order to comply with the Doc M building regulations (Building Regulations Part M, 2010 and the Equality Act 2010) for the design of inclusive environments.

KWC DVS solid surface VariusCare basins have a coloured sensory stripe around the edge, not only to match the design of a washroom but to contrast with the basin acting as a visual aid which can calm and aid the user.

The most prevalent colour of grab rails tends to be blue due to the contrast it gives against lighter-coloured walls. Alternative colour grab rails are allowable, providing adequate tonal contrast between them and the surface they are mounted onto. Blue not only stands out against light walls, but it is also the colour of the mind and is serene and calming. Intense blues stimulate clear thought, and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Stainless steel or white grab rails would offer the desired contrast with darker-coloured walls.

You can discover a range of KWC DVS Doc M-compliant grab rails here.

Specifying stylish less-abled washrooms

The look and feel of less-abled washrooms often tend to be compromised due to little thought going into the design and more thought into the types of products that comply with Doc M regulations. Many different materials and colours can make the space appear cluttered and inconsistent compared with the main washroom areas. Using complementary accessories and sanitaryware, you can produce one consistent washroom design for all users.

The use of Doc M-compliant products can often dominate the washroom's appearance; however, with new innovative products on the market, unsightly washroom experiences can be a thing of the past. New products have not only introduced style, but colour, quality and space into the modern less-abled washroom, providing a pleasant experience.

A perfect example would be the KWC DVS solid surface bowl with integrated grab rails. These basins are made from granite composite material with a gel coat layer, providing a non-porous surface offering the highest level of hygiene, leaving no surface for bacteria to accumulate. This incorporates a beautiful design into the washroom and saves space whilst still providing a practical solution.

For more information on a complete stylish washroom design, book a CPD or a lunch and learn now...