The Best Design Features of a Modern Barrier-Free Bathroom

The features that you need in a modern 360-degree washroom:

Have you thought about installing an accessible, barrier-free bathroom for your business, but don’t know where to start? If you’ve been looking to design an inclusive bathroom, Accesio has been working in this space for years, and we have our fingers on the pulse of what the ideal barrier-free washroom needs! Also known as 360 bathrooms, these commercial bathrooms provide a dignified, universal washroom experience that puts inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront. So, naturally, some of our clients have had questions about the best design features for these types of washrooms. From automated door operators to grab bars, an aesthetically pleasing, but fully functional barrier-free bathroom is possible.

General Guidelines 

There are certain aspects that are crucial to common spaces being barrier-free for all individuals. For example, it’s important that these spaces have no tripping hazards, uneven surfaces, or stairs, and include assistive equipment, such as ramps, to ensure barrier-free access. These features are among the basic standards of accessibility to ensure inclusive everyday experiences. A barrier-free bathroom fosters trust, community and respect for users who need it. These bathrooms are great because they fulfil their purpose for users with mobility issues, but they can also be useful for individuals who don’t necessarily require assistance. 

Surface Area 

One of the first important features of a modern barrier-free bathroom is the space’s actual design area. For one, an accessible bathroom may require a larger space. Individuals who use equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers will require additional space to manoeuvre, which means they will need more room than a traditional non-accessible stall. According to the Accessibility Design Standards set by the Province of Alberta, a barrier-free bathroom should have at least 1700 mm of space to allow a wheelchair to turn in an open area. However, larger spaces will be even more accessible and allow all kinds of users to have the space they need to use the facilities. 

Automatic Door Operator

An automatic door is an important feature not only of a building but also of an accessible bathroom and is required for a barrier-free bathroom. Automated doors are extremely useful, as they reduce inconvenience for users with mobility issues or those who might have their hands full while navigating the space with items such as strollers. The ideal automated door will have a low-energy operator to ensure it can safely open and close as needed. It should also have a latch-operating mechanism and be an outward-swinging door that is not self-closing. In terms of activation switches, triggers, and sensors, there are a few options, including push-button, touchless wave-to-open, and column-mounted, depending on the specific design you are going for in the space. 

Grab Bars 

Another key design feature of a modern barrier-free bathroom are grab bars. These bars are installed near the toilet to assist individuals who may have mobility or visual issues. These are important to ensure fluid, independent movement for anyone in need, and can be tailored to the space and users' needs. Grab bars must also be sturdy enough to support a wide range of weights, up to 500 lbs.   These grab bars can be L-shaped, horizontal or pull-down. Per the Alberta Accessibility Design Guide, a universal washroom should include a horizontal grab bar adjacent to the toilet and, as an option, a pull-down grab bar on the opposite side of the wall-mounted grab bar. 

Safety & Emergency Sensors

In addition to your conventional activations that will open and close the automated doors, you will also want to include safety sensors and activation buttons. These can include door-mounted sensors, header-mounted sensors, and emergency call buttons to ensure that bathroom users can get the help they need and to keep the bathroom accessible in case of an emergency.

If you are interested in designing your own barrier-free washroom or retrofitting an existing space to make it accessible, the team at Accesio is here to help. Our team has been working with commercial clients across Edmonton, AB, to provide automated door operator services, including access control and broader building security processes. Whether you are new to a space or building something new, our team can work with you to find suitable solutions to ensure that your building is not only compliant but can create a bathroom that is safe and secure for building staff and clients alike. If you are interested in these services, give us a call and see how Accesio can help make it happen.