Beautifully Accessible Bath:
A Total Re-build

This bathroom was part of a much larger remodel (a ‘re-build’ actually, as the original home was destroyed in a fire), but it was such a beautiful space on its own that I felt the need to share how stunning this bathroom is - and a bonus feature is that it has some characteristics that will make it comfortable as the homeowner ages. The shower has a grab bar that will help the homeowner raise and lower to the full-length bench; the shower also has a lower curb height, which will make it easier to get in and out of regardless of the assistance required. The bathroom floor, shower floor, shower walls, and bench are all different materials, which makes it easier to distinguish the difference in space as one’s vision becomes more impaired. The shower valve (the handle that turns the water on and off) is also located closer to the shower door (rather than centered on the shower pan) for ease of use. The hand-held shower head on the slide bar can easily be adjusted to any height necessary and can be used by a caretaker to assist in bathing, should the need ever arise. The deep soaking tub wasn’t an ‘accessible’ feature but was installed for resale value in the future. However, the tub has a convenient touchpad to set the temperature and turn the water on and off. Plumbing work was done so that if the homeowner wanted to control the shower water flow and temperature from this control pad in the future, that connection could be easily made. The contemporary tub spout was installed on the wall rather than on one of the ends so as not to interfere with reclining and relaxing at either end of the tub.

A look at the accessible built-in shower with bench, shower stability bar, lower shower curb, and frameless shower glass doors. On the right of the image is the undermount tub. Above the tub is a large window bringing in lots of natural lighting. The
A closer look at the accessible shower with handheld showerhead, tile detailing on the walls and floor, grab bar, and built in bench.
A close up look at the tile detailing of the undermounted rub with wall mounted tub and shower controls allowing for water temperature management with the push of a button.
Another view of the accessible bath with curbless shower on the far left, built in bench and alcove in the tile detailing. Beyond the shower on the right is the undermounted tub with heated tub deck. On the right side of the image is the custom light
A close up look at the stone countertop of the vanity and bathroom sink with chrome fixtures.
The white doors of the bathroom vanity cabinet with sparkling silver handle detailing.
A close up look at the sparkling detailing on the handles of the vanity.

Project Details: This was a brand new bathroom, designed for a homeowner who wanted to age in place. Since the home was built on a slab foundation, it was cost prohibitive to install a curbless shower, so we designed a low curb that could be navigated with limited mobility. This homeowner still wanted to enjoy a soak in a tub, so we installed an undermount tub with a heated tub deck and wall mounted tub and shower controls, with a remote mounted location on the tub surround; this remote allows the homeowner to adjust water temperature with the push of a button. Bar pulls were installed on the cabinetry for ease of use and grab bars were installed for future use.

Project Location: San Jose, CA 95124

Contractor: Quadrini Construction

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