BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN DESIGN - MUST HAVES
Recently I shared a post about designing hallways with multi function where in part I spoke about the need for bathroom floor plans to include windows. For this week’s post, I’m elaborating on the importance of including windows, specifically in private toilet rooms for primary suites, ensuite bathrooms and shared bathrooms. From a design and practical point of view, private toilet room windows are a must-have.
HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS POST
Why windows in toilet rooms are important
Tips for designing bathroom floor plans and layouts to include a window in the toilet room
What to do if including a window in the toilet room just isn’t possible
Bathroom floor plans illustrating the importance of including windows in private toilet rooms
SIDE NOTE:
Due to the comprehensive approach that I take with designing and developing custom floor plans and the design of the interior architectural details, I only accept a few full-service projects at a time. This ensures that every detail of a project is carefully planned and executed. Shown below are isolated floor plans of primary suites from an assortment of full-service projects.What is a full-service project?
Good question. Full-service projects (for new builds and whole-house remodels and additions) start with me designing or perfecting the floor plans and then continuing on to the development and design of the interior architecture, selections of fixtures, finish materials and colors, culminating with the completion of construction. Included in the design and build process are ongoing meetings (both virtual and in-person) with the clients and the rest of their design and build team, along with onsite meetings throughout the duration of the project.
FLOOR PLAN DESIGN - PRIVATE TOILET ROOMS WITH WINDOWS
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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR TOILET ROOMS TO INCLUDE A WINDOW
Two practical reasons - natural light and ventilation. Including a window in the toilet room prevents the space from being dark and stuffy. Rooms with windows look better, feel better and function better.
LOOK AT IT THIS WAY
It’s often said that our eyes are the windows to our souls. When it comes to interior architecture, a room without a window can feel soul less.
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BATHROOM FLOOR PLANS - TIPS ON DESIGNING A TOILET ROOM WITH A WINDOW
When designing bathrooms with private toilet rooms, start by making a list of the components that need to be included in the space. Of course most things noted will go without saying, like toilet, shower and sink, but how many sinks will there be - one or two? How many shower heads? Will there be a tub, linen storage, or make up vanity? What about any auxiliary accessories like a beverage refrigerator, towel warmers, etc.
In the notes you created, add two asterisks next to the fixtures that need to be placed on an exterior wall so as to be able to include a window and then one asterisks for the fixtures that can go either way. Here’s an example of what your list might look like:
BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN DESIGN - WINDOW PLACEMENT IMPORTANCE
* Sink cabinet
** Toilet room
* Shower
* Tub
* Make-up vanity
Linen cabinet
Once you’ve completed the notes begin sketching potential bathroom layouts while being sure to position the toilet room on a exterior walls.
Consider every possible arrangement by shuffling the fixtures around the allotted space.
Try orienting the toilet room on an exterior wall positioning it the long way and then the short way to determine the best configuration for the space.
If it’s possible to also place the tub (if included) on an exterior wall, that’s even better!
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WHAT TO DO IF INCLUDING A WINDOW IN A TOILET ROOM JUST ISN’T POSSIBLE
If after thoroughly exploring the space and completely exhausting possible layouts and it turns out to be that locating the toilet room on an exterior wall just isn’t possible, then pivot and do the next best thing by including the following:
In the toilet room install the best exhaust fan possible. Building codes will require an exhaust fan to be included but choose one that exceeds the requirements with airflow.
Include a transom window above the door to provide natural light when the toilet room door is closed. Depending on the need for acoustic privacy, you might also consider making the transom window operable, rather than fixed.
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Bathroom Design Inspiration and Illustrations
For design inspiration and to illustrate the points shared in this post, let’s take a look at a few primary bathroom floor plans and perspectives from recent full-service projects that all include windows in the toilet rooms.
We’ll also review drawings from the Citrus Point Project, where try as I might, I wasn’t able to position the toilet room on an exterior wall so like mentioned above I included a transom window above the door.
PRIMARY BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN AND PERSPECTIVE VIEW
Timbre Heights Project - Austin, Texas
PRIMARY BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN AND PERSPECTIVE VIEW
Mount Valley Project - Alpine, Utah
PRIMARY BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN AND PERSPECTIVE VIEW
Bay Havens Project - Sacramento, California
PRIMARY BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN AND PERSPECTIVE VIEW
Citrus Point Project - Mesa, Arizona
Now for the primary suite at the Citrus Point Project. After throughly exploring the space, it turned out that in order to get the best use of space for the bathroom and its adjoining rooms, the private toilet room fit best on an interior wall. So I did the next best thing by adding a transom window above the toilet room door. Be sure to continue scrolling to see an additional perspective view of the doorway leading into the space with the transom above.
THE TAKE AWAY
It’s important when designing custom floor plans that the space be carefully and completely explored so as to achieve the most ideal floor plans possible. Only after all potential layouts are exhausted, if it’s not possible to achieve the ideal, pivot and then work to find the next best way to design and develop the space.
When incorporating transom windows above toilet room doors, be sure you have enough ceiling height to maintain the same door height in the toilet room that will be included throughout the rest of the house, plus room for the transom.
When vetting potential floor plan / spatial designers to include on your custom home, be sure to ask about their qualifications and years of experience. For the success of your project and for peace of mind, you’ll want to collaborate with design experts that are equal to the quality of your project.
TF DESIGN
GOOD FIT?
Due to my comprehensive approach to design I invest a lot of time, energy, and even a lot of love into each of my projects. If you are hoping to work together, and think that TF Design would be a good fit for your new build project or whole house remodel (full service only - starting with the floor plan phase and working all the way through to the completion of construction), reach out via the contact page on my website, and answer all the questions in completion. Once received, I’ll review and get back with you.
FLOOR PLAN REVIEW
Don’t need full service design but you have a new custom home project in the works where you are feeling unsure about the floor plan? You can get expert spatial guidance and direction with your your floor plan through the Floor Plan Review and Consultation. I’ll redline your floor plans and then provide potential solutions. This service is intended for those needing an extra layer of expertise with their floor plans before they are finalized.
“Thanks so much Tami. It was a pleasure meeting you and we appreciate you comments. I’m glad we asked you to look at the plan at this point before starting construction drawings.” - Paul, New York
DESIGN CONSULTATIONS
Don’t need a floor plan review exactly, but you’re feeling stuck in uncertainty and are looking for guidance with design questions specific to your project but don’t know where to go? I’m here for you.
With nearly 25 years experience as a custom home designer, I can help guide you through the design dilemmas that you are facing through my new 60 minute virtual design consultations. During our time together I will answer your questions, provide potential solutions, all while explaining the reasoning behind them. That way you have a better understanding of the why’s and why-nots of good design and can move forward with confidence.
TF DESIGN STUDIO - PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA