BALANCING HERITAGE WITH MODERN COMFORT IN PERIOD BATHROOM DESIGN
Bathrooms in historic homes demand a careful blend of contemporary performance and period sensitivity. Johnny Claydon, Senior Site Manager at high-end renovation specialists ACT, outlines key considerations when creating elegant bathroom spaces that bring together the best of both worlds.
Understanding the Existing Fabric
Heritage bathroom projects should begin with thorough early-stage surveys and investigations to understand the original building construction. Older properties often conceal structural irregularities- from historic repairs to joist obstructions that directly affect drainage runs, floor build-ups and service routes. When opening-up works are restricted, contractors, architects and consultants must collaborate closely to adapt designs to real-world site constraints as they become apparent.
Honouring Period Details
Listed building conditions will dictate which features must be preserved, such as decorative plasterwork, sash windows, original skirtings and flooring. Protecting these elements to withstand bathroom conditions requires careful assessment, from ventilation strategies to specialist treatments. Beyond compliance, clients may choose to retain original fixtures and refurbish them to meet today’ s performance standards. Incorporating original sanitary ware, lighting and door hardware gives a space unique character alongside sustainability credentials.
Discreetly Introducing Modern Comfort
When refurbishing period bathrooms, the aim is to integrate modern systems unobtrusively so they blend into the background while remaining easy to service. Underfloor heating, concealed plumbing and efficient ventilation can all be incorporated discreetly by taking advantage of custom joinery to hide fan coil units, dimmers and access panels without interrupting sightlines. Where drainage depth
30- REFURB & RESTORE