ST KILDA WEST BATHROOM USES THE RIGHT ANGLE TO WIN MOST INNOVATIVE BATHROOM DESIGN AWARD

Recognised at the recent Building Designer Association of Victoria (BDAV) Awards for the most Innovative Bathroom Design, the bathroom in this St Kilda West home is an example of design genius.

Created by renowned Melbourne designer Royston Wilson in conjunction with bathroomware supplier Caroma Dorf, the St Kilda West bathroom renovation demonstrates how a challenging space can be transformed into an award-winning room by using a little design ingenuity.

Owners of the home Katrina and Ahmad Sowaid were looking to turn their upstairs storage area, into a larger mezzanine loft space with a bathroom, while maintaining the existing cathedral ceilings in the new design.

Existing sloping ceilings and new walls which were not full height, meant that careful consideration had to be made in order to ensure the bathroom felt spacious, while not imposing on the existing and unusual structure of the space.

Clever detailing and the incorporation of space saving fittings were employed to ensure the bathroom met all design requirements from the couple, including space, privacy and noise reduction.

Commenting on the bathroom, designer Royston Wilson said, “The mezzanine bathroom doubles as a powder room for visitors so it was important not to leave them feeling exposed. The toilet was tucked behind a wall to make it impossible for guests to be seen, and the plumbing was insulated to eliminate any noise during flushing and filling, ensuring that no discomfort is experienced by guests using the new bathroom directly above the living area.

“The new area is open but concealed at the same time. It has become an integral part of the house and certainly leaves a lasting impression on those who visit. What could have been a frustrating journey became a highly satisfying transformation,” he added.

Keeping a modern style with a relaxed, resort feel and space saving fixtures, the Fowler Regent Inset Vanity Basin was included in the bathroom, and features a generous bowl area and modern design.

With subdued styling and clean lines, the Fowler Seido Icon Series II™ Wall Faced Suite was the choice of toilet for its space saving, concealed cistern design. It also includes a soft close seat, which lowers gently and quietly, making it a premium design choice.  Award-winning Smartflush® technology included in the toilet suite means it delivers a WELS 4-star water efficiency rating.

The visually stunning Dorf Orbit System 5 Shower was selected as it offers two showering options. Its generous overhead shower features a luxury rain shower spray pattern, and the height adjustable hand shower offers three spray options. The diverter also allows each showerhead to operate independently. With a WELS 3-star rating, the shower offers water saving without compromising on performance.

The basin and showers feature Dorf Arc tapware for its simple, minimalist design. The straight lines and curved edges of the tapware are perfectly suited to the contemporary style of this bathroom. 

The use of angles complement the existing structure and maintain openness to allow light spill from the bathroom into the remaining space which was transformed into a bedroom and walk in robe.

Royston added, “I created a visual point of interest with angled walls and ceilings. The angled entranceways act to conceal the bathroom and WIR while keeping the space open. A ball light above one part-height wall throws light into the bathroom, bedroom and space below.

“By placing mirrors on the slope of the ceiling, including the shower area, light and reflections help disguise the size of the bathroom, while adding a modern touch and achieving amazing ambience,” he concluded.