Housing 21 rolls out future proof bathrooms

Housing 21, a leading not-for-profit provider of Extra Care and Retirement Housing, has worked together with Motionspot to design environments for people that can adapt as their needs change over time. The new bathrooms meet the access needs of disabled and older residents without compromising on style.

Until now, retirement properties have included stand-out white grab rails and shower curtains in bathrooms and living areas by default. The housing association, which manages over 20,000 properties in England, is the first older peoples’ housing provider to move away from this traditional approach to a style which is described as ‘more suited to homes than hospitals’.

“There is a step change happening in the housing sector as operators like Housing 21 demonstrate what is possible when designing and building beautiful future-proofed accommodation."

Housing 21 has now completely redesigned bathroom facilities in its new schemes to ensure that environments are attractive and contemporary and can adapt to the needs of people over time. The new designs introduced are functional, adaptable and affordable and suited to all people regardless of need.

Siobhan Moore, director of development at Housing 21 said: “We have moved away from clinical white grab rails and shower curtains to attractive chrome fittings and glass shower screens all of which can discreetly adapt to suit the needs of our customers.

“Working with Motionspot brought together Housing 21’s expertise in providing for older people across the country with Motionspot’s expertise in the design, form and function of facilities for people living with both physical and cognitive impairments alongside able bodied people. We also considered the feedback of those already living in our properties.

“It is the blend of this expertise and the willingness of both Housing 21 and Motionspot to work seamlessly together that has enabled us to create much more attractive facilities that have been universally welcomed by our residents.”

Ed Warner, co-founder of Motionspot said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide an alternative option for Housing 21 residents. The Motionspot ethos is to blend form and function to create beautifully accessible products for the home. It’s great to see this in new homes across the country.

“There is a step change happening in the housing sector as operators like Housing 21 demonstrate what is possible when designing and building beautiful future-proofed accommodation. We are seeing a number of housing associations review their design guides and embrace more aspirational apartment design principles with a real focus on improving bathrooms and kitchens and communal spaces, which have traditionally looked quite institutional.

“The feedback from Housing 21 residents has been tremendous. Not only do residents love the design of their new bathroom but it gives them and the confidence that their landlord has thought about their future needs and they won’t need to spend money adapting their apartment as they get older.”