BATHROOM TYPES AND SIZES:
Bathrooms can be classified into 4 types, depending on the type of fixtures present.
THREE-FIXTURE BATHROOM- The conventional three-fixture bathroom without compartments is designed for use by one person at a time. The three fixtures are a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Shower cubicle or a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Bathtub-with-or-without-shower. There are different ways of arranging the fixtures in a Bathroom. The most efficient arrangement is having the three fixtures in a row against the wall opposite the door.
Bathrooms can be classified into 4 types, depending on the type of fixtures present.
THREE-FIXTURE BATHROOM- The conventional three-fixture bathroom without compartments is designed for use by one person at a time. The three fixtures are a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Shower cubicle or a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Bathtub-with-or-without-shower. There are different ways of arranging the fixtures in a Bathroom. The most efficient arrangement is having the three fixtures in a row against the wall opposite the door.
· For a bathroom with wash basin in the centre and toilet and bathtub/shower on either side, the minimum size required is 7'4" x 5'6". In this type, the door is in the centre opposite the wash basin.
· For a bathroom with wash basin first, then toilet and lastly bathtub/shower, the minimum size required is 7'8" x 5'0" (for a shower type) and 8'0" x 5'0" (for a bathtub type). In this type, the door to the toilet is opposite or adjacent to the wash basin.
· For a square type bathroom, with shower cubicle in one corner and wash basin on one wall and the toilet on the other wall, the minimum size required is 6'0" x 6'6"
· For a square bathroom, with bathtub in one corner, wash basin on one wall and toilet on the other wall, the minimum size required is 6'0" x 8'0".
COMPARTMENTED BATHROOM - To avoid excessive humidity in the Bathroom, in the usual three-fixture bath, the Bath tub or shower cubicle can be located in a separate compartment with a separate door. This type of bathroom affords privacy for 2 users using at the same time and prevents the build-up of humidity in the whole bathroom.
· For a square bathroom, with bathtub in one corner, wash basin on one wall and toilet on the other wall, the minimum size required is 6'0" x 8'0".
· The minimum size of such a bathroom with two seperate compartments is 10'6" x 6'0".
· Another variation is to have 2 separate bathrooms with separate doors - one with only the toilet, (the minimum size of the Toilet is 3'6" x 5'0") and the other with the Shower/bathtub and wash basin, (the minimum size is 5'6" x 6'0"). In this type, the bath can become a combination bath-dressing room. This system was very prevalent in India earlier because it is recommended in Vastu Shastra.
GUEST BATHROOM also known as Powder room - This bathroom is a two-fixture one, with only a Toilet and a Wash Basin.
· The minimum size of a powder room is 5' x 5'. It is usually located close to the living/dining room to allow guests to use.
UTILITY BATHROOM - This bathroom is a three-fixture one but has additional space to allow other functions like laundering, dressing etc.
The minimum size of such a bathroom with two seperate compartments is 10'6" x 6'0"
The minimum size of a bathroom with a shower cubicle, a wash basin, a toilet and a dressing area/drying cabinet/linen cabinet/extra wash basin is 6'6" x 7'6".
The minimum size of a bathroom with a bathtub, a wash basin, a toilet and a dressing area/drying cabinet/linen cabinet/extra wash basin will be at least 9'6" x 6'6" or 11' x 5'6".
LARGE BATHROOMS -
A Four-fixture bathroom - a toilet, a bathtub and 2 wash basins (His and Her's) will be 10'0" x 7'2" or 12'2" x 5'0".
A Five-fixture bathroom - with a bathtub, 2 toilets and 2 wash basins in separate compartments will be around 16'4" x 5'0" or 11' x 8'0"
LOCATION OF BATHROOM:
Ideally each bathroom should be located near a Bedroom. In addition, one should consider the wind directions and the sun position, in order that the sunrays dry up the bathroom quickly and the wind flow allows for fresh air to enter the bathroom and the humid air to leave it. For this it is best to refer the Vastu guidelines on the design of Bathrooms. Go to:
Ideally each bathroom should be located near a Bedroom. In addition, one should consider the wind directions and the sun position, in order that the sunrays dry up the bathroom quickly and the wind flow allows for fresh air to enter the bathroom and the humid air to leave it. For this it is best to refer the Vastu guidelines on the design of Bathrooms. Go to:
