Community | Bathroom Remodel
This residential bathroom project involved updating the primary bathroom in a non-profit emergency residential housing facility for women and children seeking refuge from domestic violence. Despite the unique remodeling challenges posed by the sixty-year-old adobe building, we persisted in creating a functional and welcoming space that met the shelter's residents' diverse needs and complied with universal accessibility standards.
Addressing Long-Standing Challenges
The original bathroom (pictured above) presented a long list of challenges, including: uneven adobe walls, outdated plumbing and electrical systems, inadequate lighting, improper toilet placement, lack of counter space, absence of a baby changing station, inconsistent application of grab bars, and difficult access to the bathing area for individuals with mobility issues.
Given the multitude of issues, I focused my design on providing dignified solutions that prioritized accessibility, safety, and comfort for all potential users of the space.
To begin with, I relocated the toilet to the center of the room, simplifying wheelchair access. The vanity, now featuring a quartz top and apron, was moved to support the pony wall enclosing the shower station. Unlike the prior sink area, the vanity could now provide usable counter space for residents. Plumbing and electrical lines were completely rerouted to accommodate the new design. The shower received an ADA-compliant transfer seat, grab bars, a hand-held shower system, and a zero-threshold entry. Additionally, a changing station and teak bench were strategically placed near the entrance, providing a designated area to care for young children.
Plumb Walls and Easy to Clean
Implementing all these changes required reframing and drywalling due to the non-plumb adobe walls, while preserving the original vigas and wood plank ceiling for historical continuity. We opted for floor-to-ceiling tiled walls and flooring, along with an in-floor center drain, ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance—key considerations for the client. We carefully selected updated fixtures and hardware to cater to the diverse needs of the shelter's changing resident population.
Designing to Support Healing
Throughout the project, we maintained close collaboration with the women's shelter organization, learning about the realities of this unique residence and its significance for the individuals seeking refuge there. From the outset, we were inspired to transcend basic utility and create a space that embodied beauty and luxury—a sanctuary during times of great stress and upheaval.
