Clearly inspired

Help

An eclectic use of materials adds a personal touch to this conservatory-like bathroom

A view of a bathroom, white bathtub and architecture, daylighting, deck, glass, roof, window, black — A view of a bathroom, white bathtub and sink,. chrome faucetry, wooden vanity.

A view of the shower. - A view architecture, door, glass, structure, window, black, gray

A view of a shower head. - A lighting, product design, black

A view of the ensuite from the master architecture, bed frame, bedroom, ceiling, floor, home, house, interior design, property, real estate, room, wall, window, gray, white

As one of the most private rooms in the house, the bathroom is usually closed off and has very little connection to the outdoors. Potential views are often lost behind walls, frosted glass panes or small windows too high for people to be able to see in or out. This is especially true in an urban environment.

However, as this bathroom illustrates, with the right materials it is possible to open up the bathroom to the outdoors, bring light into an adjacent bedroom and take advantage of any views on offer, yet still retain total privacy.

This master ensuite, on the top floor of a three-level house, has effectively been built on a balcony. This extra-high vantage point means the balcony has expansive views, on which owner and architect Wanbin Sun wanted to capitalize.

"I wanted to create a romantic retreat that is open to the stars and the night vista, but I also wanted a bathroom that is practical to use," the designer says.

A large glass wall with a door in the center, similar to a frameless glass shower, separates the bathroom from the bedroom. A mirror finish on the exterior of the three glass walls encases the bathroom like a conservatory, making the room a private suntrap, he says.

Another of the architect's objectives was to use a mix of interesting materials. Tiles arranged in horizontal light and dark stripes are used on the walls and floor. The tiles are ceramic but have the look and feel of textured fabric.

A view of a shower head. lighting, product design, black — A view of a shower head.

Carrying out the design proved challenging due to the precarious nature of the site. The glass was craned up in one piece because it was too difficult to install the portions individually, and the sink, bath and shower needed to be plumbed from the level below.

Building regulations could have posed a problem, but to an extent they helped to determine the shape of the room.

"The sloping roof was a necessity because of building height restrictions. Though, one can still stand full height in the bathroom, and the roof actually contributes to the conservatory feel."