Ensuite renovation has spacious feel despite its long, narrow shape

Space might be the ultimate luxury, but how do you create a luxurious bathroom when space is limited? Especially if the owners want enough room for two people to use it at the same time, a freestanding bath and plenty of storage?

Architect Linda Simons of LSA Architects says two aspects of the design for this ensuite help give it a spacious feel despite its long, narrow shape.

The ensuite is part of a full renovation of a period home in which the original ensuite was tiny and nondescript.

Combining this with space from a small walk-in robe and popping out the side of the building gave a new area of 3.8m x 2.5m, still quite compact, says Simons.

"We achieved the uncluttered look primarily through the choice of tile," she says. "The large format 3m x 1m porcelain tiles gave us really large areas without fussy grout lines."

And because the marble-look tiles are only 6mm thick and relatively lightweight, they could be used on the vanity top and also fold down onto the cabinet fronts.

"The resulting single colour scheme gives a visual openness to the room. That also comes from breaking down divisions in the bath and shower area."

A single glass panel creates a wet area combining these two zones. Simons says that the overhead shower and position of the handspray reduce water splashing in the space, while the floor is correctly graded to drain water away quickly.

"We then made a feature of the black fittings. They're quite minimalist, but they anchor the different elements in the room."

Story by: Paul Taylor

Photography by: Raphael Ruz