Open showers: delve into the application of this innovative bathroom component.

On numerous occasions, emphasis has been placed on the drastic evolution that some key spaces in the home, such as the bathroom, have undergone; becoming an authentic sanctuary of wellbeing and personal care where the user can free himself from daily stresses. In addition to this, manufacturers from all over the world seem to have taken into account these aesthetic needs and intrinsic desires of the user, formalizing a series of design pieces, whose dynamism and innovation provide the opportunity to enjoy the space more authentically.

An obvious example of these distinctive elements are the open showers: an ingenious resource that has transformed the traditional and limiting bathroom formats, replacing them with a continuous scheme that provides spaciousness.

However, also known as “site showers” involve a number of considerations and essentiality in their installation processes; which, if not fully understood, could interfere with the success of your project. Therefore, we break down some informative foundations about these:

Deepening the value of open showers.

To use any component, we must necessarily understand what it is about and, much more, when it is based on such an unusual transition as this type of showers; which challenges one of the main functions: to keep the water inside the bathing section.

Within the modern architectural movement, walk-in showers emerged as a creative opportunity to alter the privative concept of traditional shower sections, replacing it with a more dynamic, permissive and elegant structure. One of the main driving forces that conditioned the singular shape of the open partitions was basically the need to generate continuity in space, visual sequence and freedom of movement, together with the minimalist aesthetics that they confer.

Undoubtedly, incorporating this system requires certain construction guidelines, such as, for example, installing the shower head opposite the glass opening to ensure that the water flows properly to the drain, or a shower tray that is uniform and free of risers.

Open showers also allow the user to configure them in different levels. In other words, there are endless ways to use them, depending on the taste and dimensions of your bathroom.

Measurements and configurations.

As in any architectural or interior development process, evaluating the dimensions of the space is indispensable; much more so in contexts as diverse as bathrooms. As mentioned above, although based on the same guidelines, we can find different presentations of open showers, each one subject to its own demands.

• Recessed typology. Generally, this scheme is the most commonly employed and its installation is attached to a niche created specifically with masonry shoulders. Its design intention is to offer an alternative to bathrooms without bathtubs; but, in the same way, they seek a threshold of attention through the exposed structure of the metal or the contrasting shades of the same. Its use is ideal for small spaces.

• Central typology. With the right dimensions, this format can become the protagonist of the space, since it is placed right in the middle of the longest wall of the bathroom. It is mostly used in hotels and nowadays it has formalized an alliance with the luxurious style, since its access is extremely avant-garde.

• Angular typology. This is used when the bathroom has a square floor plan with wide sides. In this case, the entrance to the shower is on the short side; therefore, the glass usually covers the entire length of the shower. For the position of the shower head, you can choose to place it on the long side exactly in the middle of the space.

• Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter which model you decide to incorporate, as these components work with standard measurements to allow for ease of fitting in bathrooms. For example:
  You should leave about 60 cm free for access to the shower.
  For the shower head, the main precaution will be to install it at the furthest point from the opening so that the water flow downward is in the opposite position to the opening of the shower.
  Adequate size of the glass wall, with respect to the length of the shower, should be provided so that it is sufficient to protect the water droplets. In addition, a thickness of between 6-8 mm is suggested.
  Shower trays should be selected to be approximately 4 cm; preferably flush with the floor. This method is much more practical in order to eliminate inconsistencies in the floor and to establish a homogeneous communion with the floor.

Advantages and disadvantages of the shower.

It is understandable that this unique element may generate doubts related to its functionality and the logic of its ability to isolate water in adjacent areas of the bathroom. However, modern design experts have highlighted the benefits of implementing this type of element in these spaces:

Pros:

• – Adaptability. It has been demonstrated that there is a variant for every bathroom, even if it has metric limitations.
  – Imperceptibility. Generally, the glass partition is almost invisible; therefore, this diaphanous material not only allows a more complete vision of the space, but also increases the bathroom illumination.
  – Accessibility. A low volume in the shower tray and the absence of steps facilitates access to the shower, especially for people with limited mobility.
  – Effective hygiene. Each component of this system is extremely easy to maintain, which facilitates cleaning routines for its owners.
  – Minimalist features. For those who believe that less is more, open showers free the space of excesses; minimizing its structure to obtain only what is necessary.

Cons:

• – Lack of privacy. Many homeowners do not enjoy the open, unprotected feel of showers. While visually appealing, some homeowners still prefer to have a visual and physical barrier between this area and the rest of the bathroom.
  – Material costs. While there are inexpensive alternatives to developing this type of shower, some components as specific as the shower pan or metal arm enclosure may possess a high value.

Dissimilarities between conventional models and new proposals.

While shower curtains or full shower enclosures remain a viable option for many users, open showers also outweigh their effectiveness and guarantee satisfactory results in the future of these spaces. Therefore, the variables that both offer should also be noted before the purchase:

At DGLA, we are constantly committed to the use of new technologies and innovative resources in the interior environment, with the idea of raising our architectural proposals to a new level; in addition to offering many more benefits to our clients.

Contact us to materialize together your dream spaces!