Customers  wanted a bathroom that would serve as they aged, so a curbless shower  in this small space made sense. There is a pocket door to further  conserve space, and electric radiant floor heat. The long shower stall  makes a doorless opening possible which further enhances manuverability  in the room. The soaking tub and entire crawlspace floor are insulated  and air sealed with 2 part foam, so the tub water won't lose temperature  too quickly in winter and the room stays cozy.    



​    A much  discussed aspect of this room was the height of the soaking tub. The  original plan was to fully recess the tub, "Japanese style", so its rim  stood only a few inches off the floor. We immediately began a  conversation with the customer about how she would get into and out of  such a tub. Many ideas about grab bars and even a swimming pool- type  ladder were discussed. Finally, after simulating various heights with  mockups, it was decided the rim of the tub should be the height of a  standard chair 


 The  bather could then sit on its rim and swing her legs in, using grab bars  either on the wall behind the rim or set on the rim itself- this would  be determined after installation. When the tub was finally built and  working, the customer had such an easy time getting in and out that we  dispensed with grabs altogether. If someday in the future there's a need  for grab bars, the walls are fully blocked to receive them at any  imagineable spot around the tub, toilet, or shower.  Blocking for grab  bars has become routine for me in all my bathrooms. Unless instructed  not to do so, I block the room- it's just a good and inexpensive  precaution. I also provide customers with a thumb drive of photos  showing buried mechanicals and other features behind the walls in case  service is required later on.