Some projects come our way with such a confusing arrangement of space, that we know we have our architectural planning cut out for us. This is one such project that really pushed the limits of our creativity but what we created, fast-tracked his project into our favorites list. Not only did we increase the function of these bathrooms, we accomplished it in LESS square footage than the original footprint!
This was a Jack and Jill type situation, but two bathrooms sharing two bedrooms and both bathrooms had complete full bath functionality. Between these two bathrooms there were 4 entrances and a maze of doors and walls to navigate, for no reason! We were tasked with a hefty wishlist and some interesting architectural details to content with, but if there is one thing we love, it’s a good architectural plan puzzle!
Presenting our Study in Architectural Planning: Bathroom Maze to Individual Retreats
In this post, we will share the before and after on this bathroom maze that turned into a beautiful bathroom renovation that these homeowners love. If you’re like many homeowners who are unhappy with their bathroom, either function or materials keep reading so see a little bit of what we do!
The Before: A Bathroom Maze
This was what we started with!
Probably no mystery why these bathrooms needed an overhaul. One bathroom was used by everyone on the main floor, the other was not currently being used much. And as you can imagine in a busy family household, shutting one door for privacy is one thing, but having to shut 3 (!) doors for privacy seems a bit extreme! Before pictures are hard to see because of the maze of doors and openings, but here’s a glimpse:
Here was the homeowner’s wishlist:
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- Create a true primary ensuite, with a walk-in closet and a primary bathroom with a large shower and vanity with storage.
- Create a guest bath that is inviting as the primary main floor bathroom, but also doubles as functionality for guests staying in the guest bedroom.
- Make sure sight lines into the hallway bathroom are aesthetic (ie- no toilets in view)
- Showers in both bathrooms, no tubs. Storage in both vanities.
- Create a coat closet for the nearby front entrance.
Space Planning Limitations:
- Wall between the two bathrooms could not move due to load constraints.
- The alcoves in each bathroom have a header beam that cannot move, so there is a lower clearance situation.
- Windows are not moving.
Armed with all this knowledge AND hopeful creativity. We set out to transform these two spaces into their own individual retreats.
The Bathroom Solution
Architectural planning of bathrooms comes with a hefty set of space allowances and code restrictions as well as best practices for function, so they can be challenging to rearrange.
We knew that we were going to be stealing about 30-35 sqft for a walk in closet but closing off two of the doors to gain back usable wall space. Beyond that knowledge we began playing around with how to arrange the pieces of the bath to meet their wishlist.
And here is what we came up with for this bathroom transformation!
Eliminating two of the entrances really recovered wall space that would prove very useful. Then we had to figure out ways to use the alcoves or otherwise they would sit unused as before.
We shrunk the hall bath footprint to allow for a reach-in coat closet near the front door and by putting the vanity in the alcove, we gained a beautiful visual line of sight from the main part of the house. The toilet is tucked behind a half wall of the shower and out of sight from the main flow of the home. BONUS- only one door to close to achieve privacy if you are a guest in this house!
The primary bath footprint is quite small, but it is efficient! Plus, the compact bathroom floorplan allowed for an expansive walk-in closet on the other side of the wall, which the client loves. This may sound bragadocious, but I think we really knocked this space planning out of the park!
Before and After Hall Bathroom
Before; a giant built in platform around the tub took up way too much floor space and three doorways shrunk usable wall area for vanity and toilet locations.
After; The vanity is the sightline into the bathroom, and the shower and toilet can fit on the wall that once housed the door to the other bathroom.
The vanity in the alcove created the mirror conundrum. We didn’t want to close off the window by placing a permanent mirror in front, but since this was a guest bathroom and not going to be used by anyone for getting ready on a daily basis, we decided to do a side-mounted articulated mirror, a concession that creates a beautiful focal point.
The shower is located where the original door into the other bathroom was previously. Closing off access gave us the needed wall space for a spacious shower and toilet location. The pony wall with half glass allows light from the only window to filter in and create a bright space.
We transformed this hall bathroom into a more beautifully practical, welcoming space. Once an eyesore, this bathroom makeover is now incredibly functional.
Before and After Primary Bathroom
This is the same view, standing just inside the doorway to the primary ensuite! Before you had to weave your way around corners and past doors to get to the toilet and vanity (that area is now the walk in closet). Now the view is a beautiful direct sight line into the shower and vanity in this primary bathroom remodel.
Final thoughts on this Bathroom Reconfiguration
Bathroom space planning can be tricky, there are many fixtures to place in relative compact locations, and we have many “rules” that we try really hard not to break, one of those being the toilet is never the direct line of sight when entering the space. However, sometimes space requires us to bend our rules to give the client a higher priority on their list.
In this case, the larger shower in the primary bath was more of a priority than a completely hidden toilet. Relocating the toilet to the alcove with the low header beam was a natural choice, but that means you can see it more than we would have liked. Again, not a big problem because this is a primary ensuite, not a high traffic zone where the toilet is visible from the main living areas of the home.
In the end, we accomplished the hierarchy of wish list items, and still gave them two amazing bathrooms, AND two closets in the same footprint as originally.
Summary
Architectural planning makes a significant difference in how satisfied you can be with your home’s bathrooms. And being one of the most function driven, compact rooms in your home, if you don’t plan everything down to the correct inch, you may be left with a door that doesn’t open all the way, a shower that sprays you when you turn it on, or a vanity that is partially blocked by a poorly planned toilet location.
If you are considering a bathroom renovation, we suggest starting with a list of what doesn’t currently serve you and what you’d want in the perfect scenario. Sometimes giant wishlists, can come true!
Our team serves the Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton, Happy Valley, and Bend Area in Oregon, and surrounding areas. If you are located in these locations, we’d love to support you.
Contact us today to book a Discovery Call and discover the design solutions that will transform how your home works for you.
