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Designing private patient areas: How design brings the living room and bathroom together

A compelling private patient room is not simply a collection of add-ons, but the result of a cohesive, well-thought-out concept. It is only when the interior design, sanitary fittings and functional details come together coherently that the intended added value can truly be experienced.

This article focuses on the requirements for modern private patient areas. The focus here is on the key interfaces of the design process: the transitions between the bedroom and bathroom, coherent colour schemes and the judicious use of materials. This produces practical approaches to implementing a design concept down to the finest detail – for spaces that combine high levels of comfort and convenience.

The bathroom as the centrepiece of the private patient room

Private patient accommodation can contribute to a greater sense of well-being compared with standard hospital wards. Depending on the package, this may take the form of accommodation in a single or twin room, higher-quality facilities or additional services.

The bathroom facilities play a key role in this regard. The bathroom is not merely a secondary, functional space – it is an element of comfort in its own right. It should therefore be planned from the very first sketch onwards as an integral part of the private patient room. A space such as this can only live up to its high-quality aspirations in day-to-day hospital operations when the respective requirements for accessibility, the quality of fittings and the overall ambience of the room come together.

Planning the private patient area as a whole

Planning a bedroom and bathroom requires the coordination of various trades and individual tasks. The aim here is to treat both areas as a single unit in terms of design and to create a coherent transition at the doorway.

In the bathroom, however, specific criteria apply with regard to care and hygiene. The requirements for the design and equipping of hospital bathrooms provide the framework for this. Successful interior design takes these guidelines on board and, through the use of style, colour and materials, creates a design connection with the room.

The potential of colour schemes in hospitals

In a private patient room, colour is much more than just decoration, as it has a significant influence on the ambience of the room. This is achieved, above all, through a coherent overall impression: A subtle base can convey a sense of calm, whilst carefully placed contrasts can highlight the design or help users recognise key functions. High-quality design elements thus become deliberate accents or are seamlessly integrated into the architecture.

Colour is difficult to assess in isolation anyway, as the material, sheen and lighting all alter its effect within a room. The design should therefore be planned from the outset in conjunction with the wall and floor surfaces. Our article on colour schemes in architecture illustrates how such designs can be implemented harmoniously.

Colour design thus becomes an effective component of Healing Architecture, which focuses on the well-being of patients. However, for this concept to truly bring the space to life, the visual aspect needs to be complemented by a tactile element, as details that are frequently touched are not only seen but also experienced directly.

The impact of a room begins with the materials used

Stainless steel is a tried-and-tested material in private patient areas. It impresses with its metallic precision, an easy-care surface and a timeless aesthetic. However, well thought-through interior design in a hospital need not be limited to stainless steel; use can be made of other materials, too, to specifically introduce new qualities into the design concept.

Polyamide offers an alternative, bringing its own unique advantages. The material has lower thermal conductivity than metal and is therefore usually perceived as feeling less cool to the touch. This can enhance tactile comfort in everyday use. Furthermore, the smooth, high-gloss surface, combined with a wide range of colours, offers plenty of scope for creativity in interior design. At the same time, its easy-care qualities make regular cleaning much easier.

This makes polyamide is a design element in its own right rather than a mere substitute for metal. It allows colour accents to be combined with functional requirements.

System 700: the answer to high planning standards

System 700 demonstrates exactly how this standard can be consistently implemented in sanitary rooms. The clear style and adherence to the principles of universal design bring the fittings for the washbasin, WC and shower together in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The premium colours Blackberry and Matcha Green can be used to integrate expressive accents.

The room’s design can build on this: if, for example, wall surfaces or upholstery fabrics feature these shades, a harmonious connection with the bathroom can be created. Materials and shapes also play a part. High-gloss polyamide forms a contrast with matt furniture fronts and fabric upholstery that can be picked up on both visually and to the touch. Moreover, when furniture and fittings echo the contours of the sanitary fittings, a common style runs through both areas.

Discover the wide range of options on the S 700 system page or directly in the online catalogue.

A concept that underpins decision-making

A design concept proves its worth when it not only defines the desired ambience but also underpins decisions regarding the fit-out. So, before finalising the choice of products, it should be clear which rules underpin the design and where there is deliberate scope for flexibility. Four questions can help with this categorisation:

- - Design approach: What common design, colour or material theme links the room and the bathroom?
  - Functional integration: Which supporting products must visibly hold to this theme?
  - Effect in the room: How does the selected combination change under actual lighting conditions and with different levels of glossiness?
  - Operational stability: Will the chosen scheme hold up to regular cleaning, the replacement of individual components and subsequent additions?

These questions are no substitute for careful planning or project-specific requirements. However, they can clarify whether the spatial concept can be translated into sound decisions while remaining comprehensible to both the client and the operator.

The HEWI Planning service is happy to assist architects and planners with the selection and sampling of matching products, with technical queries and with the tendering process. This ensures that a project’s design ethos can be reliably maintained throughout the subsequent planning stages.

Author info: HEWI - Expertise in accessibility product design

Since its foundation in 1929, HEWI has developed into a system provider for comprehensive solutions in the areas of building hardware, sanitary accessories and accessible products. With over 95 years of experience, the company has become an established provider in the field of accessibility and is known for its expertise in system design. In the spirit of universal design, HEWI focuses on people's individual needs.

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