Just like main living areas, contemporary bathroom spaces are increasingly adopting an open-plan layout by removing glass screens and enclosed showers.

To understand the practicality behind the open-plan bathroom concept, New Homes spoke with Arklen Managing Director Mark Diedricks, who has built a number of homes which feature this style of bathroom.

Otherwise referred to as wet rooms, Mr Diedricks said he was experiencing more enquiries and requests for open-plan bathrooms from clients building a new home in recent times.

“I think this is because people don’t want to feel confined in rooms they use every day,” he said.

“Another predominant reason we see homeowners opting for an open-plan bathroom is because it requires less maintenance and cleaning.

“Cleaning glass is just another household task, if it can be avoided then why not?”

To achieve an open-plan bathroom that functions properly, Mr Diedricks said you needed to think outside the box.

“Preparation and planning is the key to successfully executing this style,” he said.

Perfect for creating a contemporary look while increasing space in the bathroom, Mr Diedricks said open-plan bathrooms could be a good solution for an unusual-shaped room.

Mr Diedricks said waterproofing the space was of utmost importance.

“Ideally, waterproofing should be completed to a much higher standard than the minimum Australian standard,” he said.

The tiling layout is another critical component, according to Mr Diedricks.

“The tiling layout is critical when providing falls and intersecting points,” he said.

“Treat the room as a wet room and avoid hobs or other obstacles. If possible, use a floating vanity to keep the entire floor clear, and linear grates generally work best.”

While the choice of tiles comes down to personal preference, Mr Diedricks said Arklen tended to use rectified tiles to keep the quantity of grout to a minimum.

“My advice would be to keep the tiling as simple as possible and aim for consistency with only one feature wall,” he said.

“If financially possible, aim to do a fully tiled wet area, as it will help avoid junctions in the bathroom and significantly reduce maintenance.”