Bath
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A bath (sometimes referred to as a bathtub or tub) is a large container for water that can be used for immersing or washing a person's body (or sometimes other objects). NB A bath can also be a type of appliance that is used to collect and remove water (by way of an overflow or waste drain) once it has been used.
[edit] History
Evidence of the ritual act of bathing dates back to ancient times. This act typically took place in communal bath houses.
Early versions of personal baths supplied by water pipes (rather than buckets of water that have been carried) have been found in Ancient Greece. The baths were made from clay or ceramic and supplied by copper pipes.
The Ancient Romans developed a form of heating water for baths which used hot materials such as rocks. The heated water was then poured into the bath.
Advances in the manufacture of the bath took place in the 18th century. This came with the adoption of cast iron, tin and copper as a suitable material for stand alone baths. These devices were primarily used by the aristocracy and became more elaborately designed and decorated.
They were also manufactured from porcelain (a ceramic material made from clay that might be described as 'vitreous china' when coated with enamel). This might be referred to as ceramic, porcelain or china sanitaryware and is often white, with the incorporation of porcelain enamel coatings.
In the 20th century, smaller spaces and increased demand drove the introduction of more utilitarian baths. These baths were built in rather than stand alone units that were eventually made from lighter materials that were less expensive to produce and easier to maintain.
[edit] Types of baths
Modern baths are made from a wide range of materials, including coated metals, cast iron, steel, acrylics, fibreglass and so on. They can be produced in a variety of shapes and colours, although they are typically rectilinear and long enough to accommodate a person who is in a reclined position.
There are several different types of installed or stand alone baths. These can include:
- Accessible (including walk-in or gated versions).
- Clawfoot and pedestal.
- Corner baths.
- Drop-in baths.
- Freestanding.
- Recessed or alcove.
- Soft baths.
- Steel baths.
- Shower baths.
- Sunken bath.
- Whirlpool baths or spa tubs.
[edit] Building regulations
The Building Regulations Approved Document G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency suggests that a bath is a type of sanitary appliance or sanitary ware that is further described as part of a bathroom (‘…a room containing a bath or shower and, in addition, can also include sanitary accommodation.')
Approved Document G prescribes maximum water consumption limits for baths and a maximum water temperature.
Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings, includes minimum requirements for space available around a bath.
Additional requirements for drainage are set out in Approved Document H: drainage and waste disposal.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.