Level access shower
The building regulations set out legal requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. A series of approved documents provide general guidance about how different aspects of building design and construction can comply with the building regulations.
Approved document M provides guidance for satisfying Part M of the building regulations: Access to and use of buildings, which requires the inclusive provision of ease of access to, and circulation within, buildings, together with requirements for facilities for people with disabilities.
Approved document M, Volume 1: Dwellings (2015 edition incorporating 2016 amendments) defines an installed level access shower as a:
| Step-free area with no lips or upstands, suitable for showering, with a floor laid to shallow falls towards a floor gulley connected to the drainage system. |
Depending on the type of dwelling and number of bedspaces, the approved document may require an installed level access shower to be provided, and rooms that contain installed level access showers may be required to be constructed as a wet room, and may need to have the potential for a bath to be installed above it.
Where a wet room is a:
| WC or bathroom compartment with tanking and drainage laid to a fall to a connected gulley capable of draining the floor area when used as a shower. |
A potential level access shower is a:
| Space capable of providing a level access shower without the need to move walls, remove screed or other solid flooring. It should include a capped-off floor gulley, set at an appropriate level and connected to the drainage system. (Usually provided within a wet room). |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.