The open-concept bathroom, in which many of the components are open to an adjacent space, like a bedroom, can be difficult to reconcile with our modern-day notions of privacy. Needless to say, it’s a topic that incites passionate response. Most people either vehemently dislike the notion of an open bathroom (and the architects who would propose them) or are cautiously intrigued.

                          
Of course, there are plenty of really good reasons an en suite bathroom might not be right for someone; chief among them is lack of privacy. I think we can all agree that showcasing the element related to the most private function of the bathroom (the toilet) is a bad idea. However, the need for privacy doesn’t necessarily extend to every function that the bathroom serves, and it’s in this space where flexibility and openness can actually be a good thing. Here’s an honest look at the open-plan bathroom and some ways that it really can work.

1. Design considerations

Lifestyle. The fundamental challenges of an open-concept bathroom are those related to habit and lifestyle. Does your daily routine closely mirror your partner’s? If the answer is no, differing morning and evening schedules are an obvious red flag. Opting for openness means sharing in the noise of shaving, showering and everything else that attends your morning and evening routines. Of course if you live alone or don’t share your room with others, this won’t be an issue.

The water closet. The other primary challenge with an open bath is the toilet. Before you think I’m a completely insensitive, impractical architect willing to trade modesty for aesthetics, I personally think the term “water closet” is an apt one. Accessible closets are great places for this bathroom essential. In an open plan, a dedicated room is an excellent — arguably the only — choice.Besides, this approach gets it out of the way. There’s no reason to make the toilet the focal point of any bathroom, ever. Even in completely closed bathrooms, the toilet should be easily accessible but not on axis or facing the entry door, and should be hidden from view when the door is open.

Privacy. Beyond the water closet, privacy in the bathroom is a matter of personal choice and preference. There are natural correlations between the bedroom and bathroom as intimate spaces. Assuming the functions of the bath are sensibly oriented and you’re up for it, these connections can be welcome in your personal space.

Moisture. Bathrooms introduce large quantities of humidity into a home. Lacking partition walls, the open bath can’t contain humidity (or other airborne odours). Here’s where modern technology can help.Knowing the total volume of the space will enable you to get a system that’s sized to adequately exhaust (and refresh) the air. A fresh-air ventilation system is an essential part of home design today. But the open bath will require a few additional registers than a basic system has, and perhaps a “boost” switch to increase the rate at which air exchanges when it’s being used.Excessive moisture build-up and migration only become problematic when the air isn’t being adequately exchanged. A shower is the largest point source of moisture, and a water closet has its own ventilation needs. Positioning exhaust ventilation (negative flow) in the water closet, and the shower and fresh air (positive flow) in the sleeping space makes good design sense.

1. Design options

The fixed divider. If you’ve decided that an open bath might fit your lifestyle, segregating it via a freestanding zone of cabinetry is a good choice. This “thick wall” can contain the light spillage between spaces, act as a visual screen and double as a storage area. Because it doesn’t touch the ceiling, it feels more open, but its mass and depth make it feel more wall-like.

Open yet contained. The best of both worlds. This layout provides privacy while conserving the openness small spaces seek. While these floor-to-ceiling alcoves don’t have doors, one could imagine adding them to segregate private areas within the larger room as needed.The generous skylight above makes the small wash area seem more spacious.

Movable walls. Adding large pocket doors or sliding partitions can transform an open bath into a private room within a room as needed.This sliding screen never completely obscures but can be positioned where it’s needed.

Zoned. The more open a space is, the more rational the zoning plan must be. Often the tub is a sculptural element and can act as a mediator between semiprivate and private. Here it’s near the view on the exterior wall and defines the edge between the bed and bath area.

Benefits of the open-concept bathroom:

• Accessible
• Allows small spaces to feel larger
• Multifunctional space accomplishes more in less floor area
• Open spaces can borrow natural light from each other
• More room-like rather than purely utilitarian

Disadvantages of the open-concept bathroom:

• Cooler in bathing spaces (open to convective airflow). Cool climates are more of an issue than temperate, warm and arid climates.
• Lacks privacy
• Noise, artificial light and door transmission
• A truly open wet room can be messy
• An unconventional design can translate to uncertain resale value