Photograph by Rick Brazil An open floor plan, low-maintenance materials and accessibility are just a few of the benefits of wet rooms. For example, in this home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, a space was created that offers an uncluttered design, walls and floors covered in large limestone tiles, and a simple carved limestone tub.

In ancient times, Roman baths were a popular aspect of daily life. Bodies were cleansed and beautified through an assortment of activities—from massages and cold soaks to sessions in saunalike rooms. The appeal of self-pampering still is present today. A growing number of home-owners are outfitting traditional bathroom spaces with floor-to-ceiling tilework, large custom tubs, and steam showers with chromatherapy—all of which are housed in open, easy-care wet rooms that help relieve the stresses of everyday life in the comfort of one’s home. To find out more about these “haute” spots, we talked with industry experts Jay Benscoter, president of Flair Plumbing Supply Co.; Lew Gallo, a Phoenix-area designer and co-owner of haus modern living; and Ken Tims, co-owner of Facings of America.

BLUEPRINT BASICS
Whether new or the result of a remodel, wet rooms are defined by an open, streamlined floor plan (often with a doorless shower), well-appointed fixtures, and materials that stand up to water exposure. These rooms require a cohesive design to produce the most relaxing atmosphere possible, say our experts. “Those [wet room designs] we have seen are a way to open up the bath,” explains Benscoter. “It gives the bath the feel of an exclusive spa. It is a place for people to escape to within their homes without enclosing themselves in a shower.” Here are some tips for laying out a wet room:

Consider the floor plan. “Homeowners need to ensure they have enough space so they don’t feel cramped, yet cozy enough to make their daily experiences delightful,” states Tims.

Devise a room that is watertight. “Stay away from water-sensitive materials,” warns Gallo. He advises avoiding woods that warp, fabrics that are prone to mildew and can’t be washed, and materials with shiny finishes that spot easily.

Make sure that surfaces slope. Wet rooms are designed to be open spaces with multiple fixtures, so it is important that surfaces such as flooring and countertops slope slightly to keep water from pooling, notes Benscoter. Another option: Slat flooring. “I have really been loving teak or redwood slat flooring throughout the wet room or in the shower and tub area,” says Gallo. “The water runs through the space between the slats and into a drain beneath the floor. It looks great and offers a new look.”

Install adequate drainage. Benscoter says that proper drainage options can range from “a simple floor drain to elaborate channeling to move water away.” He adds that a shower equipped with multiple fixtures will require a large drain to handle increased water flow.

Keep shower placement in mind. Wet room shower areas, which often do not have a door or curtain, should be located on the wall across from the sink and toilet and built larger than usual to compensate for overspray, says Gallo.