The problem of designing new build or refurbishment hotel schemes to accommodate the needs of most is being simplified with developments at Contour Showers.

The new BS8300:2009 requires that there should be at least one accessible bedroom- including en-suite sanitary facilities- in hotels, and, if only one such facility is provided, it should be an accessible shower room rather than bathroom with the preferred solution being a level access shower with shower chair/tip-up seat. Whilst the Standard applies to new build, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 covers refurbishment or upgrade projects, to ensure the accommodation is accessible.

Kevin Bower, Contour Showers’ Commercial Director, elaborates, “The tendency has been, whether or not specifically to achieve compliance, to install a shower over a bath. In reality, this is not practical for most: one in six of the UK population has a ‘life limiting’ illness which affects mobility- including the ability to physically step in or out of a bath! By 2010, over half the British population will be aged over 50- a sector with increasing disposal wealth and therefore in a position to spend money staying in hotels- but also facing associated issues such as reduced mobility- whether or not they view themselves as disabled. Forward-thinking hoteliers will therefore either install level access shower facilities or wetfloors, thereby not only achieving legislative compliance but actually providing what the customer needs!”

All Contour’s level access shower trays and wetfloor formers have been purpose-designed to enable creation of a wheelchair-friendly/ accessible showering area, with minimal disruption and optimum ease of installation. Uniquely, all Contour shower trays exclusively incorporate Microban® anti-bacterial technology which inhibits sustenance of harmful bacteria including MRSA and listeria monocytogenes, inbetween regular cleaning cycles. This anti-bacterial technology is especially relevant to areas of high activity with continual shared usage, as it will not wash or wear out, and provides continuous protection for the lifetime of the tray. Contour guarantees its shower trays for up to 25 years, reducing ‘whole life’ costs and optimising value for money.

To simplify the selection/ specification process, Contour has added a‘Specify It’ button on its website- www.contour-showers.co.uk-  which opens a myriad of tools enabling click, copy and paste of the selected product, saving time writing, and ensuring accuracy, of the specification. The selection process is further enhanced by all specification and installation data being on-line and available to download in PDF format.

Contour is the leading British manufacturer of shower trays, producing and assembling its product range in the UK. Contour applies its half-century of experience in the bathroom sector to help create the most appropriate accessible bathroom or wetroom for each individual client.

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