In Australia, hotels and hospitality venues must comply with AS1428.1, the standard that covers design for access and mobility, as well as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities.

“Typically, accessible bathrooms are clinical in design, as they are designed to meet the needs of AS1428.1, which is a public accessibility standard,” says Nick Swan, Commercial Solutions Lead at Caroma.

The problem here, according to Swan, is that this leads some to treat accessibility as a "box-ticking exercise." In the context of rooms in hotels, which are generally designed to feel homely, this approach can be jarring.

“Caroma has a large portfolio of accessible, compliant solutions across a number of designs and colours, which gives the opportunity to inject personality and design into a historically sterile-looking environment,” says Swan.

Above: Caroma designs and engineers its Care product range with accessibility as a key consideration / Supplied.

Apart from complying with AS1428.1, the products include features like Caroma’s GermGard anti-microbial protection, which helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and therefore represents an additional layer of safety.

As Swan explains, GermGard protection is present in the glaze of Caroma Care Toilets and also in the hygiene seals of Caroma Grab rails.

Meanwhile, Caroma toilets feature rimless Cleanflush technology, which is not only easy to clean but also improves flush effectiveness in removing waste.

“When selecting tapware for accessible bathrooms, specifiers can also consider including sensor-operated basin outlets to provide touch-free experiences, improving overall bathroom hygiene,” says Swan.

“Caroma has offerings across the Urbane II, Liano II and Smart Command collections, which meet accessibility requirements.”

Beyond box ticking

The good news is that the treatment of compliance as a box-ticking exercise appears to be on the way out.

Rachael Williams, Commercial Manager Australia & New Zealand at Metlam Australia, says accessibility is beginning to be accepted as an essential component of good design.

“At Metlam Australia, we believe accessible bathrooms should combine compliance, durability, and aesthetics equally,” says Williams.

Above: Metlam Australia offers a comprehensive range of accessible bathroom solutions designed to support safety, independence, and comfort / Supplied.

“By offering comprehensive bathroom solutions across both guest accommodations and public amenities, we help architects, designers, and operators create spaces that are functional, inclusive, and visually cohesive without compromise.”

By combining accessible washroom accessories with compliant toilet partition hardware solutions, the company supports the delivery of complete accessible bathroom environments across hospitality, hotel, and public amenity projects.

“Our accessible range includes shower grab rails, shower kits, shower seats, backrests, toilet roll holders, shelves, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and other essential washroom accessories that together create a fully compliant and user-friendly bathroom experience,” says Williams.

In hotel guest bathrooms, products such as shower grab rails, folding shower seats, and backrests assist users with limited mobility, older guests, and people living with disabilities.

Meanwhile, for hospitality venues and public amenities, the company offers accessible washroom solutions. Including touch-free soap dispensers, efficient hand dryers, compliant grab rails, shelves, and dispensers, they improve accessibility, hygiene, and ease of use for all patrons.

“Our products are designed to integrate seamlessly into contemporary commercial bathroom environments while meeting the functional requirements of accessible design,” explains Williams.

“Beyond compliance, Metlam Australia works closely with architects, specifiers, and contractors to ensure products are selected appropriately for each project’s accessibility requirements, helping deliver practical and compliant washroom solutions.”

Innovation as a pathway to accessibility

Stormtech, the company credited with a range of innovations, including the invention of the linear drain, is well-versed in the accessibility requirements of the hospitality and hotel sectors.

The 120SCS Shower Screen support drain is a good example. An integrated shower screen support bar with exterior weep holes, it is able to collect water from both sides of the shower glass.

In this way, it allows specifiers to move the water stop from the shower entry to the room entry. By waterproofing the entire room as a “category 1” wet area, they can install the shower screen support drain wall-to-wall and allow It to function as the sole bathroom drain.

This solution makes the installation of hobless and stepless shower entries possible. Ensuring a simple two-way fall, it means the bathroom floor is even and suitable for use by those with mobility aids.

The Wave Grate range of linear drainage solutions offers similar accessibility benefits and even more versatility in applications. Indeed, according to the company, the product suits all indoor and outdoor applications—including bathrooms, showers, thresholds, balconies, and pool areas.

Like the shower screen support system, when specified in bathrooms, the Wave Grate range enables level shower entries and consistent floor surfaces.

In addition, the product’s grate is made from strong, lightweight ASI-certified low-carbon anodised aluminium and is a more practical solution than ‘like for like’ tile insert grate designs (long a favourite in the hotel sector).

Because it is lighter than a tile insert grate, it makes maintenance easier without sacrificing its discreet aesthetic.

Changing places in hospitality

Changing Places—or Accessible Adult Change Facilities, as they are referred to in the National Construction Code (NCC)—are washrooms designed for people with greater support needs than those allowed in standard accessible washrooms.

“These rooms typically feature additional circulation space, a height-adjustable adult change table, a room-coverage ceiling hoist, and other accommodations to allow an easier and more dignified toileting experience,” explains Tom Church, RBA Group Marketing Manager.

Church says factors like the inclusion of Changing Places in the NCC and the Federal Government’s recent 2025 Commonwealth Accessible Australia Initiative, which is intended to make it easier for venues to incorporate adult change facilities, are having positive impacts.

He points to the recent $20 million redevelopment of St. Mary’s Diggers Club, an organization focused on giving back to its community, as an example of what’s possible.

“As part of this commitment, the venue debuted an Accessible Adult Change Facility, allowing all members of the community easy access to washroom facilities,” says Church.

RBA Group supplied Changing Places-compliant fixtures to St. Mary's Diggers Club, including the KB3000-AHL Adult Change Table by Koala Kare.

“Designed from the ground up to deliver a safe, reliable, and dignified changing solution for users and caregivers in adult change facilities, the KB3000-AHL boasts exceptional durability and vandal resistance,” says Church.

The height-adjustable changing surface supports up to 227 kg, enabling safe transfers and ergonomic caregiver access, while integrated controls and thoughtful design enhance user comfort.

“With its cut-resistant bed and 304 stainless steel chassis, the unit is perfect for demanding, high-traffic public environments,” says Church.

The benefits of modular design

Nero Tapware’s Mecca Care Collection is specifically designed for accessible and assisted-living bathroom applications across residential, commercial, healthcare, aged care, and accommodation environments.

Mecca Care Bathroom Brushed Nickel-2.jpg

Above: Nero Tapware’s Mecca Care Collection is a design-led accessible bathroom range / Supplied.

“For hotels and hospitality spaces, Mecca Care helps improve accessibility by supporting safer movement, transfer, and use within bathrooms, particularly for guests with limited mobility, elderly guests, and wheelchair users,” says Clint Field, National Sales and Marketing Manager at Nero Tapware.

“The system is designed to assist with key bathroom functions, including showering, toileting, standing support, and seated use, while maintaining a refined, contemporary appearance.”

Developed in collaboration with Australian designers from Avail Designs, the range includes AS1428.1-compliant 32 mm grab rails, grab rail showers, folding shower seats, backrests, toilet accessories, shower mixers, and adaptable rail systems.

“A key advantage for hotel and accommodation operators is the modular design. Rails can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, cut to size during installation, and adapted to different bathroom layouts,” says Field.

“The unique bracket system also allows selected rails and accessories to be changed or adjusted, helping accommodation providers respond to different guest needs without major disruption.”

Another unique advantage is the brackets can be removed and replaced with caps, robe hooks, and toilet roll holders, so hotels can flex their rooms based on demand for accessible rooms.

Johnson Suisse

Part of the Roca Group, Johnson Suisse is a leading global bathroom products manufacturer.

Well-versed in the accessibility requirements of the hospitality and hotel sector, the company offers accessible toilets such as the Life Assist WF Econoflush Air, the Venezia Care BTW Rimless Special Needs Toilet Suite, and the Venezia Comfort Btw Rimless Tornado Toilet Suite With Grey Seat.

Johnson Suisse also offers products like the Life Assist 3 Function Grab Rail Shower Set, the Assist Back Rest Support Incl Cushion Pad & Fixings, and the Assist Shower Seat.

Easy access to water

Enware Australia, a supplier of plumbing and safety products for applications across various sectors, is dedicated to universal design and enabling people of all ages, sizes, and physical and cognitive capabilities easy access to water.

In hospitality and hotel contexts, the company’s products—and in particular its behind-the-wall thermostatic mixing valves—are typically used to provide safe temperature delivery to public use bathrooms and guest facilities.

These products ensure circulating heated water can be distributed above 55°C to reduce legionella risks and then temper the water temperature down to safe and comfortable levels to avoid scalding of public users.

The company also offers complimentary water monitoring systems to automatically monitor thermostatic delivery performance. Ensuring safety, these systems provide visibility in terms of the water system’s dynamics and information regarding proactive maintenance. They help maintain user comfort and ensure positive showering experiences.

Meanwhile, Enware’s commercial tapware, sanitaryware, and grab rail solutions address three core pillars of accessible bathroom design: independent use, safety and compliance, and cognitive inclusivity. They align strongly with the needs of public washrooms, hospitality, and hotel environments targeting ageing populations and universal design.

Refined and welcoming

For Gleb Shvetsov, Designer at Omnivo, accessibility should never come at the expense of design.

“Our Mia and Arki basin collections challenge that assumption entirely, bringing a considered, luxury aesthetic to spaces that are often overlooked,” says Shvetsov.

Above: Omvivo’s Arki basin collection brings a considered, luxury aesthetic to accessibility / Supplied.

“Where the standard DDA bathroom can feel sparse and institutional, we offer something far more refined, a space that feels intentional, elevated, and welcoming to every user.”

According to Shvetsov, both collections have been engineered to meet DDA requirements in full.

“Particular attention has been given to under-basin clearance, ensuring adequate knee and toe space for wheelchair users, as well as the placement and reach distance to tapware and mixers,” says Shvetsov.

“Every dimensional decision has been made with the end user in mind, ensuring compliance is achieved without visual compromise.”

The collections are also available across a range of sizes, ensuring they can be specified into virtually any spatial configuration.

Tapware flexibility is another key strength. Mia accommodates a full suite of configurations from mixers to sensor taps to complete tap sets, while Arki offers an offset tapware option, providing additional specification freedom for designers and architects.

“The result is a product that feels purpose-built for accessible environments, while never reading as such,” says Shvetsov. “That balance is central to the Omvivo philosophy.”

Main image: Enware Australia is dedicated to independent use, safety and compliance, and cognitive inclusivity / Supplied.

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Matthew McDonald

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