Treloar College

Creating the flexibility and adaptability in bathroom furniture to support independence and aid self-esteem for those with physical disabilities, is central to Pressalit’s design ethos.

And it has been the recognition of how important an appropriately-fitted bathroom can be, that has led specialist college Treloar’s to choose a range of Pressalit fittings for its new Gauvain House in Alton, Hampshire.

Accesssible wash basin solution by Pressalit at Treloar College UK)

Accessible bathrooms Treloar College (UK)

In a major refurbishment at Treloar College, which is home to young people with physical disabilities from all over the UK, the 18 ensuite wet rooms have been fitted with a range of shower and washing equipment that really support the positive and caring environment that is found throughout Treloar’s.

The spacious bathrooms are each fitted with Pressalit’s horizontal track Plus system which allow elements within the room to be moved and adjusted, catering for wheelchair manoeuvrability and to give space for carers to work safely. The track provides a sleek modern look which is important for the teenagers and young people resident at Treloar College, whilst enabling safety in their care.

The range of adjustable height shower seats offers considerable flexibility so that wet rooms can be set up each year to the individual requirement for each student. Shower seats and grab rails are installed in Treloar’s independent living skills flats where students are supported and enabled to be independent.

Other features of the new bathrooms include special height adjustable basin brackets with a bespoke wide yoke allow for the extra wide basins the college specify, while the shower seats with adjustable arms can be moved up or down, as well as being fitted to the horizontal track. Left and right hand operated height adjustable support arms positioned next to the WC allow the arms to be positioned close to the cistern while at the same time making the grip lock easily accessible.

Andrew Lowndes, sales manager for Pressalit in the UK, says, “Treloar’s has a strong ethos of helping their students achieve their potential, develop self-reliance and take responsibility. Independence in the bathroom is an important part of this approach and we’re very pleased to see students at Treloar’s benefit from the flexibility that our designers have been able to bring to our bathroom equipment and fittings."

We’ve worked with Treloar’s over a number of years, during which time they have recognised not only the practical benefits that the flexibility of our track system brings to their bathrooms, but the long term flexibility and cost benefits too. So flexible is the track system that they are able to easily detach individual elements and use them in the bathrooms where they are best deployed.
- Andrew Lowndes, Sales Director UK, Ireland, Middle East and India

Head Occupational Therapist Vicky Pitt at Treloar College says, “Providing a caring and supportive residential environment for our students goes hand in hand with providing advanced facilities that make life easier and more productive for them."

“The training programmes undertaken by our students prepare them for the transition to adulthood and, for many, towards their goal of living in their own homes independently. Alongside specialist kitchen facilities we have considered the layout and design of each of the ensuite wet rooms to ensure that students have the ability to maximise their independence with personal hygiene, promoting increased dignity and privacy, important to all, but especially valued by the young people approaching adulthood.”