Marlfield Joinery and Construction Ltd wins national award for ‘raising the bar’ in accessible bathroom design
A construction company from County Down based in Portaferry and Newtownards has scooped a top industry award after designing and building an ensuite bathroom that prioritised accessibility without scrimping on style.
Marlfield Joinery and Construction Ltd picked up the accolade at the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) 2023 National Master Builder Awards, hosted by TV presenter Nick Knowles and held at Grosvenor House in London on Friday 22 September.
The awards recognise excellence in the UK’s small and medium-sized construction companies and are run by the FMB, the largest trade association in the UK construction sector.
Paul Collins, Director of Marlfield Joinery & Construction, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It proves that accessible bathrooms can be as good as a spa and do not have to be cold and clinical.
“I hope that people now realise accessible bathrooms can be much more than standard bifold plastic and strings, and can be bespoke to what the client needs.
”Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “Marlfield Joinery and Construction Ltd have delivered a top of the range bathroom that any homeowner would be envious of.
“What’s even more impressive is that the design has accessibility at its very core, showing you don’t need to compromise.
“This is truly impressive work and showcases what it means to be a Master Builder”.
Marlfield won the Bathroom Project prize after impressing the judges with the way they worked closely with their clients and building control officers to create a new accessible bathroom on the ground floor of a traditional farmhouse.
The ensuite enables the householders to maintain both assisted and independent living with dignity and in stylish surroundings.
Marlfield constructed a small extension so that the perfect layout could be achieved, including a bespoke accessible shower unit enclosed by a structural half wall.
This is fully accessible for use with mobility aids and equipment.
They created the desired spa-like ambience with the use of tiles and included a foldable shower seat, a rotating glass shower screen and an air body dryer, which can be operated independently.
Non-slip mosaic floor tiles, alcove shelving and a digital touch operation shower with a dual head for standing or sitting added further accessible luxury touches, while the features were also designed so the bathroom can be used without modification if mobility declines in the future.
The judges praised Marlfield for ‘raising the bar’ in the design of accessible bathrooms, commenting that it “looks like a high-end spa room but is packed with features that facilitate independent living.”
The clients said that Marlfield “empathetically” guided them towards making the right choices for their ensuite bathroom, working with them to choose the style and functionality that they desired and needed.
They described the team as being “dignified and discreet”.
