HolistikA Architecture Design Studio

principles of bathroom design accessibility and user comfort Bathroom Layout B is generally better than Layout A for a standard small bathroom.
The image compares two small bathroom layouts (A and B) that are identical in size (60" x 93" or 1525 mm x 2360 mm for B and 60" x 90" or 1525 mm x 2285 mm for A) and contain the same fixtures: a WC (toilet) a basin (sink) and a shower area with a shower seat.

🚽 WHY LAYOUT B IS BETTER
Layout B is superior because it optimizes the placement of the WC and basin relative to the shower improving accessibility and maintaining critical clearances.

1. IMPROVED WC (TOILET) CLEARANCE
* Layout A: The WC is placed in a corner which crowds the space. The basin is directly in front of the WC which creates a tight potentially uncomfortable and awkward interaction zone.
* Layout B: The WC is moved to the long wall centered (or at least better positioned) relative to the basin and away from the shower door. This arrangement provides a more open "approach zone" to the toilet. Crucially the 27-inch (685 mm) clearance between the WC and the basin in Layout B provides significantly more comfortable knee/foot room than the minimal space in Layout A.

2. BETTER BASIN/VANITY PLACEMENT
* In Layout B the basin is placed on the side of the WC where the user can stand comfortably without interfering with the toilet area or the main traffic path into the room. It also allows for a wider vanity if desired or more counter space.

3. CLEARER CIRCULATION AND ENTRY
* In Layout B the fixtures are primarily aligned along the long walls leaving a clear path of circulation through the center of the room from the entrance (presumably on the bottom wall near the basin) to the shower.
* In Layout A the arrangement forces users to navigate around the toilet and basin creating a more convoluted and less direct path to the shower.

4. ACCESSIBILITY AND ERGONOMICS
The key dimension for both layouts is the 32-inch (813 mm) clearance for the shower door opening which meets the standard minimum requirement for most accessible designs. By keeping the WC and basin out of the immediate approach to this opening Layout B facilitates better movement particularly for individuals who may require mobility aids.

❌ FLAWS IN LAYOUT A
Layout A's main problem is the linear arrangement of the WC and basin on the short wall violating the general principle of maintaining sufficient clear space in front of fixtures. The minimal space between the front of the WC and the back of the basin makes this layout uncomfortable and poorly functional.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀. 🌿🍃🏠

For this project, we moved away from the monotony of a typical one-bedroom property by creating a timeless design that reflects calm, balance, and intention. Every element was chosen to echo our client’s character—quiet, understated, and purposeful. Nothing loud, nothing excessive- just a serene, functional space, simple, and calming.

The design draws inspiration from the Japandi concept, blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth. We used muted tones, natural materials, soft and muted textures, and minimalist furnishings. We also used touch of greens while bringing in more light into the interiors- creating an atmosphere that is both restful and refined.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚?
Send us a DM and let’s recreate your homes.📩

Renovation Project:
"Perez Residence"- Bustos, Bulacan

The project started in March 2023 with an inquiry about the services of an architect. At first, we are in doubt that we can deliver this project because renovation project is a very tedious job specially during the planning stage. But that did not stop us to accept this challenge.

Due to the absence of a floor plan, the architect made the as-built plan before coming up with their design ideas. However due to unforeseen events of the clients last year, the construction did not materialize. Fast forward to March 2024, the family has finally decided to start the construction.

The design is carefully thought of even with design constraints that limit us to make major design decisions but that did not stop us to conceptualize a design that would extend the lifespan of this ancestral home and adapt to the modernity of time.

This house has witnessed several milestone of the family and needed an upgrade to this ever changing times.

For your plans and design, Get an Architect. ✔️👷‍♂️

The beatification cause for Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect known as “God’s architect” and designer of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain, just completed an important step on the path to officially declaring him a saint in the Catholic Church. https://bit.ly/3Gxqwvr

Design Collaboration with Arckreate Design Studio .

For your plans and design, get an Architect.

Project: DC-Residence
Category: Residential
Status: Approved design for Construction
Location: Guiguinto, Bulacan

Design team: Arckreate Design Studio x HolistikA Design + Visualization
For your plans and design, get an Architect.

Two-Storey Residential Renovation
Project Location: Bustos, Bulacan

Schematic Design Phase
Concept: 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐧 design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces.

Planning your next home renovation project? Send us a DM! 🙂

For your plans and design get an Architect.

𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗔𝗪 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗘𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟰
BAGUIO CITY - The civil engineers here have expressed opposition to a proposed local law seeking the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 9266 otherwise known as the Architecture Act of 2004.

The proposed ordinance authored by Councilors Ma. Mylen Victoria Yaranon and Betty Lourdes Tabanda, if and when approved, would mandate the City Buildings and Architecture (CBAO), the City Engineering Office (CEO), and the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) to strictly implement the provisions of RA 9266.

According to the proposed ordinance, the practice of architecture shall be the exclusive domain of a licensed architect and that all architectural plans, documents, and appurtenant papers which serve as ancillary requirements for the approval of a local building permit shall be prepared and signed only by licensed architects in compliance with RA 9266.

Section 20.5 of RA 9266 stipulates that only architects are authorized to prepare, sign, and seal all architectural plans, designs, specifications, drawings and architectural documents relative to the construction of a building.

Furthermore, Sections 302.3 and 302.4 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Presidential Decree No. 1096 otherwise known as the National Building Code of the Philippines as promulgated by the Department of Public Works and Highways stipulate that plans previously prepared, signed, and sealed by civil engineers or architects are now to be prepared, signed, and sealed exclusively by architects.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) - Baguio Chapter took issue with the proposed ordinance, asserting that it would “adversely affect and curtail” the practice of civil engineering which is mandated by Republic Act 544 otherwise known as the Civil Engineering Law.

Under RA 544 and Presidential Decree No. 1096, civil engineers are allowed to sign and seal architectural documents.

In its position paper submitted to the Baguio City Council, the PICE-Baguio Chapter stressed that the issue as to whether or not the design plans and/or other pertinent documents should only be prepared, signed, and sealed by architects to the exclusion of civil engineers is a legal case and is now pending before the Supreme Court (SC).

On January 5, 2012, the Court of Appeals (CA) decided in favor of civil engineers regarding their rights under RA 544. The Court ruled that civil engineers have the right to prepare, sign, and seal architectural plans and specifications for submission to Building Officials as provided for under RA 544 and Presidential Decree No. 1096.

The PICE-Baguio Chapter reminded the city council that the case which is pending before the SC is bound by the sub judice rule which “restricts comments and disclosures pertaining to pending judicial proceedings to avoid prejudging the issues, influencing the court, or obstructing the administration of justice.”

“We, the PICE-Baguio Chapter officers, advisers, members, are obligated to inform our trusted councilors to conscientiously evaluate how this divisive proposed ordinance affects the related issues pending in the SC which may interfere with the SC’s judicial authority, prejudice the judicial proceedings, and/or cause the possibility of being held in contempt,” the position paper read.

The PICE-Baguio Chapter further expressed that it is prudent to wait for the final decision of the SC on the case.

The Baguio City Council invited the concerned city government offices, the PICE-Baguio Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)-Baguio Chapter to its regular session last September 12 in aid of legislation.

Engr. Richard Pascua, PICE-Baguio Chapter President, reiterated their opposition to the proposed ordinance.

On the other hand, Arch. Jonard Don Jardenil, UAP-Baguio Chapter President, expressed support for the proposed ordinance as it will “strengthen the implementation of RA 9266 at the local level.”

Engr. Stephen Capuyan and Arch. Homer Soriano, representatives of CBAO, said they have been implementing the memorandum from the National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) which ordered all building officials to stop using the new forms under the revised IRR of the National Building Code including NBC Form No. A-01 and NBC Form No. A-02 which are signed and sealed exclusively by an architect; and to use instead the old application forms, design plans, and other forms under the original IRR of the National Building Code which are signed and sealed either by an architect or an engineer.

Engr. Victorio Olpindo, City Engineer, stressed that the civil engineers of the city government have been preparing and signing building plans and monitoring building projects “since time immemorial.”

Tabanda, co-author of the proposed ordinance, said the best thing to do at present is to suspend the approval of the proposed city ordinance.

“As a lawyer, I would say that prudence dictates that we await the decision of the Supreme Court. In the meantime, we will have to abide by the order of the National Building Code Development Office. Let us not put the CBAO in a precarious condition,” Tabanda expressed.

Meanwhile, Councilor Peter Fianza asserted that there is no need to pass such an ordinance considering that any national law in itself can be implemented without the enactment of a local law.

The matter was earlier referred to the city council’s Committee on Laws, Human Rights, and Justice.

In his committee report, Fianza stated that the passage of the said ordinance will influence the other more or less 50 professions in the country to call for the enactment of similar local laws compelling strict implementation of their regulatory laws.

“The national law regulating the practice of architecture is actually even clearer than the proposed ordinance,” Fianza added during the forum.

The matter was returned to the committee to be studied further. -Jordan G. Habbiling