GOLD AWARD
Carnemark Systems & Design, Inc.,
Bethesda, Md.
Project location: Washington, D.C.
Sq. ft. before and after: 200
Project cost: $80,000

This bathroom remodel from Carnemark Systems & Design, Inc., Bethesda, Md., is part of a master bedroom suite remodel that came together almost like a puzzle. The owner wanted to fit a long list of spa-like conveniences into the constricted, narrow space. Finding room for one of the pieces often displaced another.

The program became the major challenge: to accommodate a whirlpool tub for two, steam shower with ample bench, toilet area, double vanity, expansive closet and laundry while creating an open, transparent atmosphere.

Locating the glass-walled steam shower in the center of the room as a see-through divider informs the rest of the plan. To avoid having the plumbing on the exterior wall (and risk freezing), a tile-clad pillar deftly conceals the shower’s inner workings — and adds a striking design detail. Frosted panels provide privacy inside and beyond the shower without eliminating sight lines.

The tub resides on one side of the shower, and the toilet and double vanity on the other. A long closet — with translucent sliding glass doors to retain the light, airy feel of the room — occupies the facing wall. A recess for the vanity allows for ample morning light and carves out the room needed for the adjacent hall laundry.

The bathroom’s undulating white tile walls and surrounds stand out against the slate-gray porcelain floor tiles — as do the aqua blue mosaic details of the shower. Stainless and chrome accents throughout combine effortlessly with the rich gray floor, whose underlayment required careful preparation to maintain a flat, flush threshold into the adjoining master bedroom.

A combination of recessed overheads and bright vanity light bars wash the open, inviting space in a welcoming glow.

Products specified:
Bath cabinets: Custom
Bath fixtures: Vola, Grohe, Kohler, Toto
Lighting fixtures: LOL, Halo

Silver:
Trace Ventures, Inc.
Nashville, Tenn.

Bronze:
Creative Design Construction Northvale, N.J.