Small details, big impact in compact bathroom design

Designing bathrooms remains one of the most complex challenges in residential and commercial projects.

Despite often being the smallest room in the house, the bathroom must accommodate electricity, hot and cold water services, drainage, ventilation and, in some cases, gas. Within this dense technical environment, every millimetre counts, particularly in compact bathrooms where poor planning can quickly compromise comfort and aesthetics.

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It is within this context that low-profile shower systems are gaining renewed attention. Solutions such as BetteUltra Space and BetteCompact+ demonstrate how reducing tray and drainage heights can significantly improve spatial efficiency without sacrificing performance or visual clarity. By minimising build-up while maximising usable shower area, these systems support cleaner layouts and a more open feel, even in tight footprints.

Founded in 1952 and based in Delbrück, Germany, Bette specialises in bathroom components manufactured from moulded titanium steel with a vitrified enamel coating. This material combination offers high durability, precision and adaptability, qualities that are particularly valuable in high-use bathrooms and design-led projects.

The BetteUltra Space shower tray has been developed specifically to optimise space in compact bathrooms. With a tray height of just 15 mm and an installation height starting from 90 mm, it allows for flush-floor or raised installations depending on structural constraints. The enameled titanium steel surface is non-porous, highly resistant to wear and easier to maintain than tiled shower floors, where grout lines often attract dirt and moisture. Optional surface finishes such as BetteGlaze® Plus improve water repellency, while BetteAnti-Slip Pro meets slip resistance requirements for barefoot wet areas.

Available in 20 sizes, ranging from 700 × 700 mm to 2000 × 900 mm, the tray offers flexibility across residential and hospitality applications. Its integrated acoustic insulation achieves sound emission levels of just 17 dB(A), reducing impact noise and removing the need for additional insulation measures. The drain is positioned close to the wall, freeing up valuable foot space and supporting a more efficient internal layout.

Complementing the tray is the BetteCompact+ drainage system. With an installation height of only 55 mm, it delivers a drainage capacity of 0.5 litres per second and incorporates a 50 mm water seal to prevent odours returning from pipework. Together, the tray and drainage system can reduce installation time by up to 65 per cent and lower overall build-up height by around 24 per cent, making them particularly well suited to renovations and buildings with limited floor depth.

Images courtesy of Bette via Designboom