Designing multifunctional bathroom for family living
‘Rather than relying on luxury or excess, the design focuses on what truly matters: function, comfort, and human-centered usability.’
ZONED spaces, adaptive layouts and accessible features define a compact bathroom built for fluid, multigenerational living.
Photo courtesy of ASDA
American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2026 Asia-Pacific grand prize winner Patricia Malijan addressed the realities of multigenerational living through The Humble Home, a functional and inclusive bathroom that ensures everyday comfort and eases daily routines.
Inspired by the typical Filipino family lifestyle and her own experience of living in a shared home, the Interior Design student from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) conceptualized the safe space as her winning entry for ASDA, a premier regional bathroom design competition that advocates purposeful design and hygiene standards.
“In many Filipino households, spaces are shared, and daily life requires consideration, flexibility, and care for one another,” she noted. “This inspired me to design a bathroom that supports different individual needs while still functioning as one cohesive space.”
Under the guidance of Benilde faculty member IDr. Candice Arboleda, Malijan created the project. She will officially receive her ASDA 2026 Asia-Pacific award alongside her mentor this coming June.
INCLUSIVE design starts at home. This bathroom prioritizes mobility, safety and ease of use for every member of the family.
She emphasized that each area of the bathroom is designed to prioritize adaptability and ease of movement for every family member, including children, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Its floor plan reflects spatial efficiency and is thoughtfully arranged to support both independent and assisted routines.
“It supports simultaneous use through clear zoning while allowing parents to assist children or elderly family members without compromising privacy,” she explained. “The storage solutions are thoughtfully placed and accessible to reduce strain and improve daily efficiency.”
Originally designed for a family of four, the seven-square-meter bathroom was planned for a condominium unit. However, the concept may also be adapted to various residential settings, making it ideal for both compact urban homes and larger family dwellings.
The layout features an intuitive, human-centered arrangement that adapts to various life stages and activities. Families can enjoy fluid daily movement through private zones, such as the subtly separated toilet and shower areas, while shared spaces like the wash and storage zones remain open and accessible.
