For homeowners who are keen to increase their ‘lootilities’ but who don’t have the space or money available for a whole new bathroom, London startup Hidealoo is offering a unique solution.
The Hidealoo frame can be used with any standard UK wall hung toilet and allows it to be moved through 90 degrees, meaning it can be hidden inside a cabinet, cupboard or wall space when not in use.
As well as creating more flexible floor space the frame provides an opportunity for additional toilets to be installed where adding a new bathroom may not otherwise be possible. For example, by allowing a toilet to be fitted within a utility room cupboard, or in a cabinet underneath loft eaves.
Hidealoo’s inventor, Monty Ravenscroft, has spent the last 25 years pioneering designs for innovative moving elements in architecture. This includes building a 3-bedroom home on a tiny plot in southeast London, which was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme. With very little space to play with, Monty needed to get creative with a range of space-saving inventions.
Monty then went on to appear as co-host of Channel 4’s ‘Inside Out Homes’ which focused on creating a new invention to solve a problem faced by a homeowner in each episode.
Inspired by these experiences and seeking a solution for his invalid father who needed the convenience of bathroom facilities in his bedroom, yet in a discreet way that preserved his dignity, Monty developed the idea of a foldaway toilet. Spotting the broader potential for the frame, he worked closely with award-winning international designer, Sebastian Conran, to perfect its design.
Monty explains: “We’re hearing from a lot of homeowners at the moment who are under pressure with the high cost of living. Those who can’t afford to move but who need more facilities for their growing family, or who are having to rent out rooms to cover spiralling mortgage costs. They don’t have the space or money to install a whole new bathroom, so need an innovative solution.
“We can help them to get clever with the space they have available, while opening up their options for where they might fit an additional loo and at the fraction of the cost of a big build project.”
Frankie from Cornwall was one of the first homeowners in the country to install one of the frames. Keen to maximise the space available in her new home she worked closely with her architect on its design. A key focus was the mezzanine floor, which needed to be multipurpose – working as a bedroom, a study area, and a bathroom – whilst not being made to feel cramped with the furniture and fittings required.
Favouring clean modern lines and light uncluttered spaces, Frankie was keen to include a toilet within the mezzanine bathroom, but for it to be hidden from sight. She didn’t want it to block easy room access, or to be looking at a toilet when working.
Hidealoo offered the perfect solution allowing the toilet to be hidden inside a cupboard fitted beneath a rooflight, utilising the available head height. When not needed, it can be folded away, freeing up prime floor space, while maintaining the elegant, overall design of the room.
Frankie commented: “I searched and searched online for a way to hide the toilet and that’s when I came across Hidealoo. The frame is fantastic and exactly what I was looking for. It has given me the flexibility to be able to use the space in different ways and above all, hides the loo from view. I’m really pleased with the end result.”
The Hidealoo frame is manufactured in Britain and simple to install for any plumber or competent DIYer. It can hold up to 400kg in weight and has been tested through 250k uses – the equivalent of being used more than 10 times a day for 65 years.
For more information visit www.hidealoo.com
