A 91 sq ft bathroom split between a wet area and a 54 sq ft rooftop terrace, set on a mezzanine level with a sea view worth preserving: this was the starting point of this renovation project. The owner’s goal was clear from the very first design meeting: replace the bathtub with a large walk-in shower, create a self-contained enclosed toilet, and protect the sea view at all costs. Before launching this type of project, check out the key points to review before requesting a bathroom renovation quote.
By Clara AJMAR, Certified Interior Architect & Landscape Designer DPLG – May 2026
A sea view is as much a design constraint as an asset. It shapes every decision that follows.
1. As-found conditions: an unusual mezzanine bathroom
2. The chosen layout: pocket door toilet, sea-view shower, and double vanity
3. The alternative layout and why it was rejected
4. Construction phases
5. Final result and budget
6. Frequently asked questions
Clara and Mathieu walk through the floor plan, technical choices, and construction phases in this video.
As-found conditions: an unusual mezzanine bathroom
The bathroom measures approximately 12 ft 6 in by 7 ft 5 in, 91 sq ft in total including the 54 sq ft rooftop terrace. It is located on a mezzanine level, accessed via a hallway that connects the living areas to the bedrooms. The layout is inherently tied to the apartment’s circulation, with a more private side that needed to be preserved.
The existing fixtures included a bathtub, a bidet, gas boiler heating, a half-wall with plumbing connections, and a large technical chase. Two windows: one facing the bathroom, one facing the hallway. The second window created a direct privacy problem, with an unobstructed line of sight onto the bathtub from the corridor. The rooftop terrace is accessible but sits 24 in below the bathroom floor level.
The chosen layout: pocket door toilet, sea-view shower, and double vanity
The redesign starts from one non-negotiable constraint: the owner wants to see the sea from the bathroom. That orientation guided the placement of every element. The shower is positioned facing the view, with a fixed glazed panel maintained to preserve the visual connection to the outside and maximize natural light. The shower tray measures 39 in x 39 in, providing a comfortable shower space for this floor area.
The enclosed toilet is created by a double-stud partition integrating a pocket door, a thickened wall that allows the door to slide entirely inside it. The clear opening is 32 in, comfortable and well-suited to the space. The hallway-facing window is retained but treated differently: the plumbing half-wall is removed and replaced by a fixed glazed panel to bring light through without creating a line of sight. The terrace door is replaced by a glazed door to maximize brightness. The 55-inch double vanity is placed in the central volume, with its drain lines routed toward the existing technical chase.
The existing technical chase, often seen as a constraint, was put to use to route the toilet drain lines. On this type of project, planning drain paths at the floor plan stage is essential: relocating a toilet far from the existing chase can require major floor screed work that significantly increases both cost and construction time.
The alternative layout and why it was rejected
A second configuration had been proposed to the owner: enclosing the toilet by partitioning the lower terrace-side corner, with a separate entrance for the bathroom. This scheme would have provided two fully independent entrances, one for the toilet and one for the bathroom, with a slightly different arrangement for the shower and vanity.
The owner rejected this alternative for two practical reasons: too many doors concentrated in a small space, and a risk of darkening the entry zone. Above all, he wanted to keep the sea view accessible directly from the bathroom, as this was central to how he uses the space day to day. The first layout was therefore selected and built as designed.
Construction phases: strip-out, partitioning, stair, and finishes
Construction begins with a complete strip-out: bathtub, bidet, gas heating, the half-wall, and all existing finishes. The technical chase is retained and put to use. The pocket door partition is built first, closed off with drywall and a reserved opening for the fixed glazed panel. A dropped ceiling is then installed to integrate recessed lighting and conceal the mechanical ventilation system.
The stair access to the terrace, needed to manage the 24-inch level change, is built in Siporex, a lightweight aerated concrete that is easy to shape, render, and tile. Its profile echoes the existing stairs on the floor below to create visual consistency throughout the apartment. Windows and doors are ordered early in the project to control delivery lead times and simplify the surrounding finish work.
The chosen tile is a raw natural stone tone covering the floor and the stair, contrasting with the parquet in the hallway. A deep blue tile is applied to the back wall of the double vanity and carried through into the shower niches to create depth and a strong visual anchor. The combination of blue, white, and stone effect works very well in this space. On the terrace, planters with Pittosporum tobira, Photinia, and Abelia create natural privacy from neighboring properties, along with a table and chairs to extend outdoor use in season.
Final result and budget: a tailor-made bathroom
The result addresses each of the initial objectives: sea view preserved from the shower, independent enclosed toilet, comfortable double vanity, natural light maximized by the fixed glazed panels and the glazed terrace door. Circulation works well within the 91 sq ft with no sense of constriction.
On the budget side, for this type of complete renovation including an enclosed toilet, shower, vanity unit, floor and wall tiling, plumbing modifications, partitioning, technical boxing, and finishes, plan on roughly €12,000 to €18,000 all-in (labor and materials). This range varies based on the existing conditions, material choices, and the extent of plumbing work required. On this project, the well-placed existing technical chase helped limit floor screed work and keep the plumbing budget under control.
This bathroom is part of a full apartment renovation. It was designed in coherence with the other spaces on the same level: the stone-effect tile, the white aluminum window frames, and the terrace treatment were all conceived as a continuation of the overall project. That holistic vision is what guarantees a coherent result at the scale of the entire home.
Find all our renovation projects on our bathroom renovation articles and on the ArchiWorking YouTube channel.
Clara AJMAR
Frequently Asked Questions About 91 sq ft Bathroom Remodels
How do you create an enclosed toilet in a bathroom under 100 sq ft?
The most effective solution in a constrained space is a pocket door, which slides into the thickness of a double-stud partition and requires no swing clearance. The minimum comfortable clear opening is 32 in. This approach separates toilet and bathroom functions without significantly reducing usable floor area.
What budget should you plan for a full bathroom remodel with an enclosed toilet?
Between €12,000 and €18,000 all-in for a complete renovation including an enclosed toilet, shower, vanity unit, floor and wall tiling, plumbing modifications, partitioning, technical boxing, and finishes. This range varies based on existing conditions, the complexity of the plumbing network, and material choices.
What is a pocket door and when should you use one in a bathroom?
A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears entirely into the thickness of a double-stud wall. Use it when the space does not allow the swing arc of a hinged door, typically for enclosed toilets or bathrooms with tight circulation. It requires a wall thick enough to house the frame, with a clear opening of at least 32 in.
How do you preserve a view from a bathroom without compromising privacy?
By working on the position and treatment of each opening: a fixed glazed panel to let light in without creating a line of sight, an exterior window for the view without risk of being seen. Privacy is built through the overall design, not through partitioning alone.
What plants are best for a rooftop terrace with overlooking neighbors?
Choose evergreen, hardy species for year-round screening without intensive maintenance: Pittosporum tobira, Photinia, and Abelia are reliable choices for terrace exposure. Dense foliage, strong resilience to exposed conditions, and year-round leaf cover keep the space private in every season.