Some of life’s greatest pleasures are its simplest – and taking a shower under the stars has to be one of them. It’s both a liberating and serene experience – and with options ranging from the simple to the sublime, bathing al fresco need not be out of reach.

Whether you dream of nothing more than a shower for rinsing off the sand or a secluded courtyard with a spa-style soaker tub and rain shower, there are some considerations to bear in mind.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The only real necessity for installing an exterior bathroom is access to running water, drainage, and a suitable space.  If you want to avoid major construction work, aim to position your outdoor bathroom next to your indoor one and plumb it into the same pipework. Alternatively, by sinking a tub into an existing deck, the pipework can be concealed beneath it, reducing costs and complexity.

FOCUS ON FUNCTION

What is the primary purpose of your alfresco bathroom? Is it an outdoor shower for pool users and beach-goers to rinse off under? Or is it a more romantic enclave you’re after? The former may require little more than a shower head affixed to a post or an outdoor wall, while for the latter, you will need to ensure there is decent lighting for late-night ablutions and space to hang towels and store toiletries.

PRIVACY SOLUTIONS

To truly enjoy an outdoor bathroom, it must be private, but this can be achieved economically: a hedge, louvered screens, roll-down blinds, or a wooden fence will all shield you from sight without incurring major construction. Keep them to shoulder height, and you’ll still be able to enjoy the view out.

At the luxury end of the scale, private outdoor bathrooms may be walled in but open to the sky and fitted with a bath, shower, and vanity. Building one adjacent to the indoor bathroom, separated by a wall of glass, is practical but also looks dramatic.

CRAFT YOUR IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Given that they will inevitably be exposed to humidity and sunshine, the materials you choose must be durable, but they should also be selected with a style in mind.

For cool contemporary bathrooms, high-quality stainless steel or chrome fixtures pair well with minimalist oval tubs, smooth white render on the walls, and slate-look tiles or polished concrete.

If your style is more rustic, look for copper or brass fixtures that will develop a patina over time, reclaimed wood that is already weathered, natural stone elements, and pebble floors.

A jungle-themed outdoor bathroom can be created simply by installing a waterfall-style shower head set into a stone wall, surrounded by green leafy plants.

For a surf-shack aesthetic, consider bolting an old surfboard to an exterior wall and affixing a shower head to the board. Screen this with sun-bleached louvered walls and accessories with a driftwood towel ladder, and you’re good to go.