A shower style that was conceived more than 50 years ago for the physically disabled has evolved into one of today's hottest bathroom-design trends.

Primarily called curbless walk-in shower (aka: inclusive and universal), their appeal lies in their spa-like visual appeal, tile-top linear drain (aka: invisible or hidden drain) and absence of a door. Along with air-massage soaking tubs, radiant floors and gas fireplaces, the curbless walk-in is becoming de rigueur in brand-new and updated master-bedroom suites.

"There's been an increase in popularity and demand for them," says Sylvain Côté, the owner and president of Absolute Green Homes Inc., a full-service, green design/build firm in South Salem that's been in business for 20 years. We asked Côté, a Canadian who studied visual arts in college, to tell us more about this bathing bonanza.

Q: Why are curbless walk-ins now in style?

The streamline look makes it more aesthetically pleasing, with one feature being that the shower floor is flush and continuous with the bathroom floor. People also like the rain-shower head, which is on the ceiling instead of a wall, because the spray is wider and gentler. The second, hand-held head, which has a 5-foot-long hose and is mounted on the wall, is great for spraying specific areas. The hose is also handy for cleaning the shower itself, and the curbless walk-in's fewer corners make it easier and faster to clean.

Q: What prevents the water from splashing out?

The combination of gravity, the ceiling-mounted head, the floor's slope, and the space's being wider and longer than typical showers.

Q: How small can a curbless walk-in be and what is the cost to install one?

The minimum size is 5 feet by 2.5 feet. The cost depends on many factors. It's feasible that an existing standard-sized bathtub can be replaced with a curbless walk-in without having to enlarge the bathroom. The lowest price is $10,000 and mainly depends on the insulation, plumbing requirements and age of the building's overall plumbing. But each shower is unique and completely customized. A curbless walk-in is no more expensive than a regular shower. According to the trade industry, a bathroom's average life is 15 years.

Q: Are curbless walk-ins good selling points?

They can make homes more attractive to all kinds of buyers: senior citizens, anyone who wants a spa-like feel and those who just like clean lines and a clean design. I can see most showers being like this some day.

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