A park district is able to approve the construction of a new public toilet. The location was chosen, the building looks suitable and the project team is prepared to begin the process.

Then the contractor begins reviewing the site. There is a water issue on the site proposed. There are more utility connections than expected. Delivery vehicles could have trouble reaching the installation site, and the design of the building could not fit with the space available.

Image credit: romtec.com

These issues do not always mean that the project can’t continue. However, they can result in redesigns, extra costs, and construction delays. Public agencies and developers can manage a bathroom project much more efficiently if location’s requirements are considered from the start.

The whole picture is not evident in a construction drawing

Prior to selecting prefabricated restrooms to be used in parks, the project team should be aware of what the surrounding property is capable of accommodating. The location’s slope and soil condition, drainage access to utilities, as well as access to construction could all affect the installation.

If a bathroom will be built close to a playground it could be necessary to connect the bathroom with existing water and sewer lines. If those connections are unavailable or expensive to extend or extend, the construction may require a different sanitation approach.

The foundation and location of the building must also consider applicable codes, accessibility requirements, and site-specific conditions. It’s possible that a conventional plan of the building appears good on paper but will require major adjustments once these elements have been considered.

Urban Projects are subject to their own constraints in the area of construction

Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On public sidewalks it is common to find underground utilities, pedestrian trails as well as street furniture and entrances that are close. Coordination of construction activities with local authorities could be essential.

The location of a bathroom too close to utility lines can complicate foundation or excavation work. The accessibility of the bathroom is a factor. The approach to entrance and around should be designed in accordance to any applicable requirements.

Romtec offers ADA-focused and customizable toilets for single users, with choices for sink and door position. The design options give teams working on projects the ability to accommodate to limitations on the site and to plan for the practical use of public restrooms.

Are you without a sewer line? No sewer connection? Consider Alternatives

Remote recreation sites face a new infrastructure challenge. The trailhead can be some distance away from the nearest sewerage, which makes flushing toilets unpractical.

If placed in the correct areas, vault toilets could be a fantastic alternative to water. Instead of transferring wastewater through a sewer system vault toilets collect the waste into an underground vault that has to be regularly maintained.

The selection of vault toilets does not make it unnecessary to conduct site planning. The project still needs suitable soil conditions, safe access to the equipment to be used for servicing, proper ventilation, and conformity with any applicable environmental regulations.

Romtec’s Sweet-Smelling technology (SST) is employed to create water-free vault toilets. It helps to control smells by allowing air to circulate. If you live in remote areas, choosing the sanitation system earlier will prevent costly changes to the building’s design later.

Construction Coordination Starts Before Delivery

Prefabricated construction is often misinterpreted as pre-decided by the manufacturer. However coordination is still required to prepare the site, utilities connections accessibility, and local approvals. Romtec’s approach to these projects is through customized building kits and design guidance instead of relying entirely on fixed structures.

The firm works closely with the landscape architects, project owners, and contractors to match building specifications to site requirements. This is especially beneficial when the bathroom needs to fit in with an existing style of architecture or meet unique properties.

A better project starts with Better Questions

Before approving the purchase of a restroom, owners should establish how the facility will receive utilities, how construction equipment will get to the location and what approvals are required.

They should also understand whether the chosen sanitation system is suited to the expected amount of guests and if the structure can be constructed without significant changes to the surrounding infrastructure.

The questions might seem less appealing than selecting exterior finishes or architectural details and can, however, have a greater influence on project costs and timeframes.

The public restroom projects that have been successful don’t just provide the facility on time. A successful project for public restrooms involves evaluating the structure, the construction of the site as well as the construction and intended usage. The final bathroom will be more effective if these decisions are made in advance.