Two public restrooms. One is situated next to a bustling community playground and sports facility. The other has a private trailhead surrounded with open land.

Both provide the same service. However when you create them in identical structures, they would not perform in the same manner.

Image credit: romtec.com

The location is the first stage in constructing a great public bathroom. Who will use the facility? What is the maximum number of people who can visit simultaneously? What are the available utilities? How far will visitors have to take a walk? What is the design of the structure?

The answers to these questions will shape nearly every decision that follows.

It is possible to start by observing how users move around the site

Toilets’ location shouldn’t be viewed in isolation from the rest and style of a park. Visitors may arrive in large numbers to an athletic facility to view games or events. The location of a restroom close to a playground should be suitable for families, in addition to being secure and accessible to pedestrians. In a downtown area, sidewalk restrooms may have to work within a tighter footprint and complement nearby streetscape elements.

The building is only one element of the experience. Location is influenced by surrounding area accessibility, access, and the activities.

Remote Sites create a Different Issue

The project should be moved further from the existing infrastructure and streets. The conventional sewer service may not be available in a scenic spot or in an isolated recreation area, trailheads, campgrounds, or any other area. In appropriate applications, vault toilets provide an alternative that allows restroom facilities to serve locations where traditional plumbing infrastructure may be difficult or impractical.

It alters the conversation about design. Instead of selecting a building first, design teams can evaluate site conditions and determine which restroom system best fits the space.

Capacity should reflect actual use

A park in a quiet neighborhood or a sports facility regionally don’t have the same types of patrons. The demand at peak times is essential. It is not enough to be in good order on an afternoon on a Tuesday.

Making plans around actual usage can help owners plan for restroom capacity layout, layout, fixtures access to maintenance, and other operational needs prior to when construction starts.

The flexibility of park restrooms that are prefabricated can be extremely beneficial to companies who are looking at the structures. Instead of having to force the location to conform to a specific model, the building can be adapted to what is required for the particular project.

Architecture remains a part of the Conversation

The appearance of a restroom is essential, however it shouldn’t be overlooked because the function is far more important. The restroom is an important part of the public landscape. Roof forms, siding, colours, masonry, fixtures and other architectural elements can assist in connecting it with nearby concession or pavilion buildings and the natural environment, a well-established design theme, or the community.

Romtec’s customized approach permits project teams to incorporate different designs, materials, colors, and exterior treatments instead of having to adhere to one uniform appearance.

Design for Place, not just for the Goal

Romtec cooperates with park managers and contractors in order to supply and install restrooms and other public buildings. The company’s experience includes building documentation and code requirements, ADA considerations, engineering components, selection of the right component, and construction across the United States.

The key starting point is, however, surprisingly easy. Start with asking about the restrooms you could build on your site. Begin by understanding the activities, people infrastructure and the surrounding environment there. Create the building that is appropriate for the location.