Look at the amount of work involved in the design of a public park. Landscape architects have to consider the accessibility, circulation for pedestrians and drainage concerns, as well as lighting, parking, design of playgrounds, as well as what groups are likely to utilize the space. However, one of the most commonly used structures in the property may be viewed as an off-the-shelf addition.
A restroom deserves more consideration. The bathroom needs to be able to meet plumbing or waste handling requirements. It also needs to be able to meet security standards, accessibility requirements, maintenance demands and comply with building codes. It must be built to withstand the elements for many years as well as the constant use of the public.
Image credit: romtec.com
Romtec’s approach makes restroom design an integral part of overall plan of the site, not an afterthought.
Prefabrication Doesn’t Have to Mean Identical Buildings
The term prefabricated restroom buildings in parks may suggest that there is a finite selection of typical constructions. Kit-based approaches can perform differently.
Romtec develops custom designs and offers the engineering documents and the materials needed to construct them, and also plans and specifications. It allows landscape architects to choose architectural styles and material that are most appropriate for the design. Romtec can also provide assistance in navigating codes, ADA regulations, components prices and construction.
If a city is renovating a community park that dates to the 1800s, they could be looking for an entirely different design than an agency for recreation that is creating a modern sports facility. Both could benefit from a common building supply system, without having to have the same design.
The Design Specification for City Streets is different
Bathrooms located in dense urban areas have their own operational realities. Toilets could be surrounded by pedestrians. There are also concerns about vandalism, security and hygiene.
The exterior design of the sidewalk restrooms by Romtec incorporates visibility to promote natural surveillance while maintaining the functionality that is expected from a public facility. It is crucial to choose materials that need minimal maintenance and are not susceptible to vandalism because repeated repairs could result in a significant cost to public agencies.
It’s more than just building a better restroom. Layout, materials, and surrounding surroundings all play a role for making it easier to maintain.
The Most Important Question is what’s going on underground
Before designing the layout of a bathroom, planners should determine what infrastructure exists.
A thriving city park might be connected to electric, water, and sewers for sanitary purposes. The same idea could be relocated to a more remote campsite or trailhead, and expanding these services could be one of the biggest cost.
For suitable locations, vault toilets provide a waterless alternative. Romtec offers the vault toilets with parts, such as its one-piece polyethylene riser. The material, smooth, molded plastic, is resistant to chemicals easily maintained, and designed to deter the growth of bacterial. The vault toilet is able to be installed into either existing or new bathrooms.
The design is geared towards people arriving after Closing Time
Visitors only get to experience bathrooms for just only a few minutes. Maintenance personnel must deal with the layout of a bathroom for a few years.
It is the difference in perspective that is important. Surfaces difficult to wash components that break easily and materials not designed for repeated cleaning are just a few examples of small design choices which could cost you a fortune.
Durability and ease of service should be considered at the beginning stages of design along with the cost and aesthetics. Energy-efficient and sustainable materials, eco-friendly systems vandal-resistant fixtures the right maintenance procedures can be a factor in the building’s longevity value.
Even a tiny building can be part of the landscape
It’s not necessary to look like it was put together, however it must not be a complete accident.
Romtec’s bespoke approach gives public agencies and design professionals an opportunity to coordinate restroom facilities that include pavilions, shelters campsites, pools trails, and the surrounding architecture. While doing so essential requirements such as ADA accessibility and code compliance remain at the center of the design.
When these aspects are taken into consideration and the result isn’t only a toilet. It’s a public infrastructure piece that is designed to meet the needs of the particular community and environment.