Five Key Areas to Consider When Designing for Washrooms

1.Hygiene

The importance of hygiene in washroom design has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant shift towards touchless solutions, which are now the norm. Designers and specifiers are now looking at any and all ways in which they can reduce contact with surfaces.

Here are some crucial hygiene considerations in washroom design:

Touchless fittings and flushes: The slow move towards touchless taps, dryers and flush plates is now a full-on gallop, reducing the spread of germs and enhancing the user experience by providing a more 21st century feel. There has been a massive acceleration in the switch to touchless technology in the wake of theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Antimicrobial surfaces: Incorporating antimicrobial composites and coatings on surfaces where contact is unavoidable helps maintain a hygienic environment. For example, ceramic glaze in healthcare sanitary ware can include substances such as ionic silver while having a smoother surface, both of which inhibit bacteria growth.

Solid surface wash troughs: Many modern wash troughs are made from materials with anti-microbial properties. Solid surface wash troughs are typically made from non-porous materials with a seamless, integrated design meaning liquids don’t soak in or gather in joints or crevices, where bacteria can grow.



Touchless entrances: Architects and contractors are increasingly opting for designs that minimise physical contact, such as sensor-operated doors, to reduce touch points in washrooms. Similarly, basins are increasingly incorporated into toilet cubicles so users can wash their hands before touching any surfaces, such as the door handle as they leave the cubicle and any other parts of the communal space.

2.Sustainability

Sustainability is at the forefront of design considerations for specifiers and facility managers, especially as carbon reduction is required by many financiers who are considering funding projects.This encompasses both material choices, where those with lower embedded carbon are favoured, and energy conservation in the construction and operational phases:

Material sourcing: Prioritise reducing, recycling and responsible sourcing of materials. Opt for sustainable materials like brass or, preferably, aluminum over plastics, and consider the environmental impact of your choices.



Responsible sourcing: Use suppliers with a strong ESG (environmental, social, governance)standing, especially ethical sourcing practices. Check their use of PEFC and FFC-approved timber, packaging with lower or zero use of plastic bags and their commitment to carbon neutrality.

Product EPDs: Always check and prioritise products with accessible Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These will enable you to make purchasing decisions which help to contribute to a building with a reduced environmental impact during construction and throughout its lifetime.

Energy conservation: With rising energy costs, designing for energy efficiency is becoming paramount. This includes choosing energy-efficient sanitary ware and fittings, such as low flow taps and toilets with efficient flushing to save on water use and heating.

3.Accessibility

Accessibility in commercial washrooms is governed by regulations such as Part M of the Building Regulations and the 2010Equalities Act in the UK. We’ve covered this in more detail in our blog “Accessibility and Inclusivity in Bathroom and Washroom Design” but here’s the quick low-down.

Grab rails: Ensure the proper use and positioning of grab rails to support users with mobility challenges as they navigate the washroom, use it and then leave the area. This can include rails for using the toilet, handwashing and showering.



Light reflectance values (LRV): Ensure sufficient contrast in fittings for people with visual impairments, with a minimum 30% differential in LRV. For this reason, many grabrails and other fittings are available in a choice of colours, with darker blues and rich reds in high contrast to light walls, for example.

Product selection: Choose products that cater to various needs, such as pin handles on showers for those with limited hand use, large and wall hung basins for wheelchair access and low profile shower trays to make it easier for people with mobility problems to access the shower area.

Ease of use:There’s a wide range of products available to make the user experience easier for people with a range of issues. Consider features like raised toilets, large WC flush plates requiring minimal pressure or touchless options where power is available.

4.Durability & Maintenance

In high-traffic commercial environments,durability and ease of maintenance are crucial. This is both in terms of maintaining maximum uptime for all washrooms and also minimising the costs of repair and maintenance.

High-use fixtures: In busy commercial spaces, it really is survival of the fittest fitting. Select brassware that can withstand frequent use, such as durable taps and robust finishes. For example, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coatings are more durable than standard brushed gold or chrome finishes.

Maintenance accessibility: While traditional tiling has made something of a return to popularity in recent years, it’s essential to ensure that concealed services like cisterns and internet-controlled devices remain easily accessible for maintenance through removable panels, for example. Many built-in cisterns today allow access via flush plates.



Long-lasting materials: Choose materials and finishes that can endure the demands of a commercial setting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.This is a good example of the mantra “buy cheap, buy twice”, where a slightly higher initial outlay will save money in the long run.

5.Inclusivity

As society progresses towards greater inclusivity, washroom designs are reflecting this positive shift. This can be as simple as not including baby changing facilities in female-only spaces and extend to more complex issues like accommodating non-traditional gender identities in washroom spaces.

Gender-neutral spaces: Incorporating gender-neutral washrooms is something that has grown in popularity in recent years, though at the time of writing new building regulations requiring single sex spaces are on the way in the UK. Unisex single toilets may be the way to answer this issue.
 
Enhanced privacy: So-called “super loos” with full-length doorways and side panels are desirable for many because they are designed for increased personal safety and privacy.

Better lighting: Another issue relating to personal safety, improved lighting helps users feel safer, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and also helps with aesthetics.

Communal handwashing: In high-traffic public areas, consider communal handwashing facilities outside individual cubicles to streamline flow and reduce wait times.



By focusing on these five key areas, designers can create washrooms that not only meet current standards but also anticipate future needs. This holistic approach ensures that commercial washrooms are safe, efficient, and welcoming for all users while delivering on financial imperatives and sustainability requirements.

If you’d like to read more on these topics,download our whitepaper Washroom Design for Tomorrow or register for our hotel bathrooms and washrooms CPD for architects, interior designers and anyone else who is interested in the subject.