The park district is able to approve funding for the construction of a new public bathroom. The team behind the project has chosen the site, and the structure appears to be suitable and is now ready to move forward.
The contractor then begins to review the location. The chosen location has drainage issues. The utility connections could be farther from the proposed location than originally thought. Delivery vehicles could have trouble reaching the building site and the chosen building configuration may not be compatible with the space available.
Image credit: romtec.com
These issues don’t necessarily suggest that the project cannot proceed. These issues can cause redesigns, and more costs, in addition to delays in construction. When the location’s requirements determine the building’s design from the beginning this makes it simpler for both builders and public agencies to manage bathroom projects.
Building drawings don’t tell the whole story
Project teams should consider the capacity of the site prior to deciding on the appropriate park restroom that is prefabricated. Installation can be affected by the terrain’s slope or drainage, the utility, and construction accessibility.
A restroom near a playground, for example might need to be connected to the current infrastructure of sewer and water. If these connections are not available or costly to expand, the project may need an alternative sanitation method.
The foundation and location of the building should also take into consideration applicable codes, accessibility requirements and site-specific requirements. A typical building layout might appear appealing on paper, but it will require substantial changes after these details are considered.
Urban Projects are subject to their own limitations in terms of construction
In order to build sidewalk restrooms, you need more than a space that is small. On sidewalks, there are typically underground utilities, pedestrian routes, and street furniture. Coordinating construction projects with local authorities could be important.
A bathroom located too close to a utility corridor could cause difficulties with foundation or excavation work. Accessibility is another consideration to take into consideration. Access to the entrance and its surroundings should be designed in accordance with the requirements of the time.
Romtec offers customized ADA single-user toilet units with options for placement of sinks and doors. The design options give teams working on projects the ability to work with the constraints of the location and design for an efficient public use.
No sewer connection? Take a look at the options
Remote recreation areas pose new infrastructure challenge. A trailhead might be several miles from the closest sewer line, rendering conventional flush toilets not practical.
In appropriate locations, vault toilets provide a waterless alternative. They do not rely on the sewer system to move wastewater, but instead store it in a storage tank which needs to be maintained regularly.
The choice of vault toilets doesn’t eliminate the need for design and planning of the site. The project will still require adequate ground conditions and secure access for servicing equipment as well as appropriate ventilation.
Romtec develops vault toilets that are water-free and feature Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST) that is designed to reduce smells via ventilation. When you have a remote property, choosing the sanitation system in advance can prevent costly changes to the structure later.
Construction Coordination Begins Before Delivery
A common misconception about prefabricated construction is that the majority of decision-making decisions for projects are taken by the manufacturer. In reality, the site preparation and foundation requirements, utilities connections accessibility, and local approvals require coordination. Romtec offers customized construction kits, design help and other assistance with these tasks.
The company collaborates together with landscaping architects, contractors and project owners to coordinate building specifications and site specifics. This method is particularly useful when a restroom must conform to an existing architectural style or be able to accommodate unique property requirements.
The most important questions are the ones that can lead to more successful projects
Owners need to first establish the location of the bathroom and the method by which construction equipment can access the site, as well as the necessary approvals.
They should also understand whether the selected sanitation system is suitable for the anticipated amount of guests and if the building can be installed without significant changes to the surrounding infrastructure.
The above questions might not seem as relevant than choosing architectural finishes or exterior finishes However, they have greater impact on project costs and project schedule.
A successful public restroom project isn’t just one that has a building on time. A successful restroom project includes the design, the infrastructure of the location along with the construction and the intended use. The final bathroom is more efficient if the decisions are made in advance.