Reading time: 8 minutes

Designing commercial washroom layouts presents a unique set of challenges for architects. On the one hand, it must be functional and meet the needs of the users, including those with disabilities. On the other hand, it must also be aesthetically pleasing and fit within the overall design of the building. Furthermore, the washroom must be durable and easy to maintain, while also meeting strict codes and regulations regarding safety and hygiene.

As a commercial washroom design consultant and supplier of prestige commercial washroom products, our clients either ask us about potential commercial washroom design challenges, or we are approached by our clients looking for a solution when a challenge arises.

In this blog, we will explore some of the challenges that architects, contractors, and specifiers face when designing a commercial washroom.

  1. Cost
  2. Compliance with washroom regulations
  3. Space constraints in the washroom
  4. Matching finishes
  5. Green Building certifications
  6. Last minute washroom solutions
  7. Wellbeing in the washroom
  8. Quality washroom products
  9. Project deadlines
  10. Sustainability

 

1. Cost

Developers, building owners, transportation operators and the like, now more than ever, fully appreciate the importance of a well designed washroom and are keen to invest in these projects by allocating a substantial budget. Architects may have a bigger budget to work with now, but they still face the challenge of keeping costs down while at the same time achieving their carefully planned design.

Commercial washrooms require expensive plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems to function properly, which can limit the amount of money available for washroom design elements. The costs associated with compliance can also be high, which can pose a further commercial washroom design challenge for architects looking to balance functionality, style, and budget.

As a result, architects may need to prioritise functionality over aesthetics and work within a limited budget to create commercial washrooms that meet the building owner’s needs, but at the same time, design a stylish room that suits the modern-day professional corporate environment that provides a comfortable and hygienic experience for all users.

Doc M commercial washroom design with orange finished fittings

2. Compliance with washroom regulations

Architects often find compliance with commercial washroom regulations to be a challenge due to the complexity of the regulations themselves, as well as the competing demands of design and functionality. Regulations governing commercial washrooms can be numerous, and they are subject to change over time, making it tricky to stay up to date with the latest Standards.

Architects must balance the practical considerations of the space, such as the need for adequate ventilation and accessibility, with aesthetic concerns like lighting and finishes. Achieving compliance with these regulations while also meeting design objectives can be a difficult task, and may require careful planning and coordination with contractors, specifiers, and manufacturers.

Another major commercial washroom design challenge is planning a Doc M toilet layout that is accessible to people with disabilities or mobility impairments. This includes ensuring there is enough space to move around and installing grab rails and fittings that are at the correct height.

 

3. Space constraints in the washroom

One of the biggest commercial washroom design challenges is working with limited space, particularly in office projects. Architects do not always get the brief to create a grand and spacious commercial washroom and sometimes have to work on projects with a smaller and compact space.

The challenges to meet current regulations and design intent, whether in a new build or on an existing core in a refurbishment, makes it hard to balance these requirements in limited space, and architects need to carefully consider the washroom layout and the placement of fixtures to ensure everything fits comfortably without overcrowding the area.

Dealing with limited space means looking for creative ways to optimise the dimensions, and this is when reducing the depth of the wall cavity becomes an idea to provide more space in the washroom. However, this may be difficult because you can only go so far as to reduce the wall cavity before infringing on waste pipes and other pipework. Another factor to consider when reducing the wall cavity in a superloo layout, for example, is the acoustics. If the dividing walls are too thin, then the chances are users will have to endure some unpleasant noises coming from the neighbouring cubicle, or they may feel anxious and self-conscious about others hearing the sounds in their own cubicle.

Quality washroom products with matching white finish

4. Matching finishes

Architects may find it challenging to match special finishes because numerous factors can affect the appearance of a finish, such as lighting, age, wear and tear, and variations in manufacturing. Special finishes and coatings can change over time due to exposure to environmental elements or due to the way they were applied to the washroom product. Even slight variations in colour or texture can be noticeable, especially in large or open spaces where finishes are more visible.

Slight variations in finishes are not acceptable to a client, especially in prestigious, high-quality commercial washrooms. It can also be challenging if a washroom supplier has a limited product range resulting in sourcing more washroom companies to bring in the remaining items. A big pool of washroom suppliers working on one project may be a problem because the variations in colours and textures in their finishes may not match other supplier products. It can be further complicated if there is an attempt to value engineer without due consideration.

Matching finishes and special coatings can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials and their properties. Architects must also consider the intended use of the space and the desired aesthetic, which can further complicate the selection and matching of finishes.

Ultimately, the commercial washroom design challenge of matching finishes requires expertise, experience, and attention to detail to achieve a cohesive and harmonious design with durable finishes appropriate for commercial locations and cleaning regimes.

 

5. Green Building certifications

Without the help and guidance from an experienced green building consultant, architects aiming to achieve a BREEAM, LEED, or NABERS UK accreditation may miss out on the areas where they can optimise their washroom design to meet these rigorous standards.

Although the requirements are specific and exhaustive, they are achievable. But, it costs money to have these consultants scrutinise designs and do the building checks, so one must be prepared to fit the bill to ensure a commercial washroom meets the relevant accreditations.

Washroom solution for water splash by using a short length SMART sensor tap

6. Last minute washroom solutions

A common oversight is those finicky details in washroom design, and architects may not necessarily know they will have a potential challenge on their hands once the plan is signed off, or worse, only realise there is a disastrous situation when everything has arrived onsite ready for installation.

Examples of commercial washroom design challenges that are generally not thought of include provision for access panels for taps and cisterns as maintenance teams will need access to the pipework and operating systems, choosing the correct right hand or left hand transfer Doc M packs (particularly shower and WC combination packs), or ensuring the tap length is suitable for the washbasin.

Dolphin Solutions came across a project in the past where a 175mm long tap, with a 50⁰ turn down spout, was installed over a 250mm washbasin. After turning the water on, it was apparent that the tap was too long because water was splashing onto the floor over the basin edge when the user was washing their hands. The only solution was to replace the spouts with a shorter length spout which is expensive and time-consuming.

This simple miscalculation that caused the disaster could have been avoided by merely:

  1. Handing the washroom design to an experienced third-party verifier or commercial washroom consultant to analyse any problem areas; or
  2. Setting up a working mock-up to test for splashing, functionality, aesthetics and ergonomics.

 

7. Wellbeing in the washroom

Another commercial washroom design challenge is considering all the elements that may impact a person’s wellbeing. For example, a clean and well maintained washroom with touch free fittings can promote a sense of hygiene and safety, which is crucial for good health and wellbeing, resulting in a user leaving the washroom stress free. In contrast, a poorly designed and maintained washroom can cause anxiety, discomfort, and even physical illness.

Commercial washrooms that are designed without user wellbeing, comfort, and accessibility in mind (enough space, accessible toilets, end-of-trip facilities, baby changing areas etc.) can leave a person feeling disgruntled, distressed, and unsatisfied because they may feel their needs were neglected. This is especially concerning to individuals with disabilities or those who experience high levels of stress and anxiety.

Washrooms must also provide a suitable level of privacy for users to respect their dignity. This a tough commercial washroom design challenge when working with limited space or designing for high foot traffic.

Quality washroom products sensor tap, soap dispenser, and hand dryer in a commercial building

8. Quality washroom products

Commercial washrooms are generally high traffic areas, and washroom products (manual or sensor taps, soap dispensers, hand dryers etc.) must be of high quality to withstand regular use, cleaning, and exposure to moisture. Poor quality commercial washroom products present a significant challenge for businesses and organisations because if they are faulty or poorly maintained, it can lead to costly replacements, repairs, and increased maintenance time. The downtime in repairing or replacing inferior washroom products causes tenant frustration, and in the long term, constantly replacing fittings is not a sustainable solution.

Investing in high quality commercial washroom products is crucial for ensuring a positive user experience, promoting good hygiene, and reducing long term costs. If materials and finishes are not durable and resistant to water damage, you can expect a negative user experience for customers and employees, leading to complaints and potential health risks.

 

9. Project deadlines

Time is a critical commercial washroom design challenge that architects face when planning a washroom project. Architects must consider the functionality, durability, and aesthetic of the washroom while adhering to strict deadlines.

Time constraints can affect design decisions, as architects may be forced to make trade-offs between design elements that require more time and those that can be accomplished more quickly. For instance, designers may need to prioritise pre-fabricated materials or off-the-shelf components over custom made fixtures to speed up the construction process.

Additionally, architects must coordinate with various stakeholders, including contractors and building owners, to ensure the washroom is built on schedule. The commercial washroom design challenge of deadlines requires architects to balance the design aspirations with the practical needs of the project, all while working within the constraints of a tight timeline.

Sustainable washroom solution using SMART gold finish taps, and multifeed soap dispenser

10. Sustainability

Architects are becoming key advocates in designing and developing buildings that will be sustainable environments to protect our planet. As commercial washrooms play a significant role in water and energy usage, it only makes sense to pay considerable attention to conserving these precious commodities and implementing sustainable solutions into the scope of planning and washroom project design.

However, the commercial washroom design challenge architects face is trying to find what more than can do to design a sustainable washroom other than opting to include the most obvious features such as sensor taps with security timeout features and high speed, low energy hand dryers, for example.

Without the knowledge or experience of washroom manufacturers and consultants who can guide architects, contractors, and specifiers in choosing sustainable washroom products and encourage the integration of cutting-edge SMART washroom technology, architects may battle with achieving the sustainable building they desire.

Creating a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and compliant commercial washroom

Commercial washroom design presents a unique set of challenges that require careful consideration and attention to detail. From ensuring adequate space and accessibility for all users to selecting durable materials that can withstand heavy usage, moisture, and cleaning chemicals, every aspect of commercial washroom design requires thoughtful planning and execution.

While commercial washroom design challenges may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for creativity and innovation. By working with experienced commercial washroom consultants and leveraging the latest commercial washroom design trends and SMART washroom technology, you can create a washroom that stands out for all the right reasons.

Ultimately, the success of your commercial washroom project will depend on full compliance with regulations and your ability to balance form and function, aesthetics and practicality. By keeping this in mind and following the best practices of commercial washroom design, you can create a space that meets the needs of users while staying within budget.

Get in touch