10 August 2023
1. WC pan
Short projection toilet pan
To create a compact and efficient toilet cubicle within a public washroom design, a short projection toilet is the optimal choice due to its space saving structure. Commercial WC pans can range from 480mm to 600mm, but selecting the smallest pan might be uncomfortable for most adults.
For the best balance between comfort and space savings, a 540mm projection is highly recommended for the WC pan. However, it’s important to consider the size of the concealed or close coupled cistern, as it can have a notable impact on the overall floor space.
2. Multifeed soap dispenser system
A foam soap cartridge system is designed to save space through its compact and closed cartridge design. The system can be concealed behind a mirror, service duct, access panel, a cleaner’s closet (whether inside or outside the washroom), or within vanity unit cabinetry, maintaining a neat appearance.
A multifeed soap dispenser system allows the soap to flow over longer distances and feed multiple soap dispensers, making it a favourable option for larger public washroom design layouts and eliminating the need to provide multiple soap reservoirs throughout the washroom.
The soap cartridge system optimises space while ensuring efficient soap dispensing and maintenance.
3. Vanity tops, washbasins, and wash troughs
Floating vanity tops and washbasins
Because floating vanity tops, washbasins, and wash troughs are mounted directly onto the wall, they leave the area underneath the vanity clear. This open space creates the illusion of a larger and more spacious public washroom design by maximising the available floor area.
Floating units provide added benefits by simplifying the cleaning process for facilities teams and offering customisation options. For example, instead of opting for a thick vanity unit, select a slimmer base which enhances both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Together, these benefits contribute to a washroom layout that is both more spacious and efficient.
4. Behind mirror system
The innovative modular design of a mirror system conceals soap dispensers, automatic hand dryers, paper towel dispensers, sensor taps, soap reservoirs, power box, and pipework, within the compact system, all discreetly positioned behind the mirror.
This arrangement eliminates any disruption to the main washroom area, effectively conserving wall space and creating a contemporary, uncluttered washroom.
A Behind Mirror System, such as the Dolphin Alavo, excels in optimising spatial utilisation by seamlessly integrating all handwashing appliances, plumbing, and pipework behind the mirror. With a depth of 189mm and customisable features, this system offers architects the flexibility to adjust its dimensions and choice of handwashing appliances, enabling a seamless integration into their public washroom design.
5. Recessed washroom products
Recessed products make efficient use of vertical wall space that might otherwise remain underutilised. This maximises the usable area within a public washroom design, especially in cases where floor space is limited.
By choosing recessed washroom products such as waste bins, hand dryers, and paper towel dispensers, the overall layout of the washroom is optimised. This arrangement allows for a better flow of users and minimises obstructions in high foot traffic areas.
Recessed washroom products include:
- Recessed waste bin
- Recessed sanitary bin
- Recessed paper towel dispenser
- Recessed hand dryer
- Recessed baby changing table
- Recessed combination unit
- Recessed tissue dispenser, toilet brush, and sanitary bin combination unit
While this approach can indeed create space savings within the washroom, it is important to consider the depth of the wall cavity required for the installation of the recessed product.
6. Under counter waste bins
Under counter waste bins make effective use of the often overlooked space beneath the vanity units or washbasins. This area is typically unused, and by installing a waste bin there, you are making the most of the available space in your public washroom design.
A waste bin’s hidden placement contributes to a cleaner and more organised washroom while offering practical disposal options for users.
Whether you opt for a bin chute, vertical swing flap on the side, or an under counter combination unit, a suitable solution exists to complement your vanity unit design.
7. Wall plate kit
The innovative design and components of a wall plate kit for panel mounted taps and soap dispensers effectively reduce the depth of the wall cavity, resulting in saving space in a commercial washroom. This is made possible by the flexible conduit and conduit adaptor attached to the back of the wall plate.
Flexible conduit can easily go through tight spots and around obstacles due to its pliability, which makes better use of the available space. It doesn’t kink, ensuring smooth functionality. When combined with the conduit adaptor that has a curved design, it allows the flexible conduit to bend even closer to the wall.
Watch how easy it is to install a wall plate kit for taps and soap dispensers.
This compact and space saving public washroom design solution proves particularly advantageous in superloo layouts and accessible washrooms where efficiency and maximising the washroom are key.
8. Point of use water heater
A point of use (POU) water heater saves space in a commercial washroom by offering localised hot water heating without the need for a central heating system or boiler.
Its compact design, flexible placement, and ability to address specific limitations contribute to maximising the available space within the washroom area.
Although POU water heaters would not typically be used in a large public washroom design, they are ideal for:
- Single use superloo layouts
- Multi-user systems
- Accessible washrooms
- Small vanity units
- End-of-journey facilities
9. Offset adaptor for taps and soap dispensers
An offset adaptor contributes to saving space in public washroom design by efficiently utilising the flexible conduit within the wall cavity for a tap and soap dispenser.
Its unique curved design measuring at 61mm, narrower than a traditional straight adaptor measuring at around 90mm, directs the conduit to run horizontally or vertically along the interior of the wall cavity.
Whether accommodating a back-to-back washroom layout or a single tap and soap dispenser within the wall cavity, incorporating an offset adaptor significantly enables space reduction.
Unlocking Space Saving Success
This article is by no means a comprehensive list of ways to save space in public washroom design, as we recognise that every washroom project is unique and needs tailored solutions.
That is why it is important to first learn about the different ways to make the most of your available space and then talk to a reliable and experienced commercial washroom company. They can help review your public washroom design and offer practical space saving washroom solutions that align with your vision and goals.
