A park district has approved funding for a new public bathroom. The location was chosen The building looks good and the project team is ready to go forward.
The contractor then begins to analyze the site. Drainage is a problem at the site proposed. There are possibilities that utilities may be further away than anticipated. The delivery vehicle may struggle to get to the area of installation, and the selected design doesn’t match the space available.
Image credit: romtec.com
None of these problems necessarily suggests that the project will not proceed. These issues can result in redesigns and extra expenses, and delays in construction. Developers and public agencies bathroom projects, it is much easier to manage when site conditions influence the building choices from the very beginning.
A drawing of a building doesn’t tell the Full Story
Before selecting constructed park restrooms that are prefabricated, project teams should understand what the surrounding property can be able to accommodate. The slope of the location soil condition and drainage as well as the access to construction facilities and utilities could all have an impact on installation.
A bathroom, for instance, planned near a playground may require connections to the existing sewer and water lines. If the infrastructure isn’t accessible or cost prohibitive to extend, a different approach may be needed.
It is important to look at the specific conditions of the location in addition to any applicable laws. The standard layout of a building may appear to appear appealing on paper but will require major changes when these details are taken into consideration.
Urban Projects are subject to their own constraints in the area of construction
Building sidewalk restrooms takes more than finding space for a compact structure. On sidewalks that are public you will find underground utilities, pedestrian trails streets furniture, and construction entrances nearby. Construction activities can also require collaboration with local authorities.
If a bathroom is too close to an existing utility line, it might result in foundation or excavation issues. Accessibility of the bathroom is a factor. Access to the entrance and its surroundings should be designed in accordance with the requirements of the time.
Romtec offers custom ADA single-user toilets with options for the locations of doors and sinks. These design choices enable teams to take advantage of physical constraints of the site, while planning for practical public use.
There is no sewer Connection? No sewer connection? Consider alternatives
Remote recreation sites pose a unique infrastructure issue. The trailhead could be a few miles away from the closest sewer line, rendering conventional flush toilets inconvenient.
In appropriate locations, vault toilets provide a waterless alternative. Instead of transferring wastewater to a sewer system, the vault toilets collect waste and then store it in a holding chamber that must be cleaned on a regular basis.
The option of a vault toilet does not eliminate the need for design and planning of the site. The project will still require suitable ground conditions and safe access to servicing equipment, in addition to adequate ventilation.
Romtec creates water-free vault bathrooms using Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST) which is a method that is designed to manage smells through ventilation. When you have a remote property, choosing the sanitation system at an early stage can help prevent costly changes to the building’s design later.
The coordination of construction begins prior to delivery.
A common misconception regarding prefabricated construction is that a majority of construction decisions are already made by the manufacturer. In actuality there are many things to coordinate, such as foundation and site preparation, accessibility, connections to utilities as well as local approvals. Romtec’s strategy for these projects is to use customized building kits and design support, rather than relying solely on fixed structures.
The company works together with landscape architects, contractors, and project owners to match building specifications and site specifics. This is especially useful when a restroom must match an existing architectural style or be able to accommodate unique property requirements.
The most effective questions are ones that will lead to more successful projects
Owners must decide how utilities will be delivered to the building, what construction equipment is able to get on the site, and what approvals must be obtained prior to purchasing restrooms.
The building should be constructed in a way that does not require major changes to the infrastructure around it.
These kinds of questions aren’t as exciting than architectural and exterior aspects, but can have more of an impact on the project’s price and schedule.
It’s not enough just to finish the building on time. It’s one that has the building infrastructure, the site along with the construction process and the intended usage have been thought of together. Making early decisions will ensure that the final bathroom is able to serve the community better.