A park district approves the provision of funds for a new public toilet. The project team has picked the site, and the structure is deemed to be appropriate and is now ready for construction.
The contractor is then able to review the site. The site chosen is prone to drainage problems. The utility connections are further away than what was expected. The delivery vehicle might struggle to reach installation areas, and building configurations may not be able to accommodate the space available.
Image credit: romtec.com
None of these concerns necessarily implies that the project isn’t viable. But, they could cause redesigns, more costs, and delays in construction. If the site’s conditions dictate the choice of building from the beginning it is easier for both builders and public agencies to manage restroom projects.
A Drawing of a Building doesn’t tell the whole story
Prior to selecting prefabricated restrooms for parks, the project team should know what the surrounding property can be capable of accommodating. The property’s slope soil, drainage conditions utilities, utility accessibility, and access to construction sites can all influence installation.
A bathroom, for instance, constructed near a playground could require connections to existing sewer and water systems. If the current infrastructure is not available, or if it would be expensive to build new connections, then a brand new sanitation method may be required.
The foundation and location of the building should also take into consideration the applicable codes, accessibility requirements, and site-specific conditions. The typical layout of an building might appear to appear acceptable on paper but it’s going to require significant modifications when these details are taken into account.
Urban Projects Have Their Own Construction Constraints
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On sidewalks there are usually underground infrastructure, pedestrian routes, and street furniture. Construction activities can also require collaboration with local authorities.
The placement of a restroom too close to the utility corridor could cause problems with foundation or excavation work. Accessibility adds another consideration. The entrance and its surrounding approach must meet the requirements of all relevant regulations.
Romtec offers the option of customizing ADA single-user toilet units which include choices for the location of the sinks and doors. The design options give the project team to adapt to site limitations and also plan for a an efficient public use.
Are you without a sewer Connection? Look at other options
Remote recreation sites have different infrastructure problems. The closest sewer line could be several miles away, making flush toilets not suitable for remote locations.
Vault toilets can be a viable alternative to waterless toilets in specific locations. Instead of pumping water into the sewer system the vault toilets collect garbage and store it inside an enclosure that has to be cleaned periodically.
The selection of a vault toilet does not eliminate the need for site planning. The construction still requires suitable conditions for the ground, secure access for servicing equipment, adequate ventilation, and compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
Romtec develops water-free vault toilets using Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST) which is a method designed to control smells through ventilation. For properties that are located in remote locations, selecting the sanitation system in advance can prevent costly changes to the structure later.
Construction Coordination Starts Before Delivery
Prefabricated construction is often interpreted as a pre-determined decision made by the manufacturer. In reality, the site preparation the foundation, requirements for foundations, utility connections accessibility, and local approvals will require coordination. Romtec’s strategy for these projects is to build custom-designed kits and design guidance instead of relying entirely on fixed structures.
The company works with landscape architects, contractors and project owners to coordinate construction specifications in accordance with the particular requirements of each site. This technique is particularly helpful when a bathroom has to match a specific architectural style or meet unusual property conditions.
The best questions are the ones that will lead to better designs
Owners should decide on how utilities will be supplied to the structure, what construction equipment can get to the site and what approvals must be obtained prior to purchasing restrooms.
The building should be constructed in a way that doesn’t need major changes to the infrastructure around it.
These aren’t as exciting than the exterior finishes and architectural elements, but they could be more influential on the project’s costs and timeframe.
Public restroom projects that have been successful don’t just finish the construction on time. The building, the site infrastructure along with the construction process and its intended use are all taken into account. If these decisions are made in the early stages, the final bathroom is more solid in serving the community efficiently.