The park district has approved funds for an open-air restroom. The location has been selected and the building is in good shape and the team is now ready to go forward.
The contractor is then able to examine the location. Drainage is a problem at the site proposed. The utility connections could be farther from the proposed location than originally thought. The delivery vehicle could struggle to reach the installation area as the proposed building configuration doesn’t align with the space available.
Image credit: romtec.com
The issues they face do not have to suggest that the project cannot proceed. They could, however, lead to redesigns and additional costs, as well as delays in construction. For developers and public agencies, a restroom project becomes much easier to manage when location conditions impact the design selection from the beginning.
The whole picture can’t be evident in a construction drawing
Prior to deciding on constructed park restrooms that are prefabricated, project teams should understand the property’s capacity to be able to accommodate. The location’s slope, soil conditions, drainage and utility availability as well as access to construction could all affect the construction process.
If a bathroom is planned close to a play area it could be necessary to connect the restroom with the existing water and sewer infrastructure. If the connections aren’t in place or are expensive to expand, a different approach may be needed.
The foundation and the location of the building must also consider relevant codes, accessibility requirements and specific site conditions. It’s possible that a typical plan of the building appears good on paper, but needs significant adjustments after these factors have been examined.
Urban Projects Have Their Own Construction Restrictions
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On sidewalks that are public there are usually underground utilities, pedestrian walkways as well as street furniture and access points close to. Coordinating construction activities with local authorities is essential.
A bathroom located too close to an existing utility corridor could complicate excavation or foundation work. The accessibility of the bathroom is also a consideration. The approach to entrance and around should be designed in accordance to any applicable requirements.
Romtec offers custom-designed ADA specific single-user restrooms including the option of a different location for the doors and sinks. These design choices allow teams to take advantage of the physical limitations of the site while also making plans for a practical public usage.
Are you without a sewer Connection? Look at other options
Remote recreation sites present a unique infrastructure challenge. A trailhead may be located many miles from the closest sewer and makes flushing toilets a non-sensical option.
Vault toilets are an alternative to waterless toilets in certain locations. Instead of transporting wastewater through the sewer system, these facilities collect waste in a holding vault that must be maintained regularly.
The choice of a vaulted toilet does be a good idea but it will not completely eliminate the need to design your location. The project will still require appropriate ground conditions, as well as safe access to the equipment for servicing, and a suitable ventilation.
Romtec is a manufacturer of vault toilets that are water-free and feature its Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST), which is designed to reduce odors through ventilation. The selection of a sanitation system ahead of time can help prevent expensive changes to the style of the building in the future.
Construction Coordination Begins Prior to Delivery
Prefabricated construction is often misinterpreted as a product that is pre-decided by its manufacturer. In reality coordination is still necessary to prepare the site, utilities connections access, local approvals and accessibility. Romtec takes on these projects with customizable building kits as well as design assistance, rather than using only rigid, universally-sized structures.
The company collaborates with landscape architects, contractors, and project managers to align building specifications to meet the specific requirements of each site. This is particularly helpful in situations where the bathroom must match an existing architectural style, or accommodate unique property conditions.
Better questions can help you develop a better plan
Owners should first decide on the exact location of the restroom and the method by which construction equipment can access the site, as well as the required approvals.
The building should be installed in a way that doesn’t require significant adjustments to the infrastructure.
The questions are not as thrilling than architectural and exterior elements, but they could affect more on the cost of the project and timeframe.
Public restroom projects that are successful don’t just finish the construction in time. The structure, the site infrastructure as well as the construction process and the intended usage are all taken into account. The early decision-making process will ensure that the final bathroom is able to serve the community better.