A park district approves funds for a public restroom. The building is located in an ideal spot and the team is ready for the next step.
The contractor then begins to review the location. The site chosen is prone to drainage issues. Electricity connections are further away than expected. The delivery vehicle could struggle to reach installation areas, and building configurations may not be able to accommodate the space available.
Image credit: romtec.com
None of these problems necessarily means the project cannot proceed. The issues can lead to revisions, costs and delays in construction. If the conditions of the site determine the choice of building from the very beginning, it makes it easier for public agencies and builders to manage bathroom projects.
The whole picture isn’t revealed by a building drawing
Before deciding on the prefabricated restroom facilities to be used in parks, the construction team should know what the surrounding property is capable of accommodating. The slope of the site soil conditions, drainage utilities, utility accessibility, and accessibility to construction can all impact the design.
If the bathroom is to be constructed close to a playground area there is a possibility to connect the restroom with existing water and sewer lines. If the existing infrastructure isn’t available, or if it would be expensive to upgrade those connections, then a brand new sanitation technique could be needed.
It is important to consider the specifics of the site’s conditions, as well as any relevant regulations. The basic layout of buildings may appear to be suitable on paper, however, it will require significant changes when taking these specifics into account.
Urban Projects have their own construction constraints
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. The sidewalks that are public usually have underground utilities, sidewalk furniture, pedestrian routes and entrances to buildings that are close by. Coordinating construction projects with local authorities may be important.
The positioning of a bathroom too close to the utility corridor could hinder excavation or foundation construction. Accessibility is a further consideration. The entrance and its surrounding access should be designed to satisfy all applicable requirements, and not just conform to the existing footprint.
Romtec offers custom-designed ADA designed single-user bathrooms, with options for the placement of sink and door. This allows project teams to design for public use as well as addressing physical limitations.
Do you have no sewer Connection? Think about the alternatives
Remote recreation sites pose unique challenge to infrastructure. The nearest sewer connection may be miles away, therefore flush toilets aren’t suitable for remote locations.
In appropriate locations they can provide a waterless alternative. Instead of pumping wastewater to a sewer system, these toilets are able to collect garbage and store it inside the chamber, which has to be cleaned periodically.
The choice of a vaulted toilet does not eliminate the need to design your location. The project needs to be constructed in a suitable location, with adequate surface conditions, accessibility to servicing equipment safely in a safe manner, adequate ventilation, and the compliance with environmental regulations.
Romtec develops water-free vault toilets using Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST), a technology that was developed to combat the odors through ventilation. If you live in remote areas, choosing the sanitation system early can help prevent costly changes to the structure later.
Construction Coordination Starts Before Delivery
The most common misconception regarding prefabricated structures is that the majority of construction decisions are made by manufacturers. In reality, the site preparation the foundation, requirements for foundations, utility connections, accessibility, and local approvals will require coordination. Romtec’s approach to these projects is via customized building kits and design support rather than relying on fixed structures.
The company works with landscape architects, contractors, and project owners to match building specifications in accordance with the particular requirements of each site. This method is particularly useful in situations where a bathroom needs to conform to the style of a particular architectural design or can accommodate peculiar property conditions.
Better questions can help you create a better project
Before approving a purchase for a bathroom owners must determine how the facility will receive utility services, how construction equipment will get to the location and what permits are needed.
The building should be constructed in a manner that doesn’t require any major modifications to the surrounding infrastructure.
The above questions might not seem as interesting than selecting architectural features or exterior finishes However, they have greater impact on project costs and the timetable.
A successful restroom project for the public isn’t just one that has an establishment on time. It’s one where the building infrastructure, the site as well as the construction process and intended use have been considered together. The finished bathroom will be more effective when these decisions are taken in advance.