Park district approves funding for a new public toilet. The building is in an ideal location, and the team is ready to take the next step.
The contractor will then start to examine the site. The proposed location has drainage problems. There are more utility connections than was anticipated. The delivery vehicle may have difficulty to access installation areas, and the building layouts might not meet the requirements of the space.
Image credit: romtec.com
None of these issues necessarily means the project cannot proceed. However, they could result in redesigns and extra expenses, and delays in construction. If the conditions of the site determine the design of a building right from the beginning it is easier for public agencies and builders to oversee bathroom projects.
The entire picture cannot be shown by a drawing of a building
Before choosing prefabricated restroom buildings to be used in parks, the team must be aware of what surrounding property is capable of accommodating. The site’s slope soil conditions, drainage, utility availability, and construction access can all affect the design.
For example, a restroom located near a play area may require connections to existing sewer and water systems. If these connections are not available or cost prohibitive to build and the project is not feasible, it may be required an alternative sanitation method.
The foundation and location of the building must also account for relevant codes, accessibility requirements as well as site-specific restrictions. It’s possible that a traditional construction layout appears appealing on paper but requires significant adjustments after these factors have been considered.
Urban Projects Have Their Own Construction Constraints
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On public sidewalks there are usually underground utilities, pedestrian pathways as well as street furniture and entrances that are close. Collaboration with local authorities is usually required for construction activities.
A bathroom that is too close to a utility line can make it difficult to excavat or foundation work. Accessibility is another aspect to take into consideration. The entrance and the surrounding area must be planned in accordance with applicable requirements.
Romtec provides custom ADA single-user toilets which include choices for the locations of doors and sinks. The design options provide the project team to adjust to the limitations of the site and plan for feasible public use.
There is no sewer Connection? No sewer connection? Consider alternatives
Remote recreation sites face different infrastructure issues. The trailhead could be a few miles from the closest sewer connection, making conventional flush toilets inconvenient.
If they are located in the right places they can provide the option of water-free toilets. These toilets do not make use of the sewer to transfer wastewater, but instead collect it in a holding tank that needs to be maintained periodically.
But choosing vault toilets won’t be enough to mean that you can skip the planning requirements for the site. The project still requires appropriate ground conditions, as well as safe access for servicing gear, as well as appropriate ventilation.
Romtec makes water-free vault restrooms that use Sweet-Smelling Technologies (SST) the technology that is designed to manage odors by allowing ventilation. Picking the right sanitation system in advance will prevent costly modifications to the layout of the building in the future.
Construction Coordination Begins Prior to Delivery
One of the most frequently-held misconceptions about prefabricated constructions is that most projects are designed by the manufacturer. In reality coordination is still required to prepare the site, utilities connections access, local approvals and accessibility. Romtec provides customizable building kits, design assistance as well as other services to assist with these projects.
The company coordinates with landscape builders and architects to ensure that building specifications are in line with site-specific requirements. This method is particularly useful when a restroom must be in line with the existing style of architecture or accommodate unusual property conditions.
A better project starts with Better Questions
Owners must first determine the exact location of the restroom, the way construction equipment will enter the building, and also the approvals required.
The building should be constructed in a manner that doesn’t require significant modifications to the surrounding infrastructure.
These issues may not be as exciting than choosing exterior finishes or architectural details However, they impact more on project costs and timeframes.
It’s just not enough to build an building on time. It’s one in which the construction infrastructure, site infrastructure as well as the construction process and intended use have been considered in conjunction. The early decision-making process will ensure that the final bathroom is in a position to serve the community better.