Verifying that Layouts are Appropriately Planned Prior to Construction Helps Avoid Conflicts in the Field

Washroom design schemes must be analyzed on the basis of number of users, availability of maintenance, and potential levels of abuse. Layout issues are still a significant problem in washroom design, especially in accessible washrooms.

Three-dimensional and color renderings of partition layouts provide a great tool for coordination and conflict checking. Partition layout is key to a successful and accessible washroom. When reviewing a three-dimensional rendering, look for how all the components go together to reduce conflicts in the field. Pay careful attention to materials and attachment details. Take the time to design and locate not only the partitions, but also the accessories that go with them. Verify that each partition edge is reviewed for layout and attachments, and check common problem areas, such as the shelf and partition interface. Doing a virtual walk-through highlights areas that might be difficult for maintenance to access, such as a lack of space in, or around a partition that would prevent cleaning, or a conflict between stall door openings. Are grab bars located correctly? Is adequate blocking planned for this attachment? Certain tools, like Building Information Modeling (BIM) allow a designer to plan, create, build, and manage buildings. They can also capture individual objects crucial to each design, facilitating the creation of manuals for building managers on how to care for and replace objects within the design.

At the end of the day, a project carries the professional’s name. Don’t be afraid to highlight critical details and to enforce specifications. Without enforcement, a great spec can be changed in the field, compromising both design and materials, and result in products ending up in a landfill. This is not sustainable.

By Applying Design Sensibility, the Design Professional Can Avoid Common Partition Failures

Selecting the best material for both budget and application secures upfront suitability. However, a sustainable partition system must be a combination of correct materials, appropriate assembly type, and hardware sized for the level of use in the washroom. An essential aspect of a sustainable project is the lifecycle of the various materials, elements, and systems. In reference to washroom hardware, the best design anticipates the loads the selected materials will experience and creates a support system for them via layout and appropriate hardware. Support systems, including appropriate hardware and blocking, become vitally important for certain features like grab bars.

Typical washroom partition failures include fastener pullout (blocking), material degradation due to chemicals and incorrect maintenance, physical damage due to abuse, and lack of proper maintenance.

As different design schemes are weighed, the professional should ask whether the assembly and material is suitable for its intended use, and if the installation is planned appropriately. Critically, the designer should select and note key details on drawings and enforce desired specifications. This may require a field visit or verification.

Layout and field preparation are vitally important for partition installation. Even in quiet environments, partitions and doors receive a tremendous amount of pounding, wear, and tear. Providing the right blocking, and using the correct fasteners and anchors, creates a sustainable installation and protects partition materials from unnecessary wear and repair, extending their lifecycle. Fasteners, anchors, and blocking are all pivotal to a sustainable installation.

Fasteners and partition panel hardware need to be coordinated with the substrate. Selecting the correct hardware and panel connections can determine whether an installation is sustainable or not. Review the manufacturer’s installation manuals to gain a better understanding of how partitions are detailed and how they are anchored to the substrate. Close attention to attachment details can make a huge difference in the life of a partition system.

It is vital to select materials and hardware that are suitable for the intended use.

Analyzing Partition Hardware and Components for Lifecycle Implications, Maintenance, and Application Suitability

Hardware and its installation result in the highest level of failure in partition systems. Selecting, sizing, and locating partition anchors and hardware is essential to developing a sustainable washroom. Understanding how hardware works, providing solid blocking and backing, and selecting for type of use is paramount.