Recognizing that there is likely to be a light fixture near the wash station either in the ceiling or on the wall, there are some elegant alternatives that include LED lighting around the perimeter of the mirror. Such mirrors can include radiused corners and polished edges and are available in a wide range of sizes and with an optional shelf. Vertical or horizontal mounting allows for added flexibility.

Designing for Privacy

With privacy emerging as a key user preference in commercial restrooms, privacy partitions add extra height, width and added discretion to create the feeling of a private individual room. Further, the concept of gender neutral or all-gender restrooms, which has gained traction in recent years, also calls for an elevated level user privacy. Some design options for inclusive restrooms include individual rooms with locking doors or a larger communal handwashing space with separate stalls.

One popular layout is based on European restroom models with gender-neutral layouts that form a perimeter around communal washing stations to facilitate one-way traffic and minimize cross-traffic. Corridor concept entries and exits, as well as automated doors, are also design considerations.

The IAPMO/ANSI/CAN Z124.10 standard specifies the level of privacy and security for the users of water closets and urinals. This standard addresses the need for partitions to minimize the open space between stalls, use of occupancy indicators on stalls, and doors that lock to support privacy. Increasingly, using privacy partitions helps architects create comfortable, durable restroom retreats for all users.

A new preference for European-style partitions gives restroom guests a fresh and welcomed surprise in commercial restrooms. In addition to being nearly full height for enhanced privacy, different product selections also add sophisticated style, elegance, and resiliency to restroom designs. Several different types of partitions are currently available.

Photo courtesy of Bradley Corporation

European-style partitions provide very high degrees of privacy in restroom design while incorporating separate communal handwashing areas.

Toilet Stall Accessories

Just as with handwashing areas, toilet stall areas require appropriate attention for the necessary items beyond the plumbing fixture. Once again, finding a series or collection of accessories that match the rest of the washroom will elevate the design overall with a more consistent and fresher look.

• Paper Dispensers These dispensers need to be replenished regularly so units that operate for quick and easy refills will always be welcomed by maintenance staff. Users may appreciate a second or “back-up” roll being available in the same unit in case the supply runs low. Units that are recessed may be preferable where possible, but surface mount units can be just as functional.
• Seat Cover Dispensers With the increased sensitivity to avoiding contact with surfaces, flushable paper seat covers are often a welcome sight to many users. The material for the cover, the ability to be recessed or surface mounted, and the ease of replenishing the supply should all be considered when selecting these units.
• Sanitary Product Disposal Most building owners will request that sanitary products not be flushed to avoid plumbing blockages. Therefore, alternative disposal is needed. Adding a separate, dedicated waste fixture, often near the paper dispenser, is a logical and needed accessory.
• Coat Hooks It is common that people may need to remove a coat or hang something up while inside a toilet stall. While it is a small thing to add a hook or peg in a convenient location, it may be highly appreciated and add to an overall positive impression if it is included.
• Shelves People often enter a stall with items such as a purse, phone, or wallet, and prefer not to place it on the floor or on top of toilet paper dispensers, making the addition of a small shelf a useful feature. Shelves can be made out of stainless steel for easy cleanability and some even include integral hooks so they can perform dual functionality.

Photo courtesy of Bradley Corporation

Accessories in the toilet stall area are necessary but can be selected to match the overall design intent and provide an appearance beyond utilitarian.

Accessibility

All commercial public restrooms need to meet requirements for accessibility, both as a matter of building code requirements and to coordinate with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That means first that the accessible route into and within the restroom needs to have the proper clearances and space for wheelchair maneuverability. Next, the location of the fixtures and accessories needs to fall within the prescriptive ranges of height and clearances for people in wheelchairs, as well as ambulatory people, to use them and reach them. Manufacturers of restroom accessories and fixtures are usually quite well aware of the requirements and have developed products to be sure that they can be installed in a manner that meets the accessibility requirements.

• Grab Bars The accessory that is specifically designed for accessibility are grab bars, typically placed around the toilet or a shower. It used to be that there was only one option for such bars that usually looked quite institutional. Manufacturers have since taken a closer look at their products and now offer variations that still meet the accessibility requirements but can also provide an appearance that is more consistent with the rest of the washroom. This creates not only a more cohesive look, but it is also consistent with the principles of Universal Design, which contend that accessibility features should simply blend in and be part of a good design that everyone can use and benefit from. The grab bars, in various lengths, may be mounted horizontally or vertically as needed. The updated design makes it easy to consider providing more than just the code minimum and focusing on the needs of the users. New grab bar designs can also include integrated hooks for added functionality.

Overall, comprehensive collections of washroom accessories with a uniform look give designers more options and flexibility to meet project criteria while expressing individual their own visions. The expanded selections of materials, colors, finishes, and textures further accentuate and customize commercial washroom designs, also giving designers more creative freedom.

Photo courtesy of Bradley Corporation

Washrooms that function well and are easy to clean and maintain are deemed to be a very worthwhile investment due to their high daily use.