Hygienic Surface Materials

A related strategy for healthier restrooms is to complement touchless fixtures with surface materials that don’t support microbial growth. For sinks and washbasins, using smooth and nonporous materials with seamless construction (like solid surface and natural quartz) helps prevent bacteria and mold accumulation and growth. These materials can be easily cleaned, disinfected, repaired, reused, and have a longer life cycle than laminated materials. These solid surface materials are generally quite sustainable and are cast-formed so they can be specified in many attractive shapes and forms. For multi-user restrooms, new washbasin designs made of solid surface material, with increased space between the handwashing areas, allow for social distancing while washing hands in a more hygienic environment.

For soap and faucet fixtures, there are popular and attractive finishes produced with physical vapor deposition (PVD), an advanced process that creates a molecular bond to the fixture, creating a resilient coating that will not corrode or fade. PVD coatings are not only a more sustainable way to finish metals than traditional electroplating, they are also inherently antimicrobial. A number of different PVD finishes are available from manufacturers for different models of soap and faucet fixtures.

Photo courtesy of Bradley Corp.

Using select surface materials on sinks, fixtures, walls, and accessories in a restroom help maintain good hygiene and cleanliness.

Cohesive Restroom Design

Among the advantages of using a collection, consistency of material appearance and color is a strong one. Choices of accessories include stainless steel, white or black phenolic doors, as well as ones with a modern matte black, powder coating - all very durable and attractive. Consistency in terms of their ability to be cleaned and remain hygienic is also achieved this way.

Photo courtesy of ASI Group

The use of multiple products from a single manufacturer helps to promote a more cohesive design, with coordinated washroom accessories, partitions, and other items, in a hygienic washroom.

Such attention to the permanent accessories can help with the coordinated, overall experience as well as influence the smooth, long-term operation and maintenance of restrooms. For example, soap dispensing systems often require a lot of time for maintenance staff to refill them on a regular, even daily basis. Products are now available in top-fill soap dispensing system that can refill up to six soap dispensers with one pour. That saves time, as well as ensuring that all dispensers are full, and hands are actually washed at school, thus preventing the spread of germs and disease in school environments.

Hand drying is critical for good hygiene, and hence, an important detail in restroom design. The common options are paper towels and hand dryers, and while each have their pros and cons, there is room for both, even in the same washroom. One manufacturer even makes a 3-in-1 unit that has a paper towel dispenser, waste receptacle, and a built-in high-speed hand dryer. While paper towels can generate waste and may be more expensive in the long run (since they are a consumable), there are instances where they are needed for uses besides hand drying, like cleaning up a mess in a washroom, or even using them to avoid touching surfaces that people don’t want direct contact with.

By selecting washroom accessories that fit seamlessly with partitions in color, as well as with a collection of washroom accessories, designers have a complete palate to create their vision.

Conclusion

Designing schools requires attention to current concepts in learning, plus attention to health and welfare issues highlighted by the recent pandemic. Strategies such as flexible spaces, indoor/outdoor connections, and better acoustics help in that regard. Improved ventilation and thermal comfort are also key aspects. Attention to restroom and toilet design in the interest of better hygiene, health, and privacy is required. Altogether, designing with a focus on health and welfare is in everyone’s best interest.

OPERABLE GLASS WALL CASE STUDY

Photos courtesy of NanaWall Systems

The use of multiple products from a single manufacturer helps to promote a more cohesive design, with coordinated washroom accessories, partitions, and other items, in a hygienic washroom.

Project: Farrell High School
Location: Staten Island, New York
Architect: Studio 16 - David Businelli, AIA, CEO

The Project: Monsignor Farrell High School, situated in New York City’s southernmost borough of Staten Island, is one of the many schools adapting 21st-century learning spaces within their campus. Opened in 1961, the all-boys Catholic school’s primary mission is to provide quality education for its students while challenging them to develop their talents and ideas.

The Challenge: The challenging strategy involved retrofitting the building with 21st-century school standards, along with forward-thinking classroom design and sustainable building materials. The first endeavor involved reimagining the library into a Learning Commons - a multiuse, flexible learning area for teachers and students alike. Before the renovation, library bookshelves took over the space where the seminar rooms now stand, halting any natural light transmission and diminishing visibility. Sound attenuation was also recognized as a paramount concern in this academic environment, especially in a multifunctional space like the Learning Commons.

The Design Solution: “One of the goals of the project was to bring the school into the 21st century,” says Studio 16 Architecture architect and CEO David Businelli. “The Learning Commons was to be not only a fully functional, modern space that would be well utilized, but also an attraction for new students.” As an alumnus of the school, Businelli was honored to reenvision the library where he read his first architecture book. Although the school’s original vision included fixed metal and glass walls that would form two separate classrooms, the architect proposed a more dynamic design with acoustic glass wall systems to provide maximum flexibility of space while supporting sustainability standards.

The three sound-rated, aluminum-framed folding glass walls encompass a total width of about 80 feet. Each 9-foot-tall system is configured with a swing panel that facilitates ingress and egress when the acoustic glass wall systems are closed. In a unique configuration, a 12-panel folding glass wall system meets at the corner with another 7-panel system, creating a room-within-a-room configuration. The boxed area is then partitioned by a third 7-panel system in a T-intersection layout. This configuration allows for the utmost in flexibility—allowing for up to four different arrangements within the Learning Commons. This redesigned space is utilized as additional classroom space to hold lectures and seminars.

The Results: The dynamic interior acoustic glass wall systems maximize the space to allow for multiple activities to happen at once. “The operable glass panels, which can be moved left or right, allow teachers and administration flexibility on seminar room configuration,” explains Businelli. In addition, he points out that sound is well-controlled. “The operable glass walls provide superior acoustic control. They are an integral part of the sound attenuation system, along with the LVT floor and the ceiling systems.” In terms of lighting, Businelli observes “They allow for greater use of daylight farther into the building.” For staff, this means better visibility and control of space. For students, natural light increases their productivity and overall retention.”