WASHROOM DESIGN

Every commercial, institutional, and industrial building needs one or (usually) more washrooms. Architects and interior designers recognize that the facade of a building, the landscape, the entryway, the lobby, etc., are noticed once or twice a day by occupants of the building. However, the most used or frequented part of a building besides the primary activity areas (work areas, classrooms, etc.) is the washroom. Although they are often seen as non-revenue generating parts of a building, washrooms can make a considerable difference in how people perceive the building both as a pleasant place to be (or not) and for the value of rent. Hence, they should receive as much, if not more design attention as other areas of the building.

Recognizing the significance that restrooms can garner in all building types, there are several key interior design trends and concepts to consider.

• Design for Appearance: The overall design concept of a building often carries through to the washrooms. Toilet partitions make one of the biggest visual and material impacts and come in several material options such as powder-coated steel, stainless steel, solid plastic, plastic laminate, and phenolic. Each has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of design options as well as cleanliness and durability for different situations. Similarly, washroom accessories come with material and appearance choices. Type 304 stainless steel is the standard for the washroom industry but that is not always consistent with an overall design intent. At least one manufacturer has introduced a line of matte black finished accessories which often blend in better with a particular design scheme.
• Design for Privacy: There is a heightened awareness of the need for privacy in restrooms. It is important to note that privacy has always been important; it is just that more people seem to be giving it the appropriate attention it deserves. For many people, there is simply a need to feel safe which can cause public restrooms to bring out deep-rooted fears. While some people may be mildly bothered by the thought of using a public washroom, others are paralyzed by the prospect—to the point that they cannot use the washroom while it is occupied by others. Hence, privacy is not an optional attribute for many.

Fortunately, privacy can be ensured with good design and proper installation of extra tall privacy partitions. Attention needs to be given to uneven floors or changes in wall dimensions during construction which can cause gaps between the doors and pilasters and can even cause locking mechanisms to get compromised if the stalls are installed askew. If there is concern about that happening, there are several options to consider. For example, one manufacturer makes metal partitions that have an integrated privacy system built-in as their standard offering so there is no retrofitting of privacy strips needed. Another good option would be to specify European-style partitions that are defined by extra height on both doors and panels, adjustable pedestals to compensate for uneven floors, superior hardware, and routed edges at sightlines between doors and pilasters that eliminate visibility into the stalls.

• Design for Accessibility: Ensuring accessibility for people with every type of physical ability is fundamental and dictated by building codes and ADA civil rights legislation. Therefore, it is important to work with manufacturers of restroom equipment that fully address issues like circulation path, maneuverability, clear floor space, reach ranges, and even door swings among others. If manufacturers of washroom accessories and partitions don’t have the experience to meet these unique needs, specifying products that adhere to the requirements can be a challenge.

Altogether, washrooms should be treated as any other space that needs to be designed with selections made by manufacturers that allow for the needed options and choices.

FUNCTIONALITY TRENDS

While design and appearance is always important, so is the functionality of any interior space. User concerns as well as needs for maintenance and facility management play a large role in the satisfaction of all of the people who use building interiors. The following sections address some of the corresponding functionality aspects of the design elements discussed.

Using Aluminum Interior Trim Effectively

Since aluminum is highly durable, recyclable, lightweight, and non-combustible, it is a popular and logical choice for interior trim. Extruded aluminum trim avoids and overcomes some of the issues associated with other materials. Wood trim, for example, is easily prone to damage, may not meet fire-resistance requirements in some cases, and is organic, meaning it can promote mold and mildew growth if it gets wet. Painted steel can chip and rust while plastic interior trim is not known for its long-term durability. Aluminum interior trim is also easier to clean than other materials, usually with a low-profile edge that makes the junction with wall panels easier to clean as well.

The inherent durability of extruded aluminum has been proven in countless projects for the protection of the edges of all the materials it is combined with. Aluminum extrusion is a highly versatile metal-forming process that has been used for a wide array of products in construction. Most extruded shapes for architectural use are fabricated from 6063 aluminum alloy, with magnesium and silicon as the alloying elements. Type 6063-T5 Aluminum, commonly referred to as the architectural alloy, has a very smooth surface and is the best alloy suited for anodizing applications. The T5 designation indicates it has been artificially aged and moderately heat-treated. Extruded aluminum products are readily available and are designed to be used with standard products such as 5/8-inch-½” thick panels.

Extruded aluminum is also a very sustainable material since it is usually made up of a significant amount of recycled material. Commonly, the aluminum used in buildings contains 75-100 percent postindustrial and post-consumer content. That means extruded aluminum trim can contribute to LEED points for buildings seeking certification or green building status. Specifically, aluminum interior trim products can earn or contribute to credits in categories MR 4.1 and MR 4.2. These credits require a minimum percentage of the value of the building materials to be recycled. Since there may be a lot of linear feet of such aluminum trim, the contribution can be significant.

When specifying aluminum trim, it is important to coordinate the material attributes with the profile shapes being used. Specifically, profiles can include reveals that are recessed by the depth of the wall panels or moldings, bases, and aluminum millwork pieces which may be recessed or protruded. There are also corner pieces that can match the style of other profiles, be a traditional edge, or have an expressive rounded shape. In some cases, a two-piece trim system can be called for to help with harder-to-install situations or greater durability. Specialty pieces are also available that address acoustical concerns or fire resistance rating requirements.

Nate German is the Specifications Manager at Tamlyn and has seen how aluminum trim has evolved into an interior design trend. "The product, in essence, is a very simple one. At the end of the day, it's just aluminum. However, details do make a difference and when these interior trim profiles are used correctly and in a creative manner, the impact will be significant. It can and will be the focal point of your design."