When faced with a tight timeframe to carry out works, partnered with multiple departments required for signoff, the three phases of our full design and specification service allowed a leading manufacturing business to speed its washroom refurbishment plans along to meet a critical deadline.

Initial site survey

On an initial site survey, we were able to take exacting measurements and assess the services including mains water and electricity, along with sewerage and waste. This critical phase also gave us the opportunity to liaise with the facilities managers and gather the key requirements for the new washrooms. Following additional input from the HR and marketing departments, the new washrooms required a robust, durable finish, but with the trappings of clean modern design. This broader insight from the business allowed them to tailor these new facilities to the workforce and include specific fixtures and design elements.

Conducting the site survey and getting this early stage right is integral to keeping refurbishment projects on track. When carried out effectively, the specification can incorporate clear details and additional requirements, which would be more difficult to bring in at a later date. By having a LAN project manager on site, we are also able to advise on the feasibility of various design aspects too. In this instance, the HR and marketing teams were able to give valuable insight into the usability needs of the new male and female washrooms, while the facilities manager shone light on critical durability and maintenance issues. The result is a highly detailed and thought out brief for us to build a specification.

CAD drawings and 3D visuals

During this second stage we produce detailed CAD drawings and plot the room in precise detail. This gives us the ability to ensure that various layout options will work, and allows us to factor in enough room for turning circles and passing space.

From these detailed plans a variety of 3D visuals were created. Each variant was put together around the company’s specification and incorporated all the design, usability and durability requirements. This allowed us to present a range of options to the client and give them a detailed rendering of how their finished washrooms would look and feel.

From here, the client was able to fine tune the design and make any last minute amendments and changes. The great advantage of these initial two phases is that clients get to see a full visual representation of their future washrooms along with a detailed breakdown of costs prior to any work commencing on site. This is particularly useful in businesses where works need sign-off from multiple people, and removes the onus sitting with just one person. This staggered approach also means that by the time that work is due to begin on site, that the specification is crystal clear and unlikely to encounter any last minute hiccups or adjustments, which can save a lot of time.

Refurbishment works

The chosen design was put into action and saw the installation of standard height cubicles in white ash, which has a subtle wood grain effect. All cisterns and services were concealed within a duct set, keeping them out of reach and protected, but also making the cubicles easier to clean.

To further aid the easy clean nature of the new washrooms, Altro Walkway flooring was laid, which has anti-slip properties. This was particularly necessary as both washrooms had new shower facilities installed as well as a single squat pan toilet with accompanying douche.

To maintain a high level of hygiene, sensor activation was used throughout the washroom from PIR lighting through to sensor taps and hand dryers. Custom solid surface wash troughs were installed in both the men’s and ladies washrooms, which had extended vanity areas for bags, toiletries and makeup. Above this vanity space we installed electric plug points to comply with building regulations and provide users with a power point for hair dryers, shavers and hair straighteners.  

The mirrors above this hand wash and vanity area were brought forward to house mood lighting, which was diffused against the splash back and helped create a clean, modern aesthetic.

By choosing to employ our full design and specification services, we were able to keep this refurbishment project moving along at a strong pace and meet an ambitious completion deadline. The project was completed on time and on budget delivering a heightened, modern look to the company’s new washrooms.