For modern workplaces, a well-designed washroom encompasses much more than simply a few basins and an engaging wall mural. Commercial washrooms are an often-underestimated area of interior refurbishment that transcends functional design, so whether you are currently planning your redesign project or are looking for inspiration, we’ve put together our ranking of the key elements of a functional washroom.
1. Hygiene and Cleanliness
First and foremost, the purpose of any washroom is to improve the standards of hygiene and cleanliness across a business. These high standards are a fundamental way of maintaining a safe working environment for employees and visitors, and the emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness in washroom design is so much more than just a functional requirement – it becomes a reflection of an organisation’s commitment to public health, customer care, and high operational standards.
A well-designed washroom that prioritises hygiene is therefore an indispensable business asset, contributing to the overall health of the community and enhancing the reputation of the business.
To create a hygienic, easy-to-use washroom, the first step should be to provide adequate facilities for hand washing and drying. No matter what sector your business operates in, or what your employees may be handling or coming into contact with every day, handwashing is the primary defence against the spread of germs or infection. Being able to regularly sanitise their hands eliminates any contaminants or germs that employees may be carrying that can affect hygiene standards or cause widespread infection, and incorporating touchless technologies for taps, soap dispensers, and hand dryers will further minimise the spread of germs by eliminating common touchpoints that often harbour bacteria.
2. Accessibility and Inclusivity
A workplace washroom must be accessible to all users, and prioritising accessibility and inclusivity in the design will ensure universal access and a seamless user journey.
This means adhering to legal requirements for accessibility, and also going beyond, to ensure ease of use. Features such as wide entry doors, adequate turning space for wheelchairs, grab bars, and height-appropriate sinks are essential, demonstrating a business’s dedication to supporting every member of their team. Similarly, design considerations should also include gender inclusivity features, with the provision of gender-neutral facilities where possible to offer a safe and welcoming space for transgender and non-binary individuals.
Such consideration ensures that all individuals, regardless of physical ability or gender identity, can use the facilities safely and comfortably. This commitment to inclusivity not only adheres to legal requirements but also reflects the organisation’s values of inclusivity and respect, and its commitment to creating a safe and hygienic space for all users.
3. Sustainability and Water Efficiency
As businesses across the globe strive to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, washroom redesign projects offer unique opportunities to reassess the energy and water efficiency of a premises.
Selecting fixtures that reduce water use is a long-term way to reduce the environmental impact of a business, such as low-flow toilets, sensor-activated taps, and waterless urinals. Implementing a greywater recycling system to reuse sink water for toilet flushing is also an excellent way to reuse water sustainably and keep costs down in the long term.
When selecting lighting fixtures, energy-efficient lighting should be a top priority, so install energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors to minimise electricity consumption, as well as reminding all those who use the washroom of the importance of conserving energy and reducing water consumption.
Finally, opt for recycled or sustainably sourced materials for countertops, partitions, and flooring, and also consider installing green roofs or walls to improve air quality and aesthetics. This approach to design not only benefits the planet by reducing carbon footprints and conserving natural resources, but also offers financial advantages by lowering utility costs and showcases a responsible and forward-thinking approach to commercial refurbishment.
4. Durability and Maintenance
Washrooms are high-traffic areas that require materials and fixtures that can withstand constant use, so to maintain the long-term functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space, choose durable surfaces and vandal-resistant fixtures that can resist wear and tear. Employing self-cleaning technologies, such as coatings that repel water, oil, and dirt, and touchless fixtures will also reduce the need for constant cleaning and limit damage to the equipment, as well as offering significant cost savings and reducing the environmental impact.
Similarly, designing washrooms with maintenance in mind — through easy-to-clean surfaces and vandal-resistant features — streamlines the upkeep process, ensuring that facilities remain in optimal condition with minimal effort. Incorporating modular designs also allows for easy part replacement and further simplifies maintenance tasks, ultimately saving time and resources whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
5. Aesthetics and Comfort
While functionality is key, commercial washrooms should be a welcoming environment with thoughtful lighting, colour schemes, and layout, all intended to enhance user comfort and ensure a positive experience.
Improving the aesthetic and comfort of a washroom requires a blend of creativity, functionality, and attention to detail, particularly as washrooms are also a reflection of a business’s commitment to their employees and visitors. Providing amenities such as adequate ventilation, ambient lighting, and temperature control ensures a comfortable environment for all users, and the layout should be carefully designed to maximise privacy and make the most of the space, particularly if a large team will be using it. The focus upon ergonomic design should also extend to fixtures and fittings, with hands-free technology for taps and soap dispensers enhancing hygiene and convenience.
When decorating the washroom, a natural, calming colour palette should also be used to create a relaxed, neutral space, and small areas of visual interest can be created as needed. Consider the inclusion of art or decorative elements to personalise, but not overpower, the space, and incorporate green elements, such as large leafy plants or small potted plants, to bring a sense of nature indoors and enhance the air quality. Through these inventive strategies, a commercial washroom can effortlessly become a sanctuary that prioritises user comfort without compromising on an excellent aesthetic.
Commercial Washroom Design
By focusing on these five elements, businesses can create commercial washrooms that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to overall user satisfaction and positive brand perception.
A washroom redesign project is an investment in your business’s future, so if you’re looking to improve your commercial washrooms to meet the highest standards of design and functionality, contact our team today for innovative solutions that prioritise hygiene, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
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