Park district approves the funding of a new public bathroom. The location has been chosen, the building looks suitable and the project team is now ready to begin the process.
The contractor then begins to analyze the site. The chosen site has drainage problems. The utility connections could be farther from the proposed location than originally thought. The delivery vehicle could struggle to get to the installation area, and the building layouts might not fit the available space.
Image credit: romtec.com
The project won’t be stopped if none of the issues are addressed. However, they could result in redesigns or additional expenses, and delays in construction. Developers and public agencies can manage a bathroom project much more efficiently if construction conditions are taken into consideration at the beginning.
A Building Drawing Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Before deciding on the prefabricated park restroom buildings the project team must know the property’s capacity to allow for. The slope of the property soil condition and drainage along with access to construction facilities and utilities will all affect the installation.
A restroom near a playground, as an example it may require to be connected to the existing infrastructure of sewers and water. If those connections are unavailable or costly to expand, the project may need an alternative approach to sanitation.
The foundation and the location of the building must be able to accommodate applicable codes, accessibility requirements and specific site conditions. It is possible that a standard design layout for a building looks great on paper, but needs significant changes after these details have been considered.
Urban Projects are subject to their own constraints in terms of construction
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On public sidewalks it is common to find underground utilities, pedestrian walkways as well as street furniture and access points close to. Collaboration with local authorities can be required for construction projects.
If a bathroom is too close to a utility line, it may result in foundation or excavation issues. Accessibility is another factor to consider. The entrance and the access must satisfy any applicable requirements.
Romtec offers customizable ADA-focused toilets for single users, with options for door and sink position. These design choices allow project teams to respond to limitations on the physical space while designing for practical public use.
Not a sewer connection? You don’t have a sewer connection? Think about Alternatives
Remote recreation sites present a unique challenge for infrastructure. A trailhead can be miles from the nearest sewer outlet, making traditional flush toilets unsuitable.
Vault toilets are an alternative to toilets without water in certain areas. Instead of transporting wastewater to a sewer system, they collect the waste and store it in a holding chamber that must be cleaned periodically.
Selecting a vaulted toilet will make it easier to plan your site. The project still needs suitable ground conditions, safe access to servicing equipment, adequate ventilation, and the compliance of applicable environmental regulations.
Romtec’s Sweet-Smelling technology (SST) is employed to create water-free vault toilets. This assists in reducing odors by ventilation. If you live in remote areas, choosing the sanitation system early can help prevent costly changes to the building design later.
Construction Coordination Begins Before Delivery
One of the most frequently-held misconceptions about prefabricated constructions is that a majority of construction decisions are made by the manufacturer. In reality, coordination is still needed for site preparation, utility connections accessibility, and local approvals. Romtec’s strategy for these projects is to use customized building kits and design guidance rather than relying on pre-built structures.
The company is in close contact with landscape architects, project owners, and contractors to match the building requirements to those of the site. This is especially useful when a restroom must match an existing architectural style or meet the unique requirements of a property.
Asking better questions will help you design a better project
Owners must determine how the utilities will be delivered to the building, how construction equipment can get to the site and what approvals must be obtained prior to purchasing restrooms.
It is crucial to know what sanitation system can accommodate the number of expected visitors and also if the structure can be built without major infrastructure changes.
The questions may not be as relevant than choosing architectural finishes or exterior finishes yet they can have more of an impact on project costs and schedule.
It’s not enough to deliver an item on time. It’s one that has the building and site infrastructure, construction process, and intended use have been considered together. The finished restroom is more efficient if the decisions are made in advance.