A park district approves the funding of the construction of a new public bathroom. The location has been determined, the building looks suitable and the team is now ready to go forward.
The contractor will then start to examine the site. The drainage issue is an issue at the proposed site. The utility connections are further away than what was expected. The delivery vehicle might struggle to get into installation areas and building configurations may not fit the available space.
Image credit: romtec.com
These problems do not necessarily mean that the construction project won’t proceed. They can, however, result in redesigns and extra costs, in addition to delays in construction. Developers and public agencies bathroom projects, it is more manageable when the site’s conditions affect the construction choice from the start.
Building plans don’t tell the whole story
Prior to deciding on prefabricated restrooms for parks, the team should be aware of what the surrounding property is capable of accommodating. The slope of the site, soil conditions, drainage and utility availability as well as accessibility to construction can all impact the installation.
A restroom in a playground, for example it may require to be connected to the current infrastructure of sewers and water. If those connections are unavailable or costly to expand or extend, the construction may require an alternative approach to sanitation.
It is important to consider the site’s specific conditions in addition to any applicable codes. The layout standard for a building may appear to appear to be acceptable on paper, but it’s likely to require substantial changes once these factors are taken into account.
Urban Projects are subject to their own constraints in the area of construction
Installing sidewalk restrooms involves more than finding enough space for a compact structure. On public sidewalks there are usually underground utilities, pedestrian paths, street furniture and building entrances nearby. Construction activities may also require coordination with local authorities.
A bathroom located too close to an existing utility corridor could cause difficulties with foundation or excavation work. Accessibility is another aspect to take into account. The entrance and the surrounding area should be designed in accordance to any applicable requirements.
Romtec offers custom-designed ADA designed single-user bathrooms, including the option of a different location for the sink and door. The design options offer project teams the flexibility to adapt to site limitations and plan for an efficient public use.
Do you have no sewer Connection? Think about the Alternatives
Remote recreation sites face a different infrastructure challenge. A trailhead might be several miles away from the closest sewer outlet, making traditional flush toilets not practical.
If they are located in the right places in the right locations, vault toilets offer the option of water-free toilets. These toilets do not make use of a sewer to transport wastewater, but instead collect the waste in a tank which needs to be maintained regularly.
The option of vault toilets does not make it unnecessary to conduct the site’s planning. The project needs to be constructed in a suitable location, with adequate soil conditions, access to servicing equipment safely with adequate ventilation and respect for environmental regulations.
Romtec’s Sweet-Smelling technology (SST) is used to design waterless vault toilets. It helps to control stinks through ventilation. Selecting the sanitation system prior to construction will help avoid costly changes in the design of the building later.
Construction Coordination begins before delivery
The most popular misconception about prefabricated structures is that the majority of construction decisions are made by the manufacturer. In reality, site preparation, foundation requirements, utility connections, accessibility, and local approvals are still required to be coordinated. Romtec tackles these issues with modular building kits and design services instead of relying exclusively on rigid, universally-sized structures.
The company collaborates with landscaping architects, contractors and project managers to align building specifications and site specifics. This technique is particularly helpful when a bathroom must match a specific architectural style or meet unique property requirements.
Better questions can help you create a better project
Owners must decide how utilities will be brought to the structure, what construction equipment can access the site, and what approvals are needed prior to approving the purchase of restrooms.
It is essential to determine whether the system chosen for sanitation will be able to accommodate the number of expected visitors and if the facility is still able to be constructed without major infrastructure improvements.
These kinds of questions aren’t as exciting than the exterior finishes and architectural details but can influence more on the project’s costs and timeframe.
It’s not enough to complete an item on time. A successful public restroom project is one that considers the building, the infrastructure of the location as well as the design and usage. If those decisions are made before the restroom is completed, it is more solid in serving the community efficiently.