A park district approves funds for an open-air restroom. The location has been selected and the building appears to be suitable and the team is ready to start the construction process.
Image credit: romtec.com
The contractor then begins to review the location. The drainage issue is an issue at the proposed site. It is possible that the utility lines are further from the proposed location than originally thought. Delivery vehicles could have trouble reaching the building site and the chosen building configuration might not align with the available space.
The issues they face do not have to suggest that the project cannot continue. However, they can result in redesigns, extra costs, and construction delays. When the location’s requirements determine the construction method from the beginning it is easier for both builders and public agencies to manage restroom projects.
The whole picture isn’t shown by a drawing of a building
Before selecting prefabricated park restroom buildings, project teams should understand what the surrounding property can accommodate. The slope of the land as well as the soil and drainage conditions, as well as accessibility to utilities and construction access are all factors that can have an impact on installation.
A restroom in a playground, as an example it may require to be connected to the current infrastructure of sewers and water. If the infrastructure in place is not in place or if it would be expensive to upgrade those connections, then a new sanitation procedure could be required.
The foundation of the building and its placement must be able to accommodate the applicable codes, accessibility requirements as well as site-specific restrictions. The layout standard for an building might appear to appear acceptable on paper but it’s likely to require substantial changes when these details are taken into account.
Urban Projects have their own construction limitations
It takes more than just the search for a tiny space to put a restroom on the sidewalk. On sidewalks are generally underground utilities, pedestrian routes and street furniture. Coordinating construction activities with local authorities is required.
The location of a bathroom too close to a utility corridor could cause problems with foundation or excavation work. Accessibility is another consideration to be considered. The entrance and the surrounding area should be designed in accordance with the requirements of the time.
Romtec offers custom-designed ADA specific single-user restrooms which includes options for positioning of sink and door. The design options offer teams working on projects the ability to work with the constraints of the location and plan for an efficient public use.
Not a sewer connection? Do you not have a sewer connection? alternatives
Remote recreation sites pose a different infrastructure challenge. The nearest sewer connection may be several miles away, making flush toilets not feasible.
If they are located in the right places in the right locations, vault toilets offer an alternative to water. These toilets do not make use of a sewer to transport wastewater, but rather collect it in a storage tank which needs to be maintained regularly.
The option of vault toilets does not remove the need for design and planning of the site. The project requires suitable soil conditions, access to the equipment for servicing safely with adequate ventilation and the compliance with environmental regulations.
Romtec creates vault toilets with waterless design that incorporate its Sweet-Smelling Technology (SST) which is intended to help manage odors through ventilation. Selecting the sanitation system prior to construction can help prevent expensive changes in the design of the building in the future.
Construction coordination begins before delivery
The most common misconception regarding prefabricated constructions is that a majority of project decisions are already made by the manufactures. In actuality, preparation of the site and foundation requirements, utilities connections accessibility, and local approvals will require coordination. Romtec’s approach for these projects is to use customized building kits and design assistance rather than relying on fixed structures.
The company works with landscape builders and architects to ensure that specifications for construction conform to site-specific specifications. This strategy is particularly advantageous when a bathroom needs to conform to an existing architectural style or accommodate unusual property conditions.
A successful project begins with Better Questions
Before approving purchases for restrooms, owners should establish how the facility will receive the power, what equipment will get to the location and what authorizations will be required.
It is crucial to know what sanitation system is able to handle the volume of people expected to visit as well as if the structure can still be installed without major infrastructure modifications.
They may be less exciting than choosing architectural or exterior finishes however, they could have a greater influence on project costs and timeframes.
It’s just not enough to build the building on time. The structure, the site infrastructure, the construction process, and its intended usage are all taken into account. When these decisions are taken early, the finished restroom is more solid in serving the community efficiently.