Case Study: Bournemouth University Washroom Design and Refurbishment

With a portfolio of properties and campuses, Bournemouth University is large enough to have its own contractors and tradesmen. With alterations and improvement, works mapped out on a meticulous schedule, we were approached to give our professional advice and specifications for a series of washroom refurbishments taking place at their Poole House location. The installation works would be carried out by their in-house team but required a full specification, design and supply from Commercial Washrooms.

This first phase of work would see a male and a female washroom being renovated. As well as a new suspended ceiling and non-slip safety flooring being fitted, the site team were supplied with a brand new integrated plumbing system and DUCT set, which would serve as a false wall behind the toilets. This design means that all the plumbing services, waste and cisterns are concealed behind a wall of panelling. These panels, made from solid-grade laminate, are completely impervious to water so will never swell or weaken from ingress water. They will also not suffer from mould or damp issues. As part of this IPS duct set, special subframes were fitted in order to take the wall-hung toilet pans. These pans keep the floor clear, making them easier to clean, but also making the cubicle spaces look bigger. 

The cubicles were also made from solid-grade laminate for durability purposes, and were of a full-height construction, giving more privacy to users, and giving a higher-end finish overall. 

Over at the hand washing area, we supplied custom vanity units, made from more solid grade laminate, that carried a solid surface Corian top, with inset ceramic basins. This was paired with Delabie sensor taps and sleek sensor activated hand dryers. Bringing sensor activation to the hand wash area is a huge step in improving hygiene in a building. Infra-red sensors remove the number of touch points in a wash space. When users no longer need to physically turn or push tap and hand dryer controls, we remove the spread of bacteria significantly, especially post hand wash. 

Sensor taps also help economically, reducing water usage and in turn, sewerage. The washrooms at Poole House have been designed and supplied with an emphasis on durability, safety and hygiene, upgrading their old washrooms to a modern, aesthetically pleasing finish throughout. 

By using our specification services, Bournemouth University was able to guarantee that its new washrooms are made to the best commercial standard possible, ensuring a prolonged and useful life of the washrooms going forward.