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We were contacted by King Arthur’s School in Wincanton, Somerset to redevelop four student washrooms. As well as being very outdated and in poor condition, the washrooms had received several small remedial works over the years, resulting in a washroom that was full of surface-mounted services like pipework and electrical conduit.
The new headteacher was keen to transform the spaces to make them easier to clean and maintain, but also provide the school with washrooms they could be proud of. This, in turn, would help foster more respect for the washrooms, which had previously suffered from misuse.
After the complete removal of the existing wash spaces, our team turned their attention to the manhole covers within the rooms. These were replaced with manhole covers that would accommodate vinyl flooring so that a clean, watertight finish could be achieved. Floor gulleys beneath the vanity units were also backfilled before a Marley vinyl flooring was fitted throughout.
The original windows were of a metal frame, single-glazed construction, which was not providing adequate thermal efficiency. We replaced most windows with PVC double glazed units, while others were strategically blocked up. Those covered were behind vanity units so that mirrors could be placed above them, while some windows in the boy's washrooms were covered to accommodate full height duct systems for urinals. This ensured all mains water feeds and waste services were concealed making the washroom easier to clean and secure from accidental damage and tampering.
Corian solid surface wash troughs were installed with counter mounted Bristan non-concussive taps. These models emit water for a set period of time, removing the risk of water accidentally being left on and delivering substantial water savings at the site over the course of a year. Beneath these wash troughs were solid grade laminate vanity units, which concealed all pipework as well as a new waste system. Franke soap dispensers and our own stainless steel sensor hand dryers were also installed to round out the hand washing element of the new washrooms.
Vitra back to wall toilet pans were used within the cubicles, which were of a solid grade laminate construction. This material is one of the most durable and long-lasting available. Being completely impervious to water, it will never swell or weaken from ingress water, delivering a reliably tough cubicle that can stand up to the school environment. The space in one of the girls’ washrooms was changed slightly so that an ambulant cubicle with a full Doc-M pack could be fitted for the use of disabled users.
Altro Whiterock wall cladding was used throughout the washrooms due to its high hygiene values, further aiding the wash spaces with easy clean functionality. Where the original ceiling heights varied, we installed a new suspended ceiling to deliver a cleaner finish, but also to house a new ventilation system to control humidity and help remove foul odours.
The washroom refurbishment works were carried out over the 2019 summer holidays to ensure no disruption to students or school faculty. Competed on time and on budget, the works have been well received by all who attend and work at King Arthur’s School.
