Matravers School Toilet Refurbishment - Case Study

Wiltshire’s Matravers School approached us to refurbish some existing washrooms that were in need of a complete redesign to tackle some ongoing problems. Vandalism is a familiar occurrence in secondary schools and in this particular washroom the internal layout meant that there was no clear line of vision for faculty members to monitor the room effectively.

Following a 3D design and specification process, the decision was made to completely transform the internal layout of the washroom, creating an open-plan unisex washroom with a new larger, fully compliant disabled cubicle.

With durability and greater visibility being key requirements, internal walls were removed and a glass-panelled door was installed partnered with a large window that gave a clear view into the communal hand wash area.

Screed flooring was laid to overcome the discrepancies in the uneven floor, which was then covered with vinyl anti-slip safety flooring. IPS ducting was fitted to house and conceal all the cisterns and services, protecting them from accidental damage and tampering, but also making the cubicles much easier to clean.

A key component in creating a unisex washroom is the installation of full height cubicles. Matravers School chose solid grade laminate cubicles for their robust durability. The material is impervious to water so will not weaken or swell from ingress moisture and humidity and is perhaps the most hard-wearing option available.

To distinguish between the male and female cubicles a simple colour way of pink and blue was used, with the cubicles separated by a custom solid surface vanity unit with recessed washbasins. Non-concussive taps were chosen, as they can't be left on accidentally.

The existing bare iron roof was covered up with a new suspended ceiling, which housed a ventilation system that serviced each cubicle. Walls were clad in a hygienic, easy to clean Whiterock cladding that can be thermo-formed around corners to remove join lines, an area prone to grime and bacteria build up.

The new disabled cubicle was much more spacious and featured all the necessary grab rails, an internal washbasin, outward opening door and emergency pull cord.

Brushed stainless steel toilet roll dispensers and hand dryers were used throughout, maintaining durability, but also giving a smart aesthetic to the finished washroom.

This full service refurbishment was carried out over the final week of summer holidays and the first weeks of autumn term 2017. Our DBS checked staff scheduled deliveries and building works to cause minimal disruption to the daily operations of the busy school.