Taking bespoke washroom construction off-site
When working with unusual and expensive materials, taking the time to agree all aspects of the design at the earliest stage is essential. Washroom Washroom used its off-site service to fine-tune the washroom design prior to installation during a recent high profile Paddington office project, constructing an entire run of washrooms for the client to see and approve several months ahead of installation.
Four Kingdom Street, the first building developed by British Land at Paddington Central, is a landmark nine-storey building encompassing a number of wellbeing design features including outside terraces; a ‘glass pod’ delivering a creative meeting space outside of the main floorplate; and a social rooftop space including a café, bar and London’s highest rooftop basketball court.
Washroom worked closely with Allies and Morrison and main contractor Wates Construction to create the unique high specification washrooms and showers areas, with its off-site construction service proving to be an invaluable tool for the project.
Washroom’s off-site construction process differs from the traditional modular off-site building model in that it allows scope for individually-manufactured washrooms incorporating bespoke elements. This ensures clients can benefit from the efficiency of off-site construction without compromising on the uniqueness of a washroom design.
As part of the project at Four Kingdom Street, Washroom constructed an entire run of washrooms in its factory in Essex for the client to approve several months ahead of installation. The full-size mock-ups took into consideration the placement of existing windows, doors and lighting to create an accurate representation of the finished space. A photo was even taken looking out of the existing washroom window and this image was then blown up to the exact size of the window, allowing the client the opportunity to view the washroom as close to finished as possible. Once the design was approved, the washrooms were deconstructed and stored safely at the factory ready to be delivered to site just in time.
The reduced installation time and smoother delivery process leaves the way clear for other trades to work and allows installers the flexibility to work away from the confines of a busy construction site. In addition storing finished products or materials safely away from site reduces the risk of any accidental damage occurring prior to installation.
The full height Alto toilet cubicle doors, which are a key feature of the new washroom design, were specified with a real wood veneer finish, stained to match the solid Douglas fir timber panelling in the reception area. Washroom took the lead on this and undertook several trials, adjusting the colour of the stain until a near-perfect match for the distinctive pale grey Douglas fir was achieved. This delicate process was undertaken off-site at Washroom’s Essex factory, several months ahead of installation, saving valuable time on site and reducing the risk of costly changes to the design at a later stage.
As well as the distinctive Douglas fir real wood veneer finish, the toilet cubicles also incorporate a bespoke iPad holder as part of the design. The full-height Alto cubicles feature a flush front design to create an attractive, virtually seamless façade – ideal for a high specification office washroom.
Washroom also manufactured bespoke vanity units with cast polished concrete tops manufactured by MASS Concrete and integral waste bins. Its attractive Tego hinged mirror unit was fitted above the sinks to provide a neat and compact hidden storage solution for essential washroom consumables.
The new staff shower and changing room area in the basement at Four Kingdom Street features full height Alto FENIX shower cubicles for an ultra matt, high performance finish, along with Z style Forza solid grade laminate lockers.
For more information on the range of services and products offered by Washroom Washroom, please visit www.washroom.co.uk, call 0800 999 8888 or email sales@washroom.co.uk.
