Having previously discussed the main considerations when designing school washrooms in our two-part guide, now’s the perfect time for schools to order their brand-new washrooms so they can be designed and installed in time for the 2015/16 academic year. Here at Spectrum Interiors, we understand that a washroom is a vital part of any building, and it must be fully equipped with all the necessary features to present a clean, hygienic and modern image. The process of having a new washroom designed and installed and the length of time this can take will vary depending on each project. So, as we…

Providing employees and clients with fully functioning washroom facilities in an office environment is essential so they feel completely comfortable using the facilities and that all their needs are taken care of. According to the HSE’s Welfare at Work guidance, employers have a duty to provide “adequate and appropriate welfare facilities” while their staff are at work, which includes: Washing Toilet Rest Changing A clean area to eat and drink during breaks This article will serve to explain the guidance offices must follow to ensure their office washrooms fulfil the necessary requirements. Toilet and washing facilities All employers are responsible for…

Following on from the first installment of our two-part guide last month, this article will discuss how your choice of cubicles, taps and IPS panels can improve the standards of performance for school toilets. Cubicles According to official guidance which details the standards of performance for school toilets, there are typically three main options when designing cubicle systems to ensure they fit with the requirements of the room: Structural soffit/ceiling hung system – this is the preferred option for schools where ease of maintenance and cleaning are priority. These products generally cost more than floor-mounted systems, so cost and the design…

In line with the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, the British government has released a detailed guide to show the standards of performance for school toilets. It’s exceptionally important that premises belonging to the education sector maintain high levels of hygiene so students, teachers and visitors feel totally comfortable using the toilet facilities. Privacy and cleanliness are of paramount importance, which is why major consideration must be taken to ensure superior quality as well as stylish design. The primary purpose of the BSF initiative was to provide every secondary school throughout England with new buildings and revolutionary ways of…

As the largest organ in our body, our skin has a plethora of functions to keep us healthy, including heat regulation, control of evaporation, absorption and water resistance. One of the main duties of our skin is to protect our body against harmful germs which can cause sickness. This bacteria can be contracted from simply touching other people or contaminated surfaces, so our skin acts as the main barrier to prevent such germs entering the body. It has been reported that 80% of common infections are spread by hands, so one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of…

Washrooms and shower units are primarily a functional space where style can be achieved through excellent use of colour and materials. Here at Spectrum Interiors we understand the importance of reflecting your company’s ethos through your choice of decor and washroom design to ensure employees and guests feel comfortable. An example of a commercial setting where hygienic washroom facilities must be provided to the public is on an aeroplane. Kitting out plane washrooms with well-fitted, fresh vanity units and panelling is an effective way of improving hygiene, balancing style with cleanliness. This article will serve to show some of the most extravagant…

The law It’s important to ensure that proper consideration is given for disabled users when designing new or refurbished toilet/cleaning facilities. UK law requires that ‘reasonable changes’ need to be made and there are numerous examples of people that have failed to comply. It may seem like the last thing a smaller business needs to take into consideration, when times are tough, is catering to a minority group, and it is easy to resent these legal impositions on your business or organisation and the threat of legal action. However, let’s focus on the pros rather than the cons. Positive reasons for…

A shower room design must welcome users to cleanse, de-stress and wash away the worries from the outside world. It is the perfect opportunity to get creative and make the most of the space provided, no matter how big or small.  This article will serve to describe 5 amazing shower room designs, all of which have features that can be applied to your commercial environment. Narrow Yet Functional This contemporary design makes excellent use of a narrow space while providing a sleek, professional appearance. The rich mahogany slats create a flowing, minimalist aesthetic for added sophistication and a sense of luxury….

When decorating our own homes, most of us will spend a great deal of time considering the colour scheme to make sure it complements the rest of your home seamlessly. However, when it comes to commercial buildings, it seems that this is a long way down the list. Most commercial buildings have washrooms which are functional, to say the least, and the colour scheme is often either a very plain white or a combination of whatever dark colours are left over from the rest of the building. This can often create a dull and gloomy place to spend time, causing users…

Planning a new washroom can be fun and exciting, and calling in a professional washroom designer to take charge can be greatly beneficial, but there are a number of very important points and considerations that need to be covered first. These range from making sure you are hiring a good reputable contractor, to carefully considering the construction, furnishing, décor, and appliances. Hiring the right person for the job Firstly, when hiring a contractor, you have to ensure that they are experienced and have the right skills for the job. Just because they have a good website, does not mean that the…