First impressions matter: exploring the importance of commercial washrooms with Armitage Shanks and Ideal Standard

By Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing Manager, Ideal Standard & Armitage Shanks

Playing a key role in unifying specification, design and maintenance teams, facilities managers are becoming more involved than ever before when it comes to commercial washrooms.

But with considerations around sustainability, accessibility, durability and hygiene all competing for attention, it’s often difficult for facilities managers to know where to start.

Here, Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing Manager for Ideal Standard UK and Armitage Shanks, explains the impact that the right product choices can have, and how facilities managers can make commercial washrooms pride of place.

A Singular™ solution

With end-user expectations at an all-time high, it’s essential for facilities managers to have access to tailored guidance and solutions that simplify thee specification process. Opting for a manufacturer with a complete commercial washroom offering, like Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, makes it easier than ever before to create spaces that look the part and are built to last.

Singular™ does just that, offering a comprehensive end-to-end journey for specification teams. The philosophy combines all of the two brands’ products and solutions, which have been designed to work together while also improving the sustainability and hygiene credentials of a washroom.

Facilities managers can also benefit from Ideal Standard’s new Singular™ Solutions Sector Books. With dedicated brochures for hotels and offices and public spaces, these handy books feature a wealth of information and make it easy for facilities managers and those looking at specification to meet the high expectations of end-users.

Investing in innovation

Touchless technology is a great addition to any commercial washroom, particularly high-traffic spaces. Often these products not only reduce the spread of germs, but also help to keep water bills low, for a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution overall.

Taking advantage of the latest technology is a way that both hygiene and sustainability levels can be improved, with products like Ideal Standard’s Intellimix® smart tap combining touchless technology with innovative features. The unique smart tap dispenses both soap and water with every touch-free use to ensure a more efficient and effective handwashing routine.

 

Featuring a 1.9 l/min flow regulator and a programable water flow duration, the fitting offers facilities managers significantly lower running costs, while reducing the amount of soap and water used. This accounts for cost savings of up to 80% on soap and 85% on water.

Facilities managers and their teams also benefit from Intellimix®’s intelligent design, which makes maintenance and cleaning simple, with less frequent and faster soap replacement compared to traditional dispensers, and reduced cleaning required. A tailor-made app gives maintenance teams more control over resources too, and provides automatic alerts when maintenance is needed.

As well as new technology, innovations and upgrades to existing product designs can also improve hygiene levels, with modern WCs and touchless flushplates also having a role to play when it comes to creating hygienic washrooms.

Many of Ideal Standard’s new WCs feature AquaBlade® flush technology. This innovation delivers a more effective and efficient use of water than traditional toilets, utilising a clever combination of positioning and water pressure. In fact, AquaBlade® ensures 100% of the bowl is cleaned every time, even on a half flush, helping to eliminate the build-up of bacteria and keep spaces fresher for longer.

The hybrid Sphero urinals from Armitage Shanks feature innovative elements too, with a unique concave shape and rimless design that reduces splashback and makes it easier to clean, while the nozzle spreader on water-flushing models delivers a more hygienic flush. Additionally, the system offers increased water efficiency compared to infrared solutions saving up to 50,000l of water per year in high-traffic environments – translating to lower water bills in the long run for commercial washrooms.

Specifying for all

Accessibility is another key area where washrooms must meet legislation, and it is essential that regulatory guidance on safety and best practice is followed to the letter.

For England, Document M sets the standard for accessibility in all buildings, with BS 8300 part 2, defining the best practices for designing an accessible and inclusive environment across the whole of the UK. For specifiers looking to create an accessible space, the Armitage Shanks’ DOC M packs help to ensure that the most up-to-date legislation is adhered to, without compromising on aesthetics. Providing all aspects needed in one neat package.

Making an impact

Clearly, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the washroom, but a carefully specified space greatly improves the day-to-day experience for end-users.

By working collaboratively with specification teams and manufacturers, facilities managers can ensure these spaces meet and surpass expectations, while also delivering a reduction in costs and improved sustainability.

To find out more, visit: www.idealspec.co.uk/hygiene-redefined.html

-ends-