List view
1 | Project Summary
1 | Project Summary
2 | Existing Facilities
2 | Existing Facilities
3 | Problems & Precedents
3 | Problems & Precedents
4 | Capacity & User Groups
4 | Capacity & User Groups
5 | Space Planning
5 | Space Planning
6 | Services
6 | Services
7 | Wayfinding & Info
7 | Wayfinding & Info
Space Planning
Gender Neutral
Modern public toilet facilities must recognise and respond to the diverse needs of all users. Traditional 50:50 male-to-female toilet provision does not account for the fact that women typically require more time when using sanitary facilities. Furthermore, increasing numbers of people identify as non-binary and may prefer the option of gender-neutral toilets.
To support inclusivity and provide equitable access, it is beneficial to incorporate self-contained, gender-neutral toilet facilities wherever space permits. These facilities should be fully enclosed, lockable, and offer both visual and acoustic privacy, aligning closely with the design characteristics of ambulant accessible WCs.
Where only one self-contained toilet is provided, it should serve a dual function: its primary role is to support individuals with ambulant mobility impairments, while also offering a gender-neutral alternative for those who prefer not to use gender-specific spaces. This toilet should be designed in accordance with Figure 39 of BS8300-2:2018.
Ideally, gender-neutral and ambulant accessible toilets should be located outside of separate-sex areas and grouped with other unisex facilities to ensure clear access and visibility.
If the toilet cistern is not suitable as a surface for personal care tasks such as colostomy bag changing, a separate shelf should be provided at a height of 950mm above the finished floor level. However, any additional fixtures must be considered in the context of site-specific security concerns.
Toilet paper dispensers should be installed independently from paper towel dispensers and positioned on the wall closest to the WC pan. Their placement must not obstruct grab rails or accessibility fittings, ensuring ease of use for all visitors.
To support inclusivity and provide equitable access, it is beneficial to incorporate self-contained, gender-neutral toilet facilities wherever space permits. These facilities should be fully enclosed, lockable, and offer both visual and acoustic privacy, aligning closely with the design characteristics of ambulant accessible WCs.
Where only one self-contained toilet is provided, it should serve a dual function: its primary role is to support individuals with ambulant mobility impairments, while also offering a gender-neutral alternative for those who prefer not to use gender-specific spaces. This toilet should be designed in accordance with Figure 39 of BS8300-2:2018.
Ideally, gender-neutral and ambulant accessible toilets should be located outside of separate-sex areas and grouped with other unisex facilities to ensure clear access and visibility.
If the toilet cistern is not suitable as a surface for personal care tasks such as colostomy bag changing, a separate shelf should be provided at a height of 950mm above the finished floor level. However, any additional fixtures must be considered in the context of site-specific security concerns.
Toilet paper dispensers should be installed independently from paper towel dispensers and positioned on the wall closest to the WC pan. Their placement must not obstruct grab rails or accessibility fittings, ensuring ease of use for all visitors.
For added comfort and discretion, glass panels installed above 2000mm between cubicles can enhance the sense of enclosure, supporting user privacy and dignity without compromising natural light or airflow.
Where feasible, air extraction should be integrated into the rear wall of each cubicle. Linear ventilation grilles, aligned with cubicle dimensions, offer an efficient and discreet way to maintain good air quality within each unit.
The use of rear wall backlit panels can significantly improve internal illumination. This not only enhances visibility for users within the cubicle but also contributes to a brighter, more open feel in adjacent circulation areas.
Ideally, cubicle walls should be part of a continuous panel system with a dedicated rear service corridor to allow maintenance access without disrupting users. In settings where this is not achievable, upper-level access panels should be incorporated into the rear wall design to allow for maintenance of concealed cisterns and plumbing.
Additional specifications regarding materials and surface finishes suitable for cubicle interiors are outlined in Section 6.3..
Where feasible, air extraction should be integrated into the rear wall of each cubicle. Linear ventilation grilles, aligned with cubicle dimensions, offer an efficient and discreet way to maintain good air quality within each unit.
The use of rear wall backlit panels can significantly improve internal illumination. This not only enhances visibility for users within the cubicle but also contributes to a brighter, more open feel in adjacent circulation areas.
Ideally, cubicle walls should be part of a continuous panel system with a dedicated rear service corridor to allow maintenance access without disrupting users. In settings where this is not achievable, upper-level access panels should be incorporated into the rear wall design to allow for maintenance of concealed cisterns and plumbing.
Additional specifications regarding materials and surface finishes suitable for cubicle interiors are outlined in Section 6.3..
38. BS8300-2:2018, 18.5.1 Provision and location of toilet accommodation
39. BS8300-2:2018, 18.5.3.3 WC compartments or cubicles accessible by people with ambulant mobility impairments
39. BS8300-2:2018, 18.5.3.3 WC compartments or cubicles accessible by people with ambulant mobility impairments