Designing washrooms for public buildings is an exercise in the delicate balancing of available space to ensure not only that there is adequate provision of public toilets, but that the cubicles themselves are also adequate and fit for purpose.
The reason why this is a balancing act and something that architects, designers and contractors will focus a lot of time and energy towards is there are both minimal size requirements as well as an approved code of practice which advises the minimum number of toilets and washbasins required relative to the number of employees.
At the same time, whilst there are minimum dimensions for various types of washrooms dictated in Approved Document T of the Building Regulations, the required size is not necessarily the recommended one.
With that in mind, here are the required dimensions, the rationale behind them, and the case for making larger cubicles.
How Big Must Toilet Cubicles Be?
The smallest possible toilet cubicle in the UK is known in the regulations as Type D and is a toilet cubicle that is not self-contained and intended for single-sex use.
The overall dimensions are 910mm x 1740mm, which includes 800mm of width and 600mm of depth in front of the toilet as well as room for a disposal bin, a shelf and hooks.
Other types of toilet cubicles which include grab rails, washbasins, mirrors and hand dryers have larger overall dimensions, with a Type A self-contained universal toilet that was fully enclosed requiring dimensions of at least 1050mm x 1685mm.
Approved Document T even includes diagrams and descriptions for the specific layout and positioning of the different pieces of furniture which make up the toilet cubicles, as well as how far the inward-opening door can encroach on the interior space.
If a public building provides multiple cubicles, it is also often required to provide an enlarged cubicle with greater space and baby-changing facilities. Typically, if four cubicles are provided in a row within a washroom, one of them should be enlarged.
Toilets for wheelchair users are defined in Approved Document M and must meet a minimum size requirement of 2200mm x 1650mm, with doors which open outwards. They are required under the Equality Act 2010.
Why Are These Standard Sizes Required?
This is the minimum space for an ambulant person to open the door safely, close it and do any part of their bathroom activity comfortably, with the room and furniture to allow someone to secure their coat and their bag at the far side of the room and use a sink if one is included.
Whilst it would be technically possible to fit a toilet bowl in a smaller space, it would be uncomfortable for some users and outright impossible for others. As public washrooms are a universal need, so too should public washrooms be accessible to everyone.
It also creates a benchmark and a universal expectation, so people know that if they use a set of public facilities, they will provide enough space for them to be comfortable within. These standards have been carefully considered and have changed multiple times over the last few decades.
The standard for wheelchair-accessible cubicles is to ensure that a wheelchair user can enter and easily manoeuvre inside the cubicle, whilst the door opening outwards not only gives them extra space but ensures that in the event of an emergency, people can reach them quickly.
Should You Make Bigger Cubicles Than Required?
Whilst these cubicles are the minimum standard required, many buildings have larger cubicle sizes than is strictly required. In some cases, this is relatively minimal extra space, but in others, the size difference is particularly noticeable.
Whilst the pursuit of efficiency would suggest that it is best to maximise the number of toilets rather than the size of each one, this can depend on the priorities of the building and the overall provision of the washrooms of a building.
More space is inherently more comfortable, and whilst the standard required sizes are sufficient to move around as much as you need, a slightly larger cubicle will improve the overall experience and perception a person will have in a given building.
It also allows for greater provisions and accessibility, including extra baby changing facilities and Changing Places Toilets that allow people to visit a particular location, travel and socialise with comfort, safety and dignity.
Ultimately, space brings with it flexibility with the way in which you use the space, and whether the extra space is used for functionality or to add a luxurious feel, sometimes it is better to opt for a bigger washroom.
Related Posts
