Northampton High School Foyer | Gender Neutral Washrooms

Northampton High School for Girls boasts a rich history spanning 145 years. The school now occupies a purpose-built modern building, preserving its traditions while embracing a forward-looking approach to enhance the education of its students. The school not only provides first-class education but also aims to develop characteristics that will empower the girls to confidently (I think that’s what you meant) fulfil their potential.

Northampton High School for Girls were looking to upgrade their theatre foyer area, which is used by students and staff during the day and open to the public in the evenings and weekends when events are held. The school’s washrooms were originally separate-sex; however, to utilise the space more efficiently, they decided to combine them and create a gender-neutral washroom. To ensure privacy for users while sharing the space, full height toilet cubicles were specified.

As the toilet cubicles were in a prominent area, the school chose Bushboard’s luxury Manhattan toilet cubicles to create a high-end look and feel. The flush fronted toilet cubicle was supplied in Oak High Pressure Laminate, which is suitable for withstanding intense use of a high traffic area. The range features a minimalist design with ceiling blocks, and fixtures and fittings kept to a minimum so that the cubicles oak finish can be the centre piece.

The flush fronted design provided a wall-like finish, which complemented the duct wall panelling seamlessly integrated throughout the school washroom. These panels were supplied on Bushboard’s Ezeeduct framing, which is pre-assembled in our factory before arriving on site. In addition to the Ezeeduct framing, the schools gender-neutral toilet cubicles were fitted with Ready Plumbed Modules. This meant that the sanitaryware and brassware arrived on site pre-fitted to a rigid steel frame, requiring only final connections to be completed on site. Rod Shepherd, Commercial Manager at Stellar Developments told us he “always specifies the pre-plumbed system as it is easy to fit, and saves time on site reducing the contract period”. This was particularly crucial for the washroom fit out as it was installed during the school holidays.

To complete the gender-neutral washroom design, Hydra washtroughs in Elysian solid surface with deck mounted sensor taps were supplied. This allowed ample handwash stations to be provided within the space, reducing wait times during school break times and performance intervals.

To ensure Doc M compliance, a DOC M room was specified, featuring matching Oak duct panelling in HPL with dark grey grab rails and WC seat to achieve appropriate LRV contrast.

Overall, Rod was extremely happy with the service from Bushboard Washrooms and noted that the team was “very knowledgeable and helpful” from design to delivery.

To discuss your school washroom project with us or find out more information about our products, get in touch at 01536 533620 or email us [email protected].