What is a Superloo?
A Superloo is an integrated solution that includes a WC, wash basin and hand drying facilities, all housed within a cubicle or room for maximum privacy. Superloos are a relatively new concept in the washroom industry, taking inspiration from Approved Doc M rooms but aiming to provide maximum privacy to the user. Here at Bushboard Washrooms, we have seen an increase in end users, architects, and contractors recognising the demand for privacy from their intended users.
What should be included in a Superloo?
There are several items that are essential to a fully functioning Superloo room. These are:
- A WC
- A wash basin
- A soap dispenser
- Hand drying facilities
- A disposal bin
In a commercial washroom setting, the WC is fitted to a duct panel system to conceal any pipework. Depending on the available space and the desired aesthetic, a wall hung basin, a vanity unit with basin, or a single-user wash trough can be provided. Hand drying facilities can be provided as either paper towels or wall-mounted hand dryers.
Mirrors can enhance the user experience further; we recommend a MirrorBox unit, which conceals all washroom accessories.
Approved Document T Compliant
The Superloo is compliant with the new Approved Document T regulations, which come into effect 1st October 2024 and require Universal Toilets where all amenities are contained with a room. Universal Toilets should be offered in addition to gender-specific washrooms. However, this is dependent on space; if there is not enough room for male and female washrooms, then the Superloo should be chosen.
Superloo Designs
There are various ways to achieve a Superloo design, primarily depending on the available space but also determined by the desired finish.
Bushboard Superloo
The Bushboard Superloo consists of IPS duct panels to conceal pipework, a vanity unit that runs the depth of the space, and a Mirrorbox. It is designed to be fitted within one of our toilet cubicles or within partition walls, for which we can supply toilet cubicle door fronts.
A single-user trough allows for a slim vanity unit suitable for smaller spaces, and its concealed waste and optional bin chute offer a sleek design with a solid surface top available in 10 standard and 12 premium finishes. The vanity unit can also be supplied as a countertop or semi-recessed unit, but you must consider the available floor space to ensure a 600mm wide x 800mm depth activity space in front of the WC.
A Mirrorbox allows for soap dispensers, paper towels or hand dryers to be concealed. Available in 2 sizes: 700mm suggested for one wash station and 1300mm suggested for 2 wash stations. It is suitable to be hung on a toilet cubicle partition or partition wall.
Combination Unit (WC and Basin Unit)
Another way to achieve a Superloo design is to opt for a combination unit. This is a WC and basin plumbed into a vanity unit that can be supplied within a room or toilet cubicle. This unit can be provided as a vanity unit with semi-recessed or countertop basins, or as duct panels with a wall hung basin. If your space does not allow for the depth of a standard Superloo design, then a combination WC and basin unit with an outward opening door can be a better use of space.
Benefits of a Superloo
- Approved Document T compliant: Superloo designs comply with the latest regulations, ensuring all hand wash and drying facilities are housed within the cubicle.
- Privacy: Bushboard Superloos can be installed within partition walls or full height toilet cubicles, with a minimal floor clearance and partitions extending to the floor to offer maximum privacy for the user.
- Gender neutral toilets: As Superloos offer maximum privacy, they are ideal for gender-neutral washroom designs, allowing users to feel comfortable sharing the facilities.
- Minimalist design for hygiene: By removing wall hung accessories and opting for duct panels and vanity units made from easy to clean, durable materials, the Superloo can remain extremely hygienic even with a heavy foot traffic.
- Space saving: Although the area of Superloos can seem larger than a standard toilet cubicle, removing the communal hand wash area means that smaller spaces in a building, which might otherwise have gone unused, can be utilised for washroom areas.
- Limit queue times: Sharing facilities between genders ensures that the maximum number of toilet cubicles are used at all times, reducing wait times. Superloo designs also eliminate the communal aspect of the washroom, which reduces loitering and decreases opportunities for antisocial behaviour.
- Familiar design for users: Superloos resemble the design of a bathroom at home, providing everything in one convenient, private space. This familiarity makes users feel relaxed and encourages them to look after the space.
What Next?
If you need help with your Superloo design, get in touch with our sales team at 01536 533 620 to discuss your project. Alternatively, drop us an email at [email protected]. If you send us the dimensions of your space, we can provide a bespoke quotation.
Do you want to understand more about the decisions involved in commercial washrooms and the regulations that govern them? Book onto our RIBA-Approved CPD.