Epsom College Changing Room Refurbishment Case Study

Epsom College is home to a dynamic swimming programme and a high level of athletic prowess. In 2022, the school reached out to Commercial Washrooms to undertake the refurbishment of their changing room facilities with the plan to reconfigure the rooms to improve the efficiency and functionality of the space.

After an initial site visit, we produced specification options alongside detailed drawings of the proposed works. Epsom College were delighted with the proposals and work began in the school summer holidays of 2022.

The existing rooms were stripped back to the bare structure. To accommodate the new layout of showers and toilets, the drainage requirements had to be changed. Once this was complete, we laid an Altro safety flooring which boasts anti-slip properties when both dry and wet.

New stud walls were constructed to create privacy and separation to the shower enclosures, which, along with the walls of the rooms, were clad in Altro Whiterock. This is a wall material that’s highly regarded for its strong hygiene and fire ratings, making deep cleans easy and efficient. The shower spaces were thought out and designed in a way that gave individual changing space as well as showering facilities within each cubicle.

As well as the new plumbing and drainage, we also brought in new electrics and ventilation that was housed within a new suspended ceiling. We installed an LED lighting system that’s controlled by infra-red PIR sensors. This means that the lights are automatically activated any time a user enters the room. The lights switch off after a set amount of time, making the washrooms significantly more energy efficient.

Solid grade laminate was used to build bespoke toilet and shower cubicle doors, as well as island and perimeter changing benches. DUCT sets were used to create a thin service void behind the toilets. This is where the mains water, waste and cisterns were located, concealed behind IPS panels made from solid grade laminate. Armitage Shanks back to wall toilets were fitted within the cubicles, partnered with sensor activated flush controls.

For the hand wash areas, we installed Corian solid surface wash troughs complete with Armitage Shanks sensor taps. By utilising sensor activation everywhere from lighting, toilet flush controls, taps and hand dryers, the number of touch points in the room is significantly reduced. This in turn reduces the spread of bacteria making the changing rooms more hygienic and easier to clean.

As part of this project, we also created a vanity area complete with twin hair dryers. In addition, we upgraded the room between the two changing areas, creating a new reception desk for booking users into the facilities.

This extensive refurbishment work was completed ready for the new school year to begin, causing no disruption to term time operations at the school. With a reconfigured layout, and improved hygiene, cleaning and energy saving measures built into the design, this new set of changing rooms has raised both usability and efficiency for the facilities at Epsom College.