Brittons School & Technology College

Pioneering Higher Standards

As an off-site construction leader, Terrapin is pioneering higher standards in toilets for schools and the BSF programme. Terrapin has worked with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), London Borough of Havering, and architects Walters and Cohen, to launch a new modular toilet block for schools which complies with the DCSFs Standard Specifications, Layouts and Dimensions (SSLD) for toilets in schools. The first Terrapin module built to this new specification has been delivered fully fitted to Brittons School and Technology College, in the London Borough of Havering.

The toilet block is a 34 sq m structure containing separate male and female toilets and a disabled toilet. It incorporates specific fixtures and fittings to help reduce the long-standing concerns surrounding the quality, image and maintenance of school toilets. It was constructed in two modules within the Terrapin factory, where the interior was finished to a tight specification, and all plumbing and electrical services installed. The sections were designed to be transported to site and hoisted into position, and ready for use as soon as the external works are completed, and the services connected.

The SSLD document was developed in part from the “Bog Standard” campaign for better toilets for pupils, which was officially launched in England in 2004 and is organised by ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence). The design examples given in SSLD have been designed around a number of standardised components, a standardised cubicle with an integral plumbing system, a wash trough and a wheelchair accessible toilet. These components can be arranged in a variety of ways; the new Terrapin unit is designed for optimum efficiency in off-site construction and transportation to site.

Current thinking is that well-designed school toilets encourage responsible use and discourage anti-social behaviour, tackle poor hygiene issues, and thus help to overcome some pupils reluctance to use toilets. It can ultimately improve general pupil welfare, morale, attendance and academic performance. Smaller toilet blocks are favoured over large central facilities, for easier access and reducing the feelings of anonymity. The SSLD says its standardised approach to toilet design is ideal for off-site construction, which can be cost effective because of economies of scale, provide greater cost and delivery predictability and higher standards of assembly and finish, lower the risk of site accidents and be more sustainable in terms of reduced waste.

Managing Director, said, The idea of off-site construction has already proved itself in a variety of educational buildings - classrooms, science blocks, theatres and canteens - in both permanent and relocatable structures. Its suitability has also been demonstrated in other areas of construction including offices, hotels, hospitals, military accommodation and prisons; so this project will further improve our off-site credentials whilst helping the DCSFs drive to improve standards. The toilet blocks combine these strengths with the opportunity to minimise the need for finishing trades on-site, reducing health and safety concerns, the number of disruptive deliveries and the amount of waste produced, all of which combine to shorten the on-site construction time significantly and reduce the level of snagging post completion. We are confident that the Havering project will encourage specifiers in other new builds and refurbishment projects to follow the SSLDs advice on off-site construction when looking for facilities that help change behavioural patterns and concerns.

Brittons School & Technology College

Pioneering Higher Standards

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