Leading washroom manufacturer, Washroom Washroom, has completed work on a multi-storey office refurbishment in Reading, providing sleek, high specification washrooms on every level.
Abbey Gardens, formerly a typical 1980s commercial office building situated in the heart of Reading, was in need of major refurbishment to bring the interior up to standard.
The project, overseen by Vinci Construction with ESA Architects had the aim of creating a modern, stylish office space fit for the 21st century. Now, not only does it provide an excellent working environment, it also benefits from dramatically improved energy efficiency throughout the whole building.
Washroom, with its bespoke, highly durable and stylish products, was able to design and install high specification, yet practical washrooms on all eight floors of the building, each incorporating the same design elements and mirroring other common areas of the building.
For the vanity units, Washroom installed its integrated duct panelling system, which allows for easy cleaning and access for repairs and maintenance, and specified in vibrant lime green, the system ties in seamlessly with the overall design. Striking Alto cubicles, with bespoke flush doors and frontage, were specified with stylish walnut horizontal veneers, which, together with the lime green panelling, create a lasting first impression.
The washrooms were fitted out with solid surface slightly sloped Corian troughs, manufactured in complete four metre lengths in order to create the consistent, smooth finish required. Once on site, Washroom worked with other contractors and coordinated the use of exterior heavy lifting equipment to enable the Corian troughs to be lifted effortlessly into place ready for installation in one piece.
The high specification staff shower area, which was installed by Washroom in the basement at Abbey Gardens, provides an additional benefit to tenants. The shower area, which comprises of ultra-durable, Marcato cubicles and full length Forza lockers, was specified in the same striking green colour to complement the rest of the building.
As a key aspect of the design was to ensure continuity across all floors, it was vital all washrooms had the same style, although the ground floor washrooms occupied a much smaller space. The team created a unisex washroom solution, with each cubicle a self-contained unit, with sink and hand drying facilities, ensuring the design theme was maintained and all available space maximised.
Ajay Sood, Project Architect, ESA Architects said: “We hadn’t worked with Washroom prior to this project but would not hesitate in working with them in the future. In fact, we have already recommended Washroom on other projects. We were really impressed by the quality of the finish and materials used, particularly the Walnut Alto Cubicles, and are delighted to see how the various different elements of the design came together perfectly.”
Trevor Bowers, Managing Director at Washroom Washroom said: “We’re really pleased with the overall finish, particularly the showers, which are a real added bonus for tenants. The Corian troughs proved to be something of a logistical challenge, so it’s rewarding to see we pulled it off.
"All the various elements of the design have come together to create a stylish finish befitting of the new and improved Abbey Gardens. It’s safe to say that Washroom has proved again that no challenge is too tough.”
