Tag Archive for: school restroom design

Color And Texture Trends

3d rendering of a restaurant interior design

Color and texture are essential elements of design; they add personality and just the right amount of zest to create your own distinct creation. They help define a space while influencing our moods and behaviors. Designers use these elements to create contrast and depth, express emotion, and to create rich sensory experiences that stimulate our collective senses.

Color Trends Influence Industry

Color psychology studies the effect that different hues have on human behavior, and using specific colors in design to evoke different emotional responses is a trend that is gaining momentum. Color trends influence a wide variety of industries, and many organizations commit substantial resources to researching and identifying current color trends. Some of the paint manufacturing leaders such as Sherwin-Williams®, and Benjamin Moore® conduct significant research and commit their resources to identifying color trends. The Pantone Color Institute has chosen “Greenery” Pantone 15-0343 as their 2017 Color of the Year, as it evokes spring and renewal, while representing the global movement towards sustainability and protection of the environment.

Providing Visual Contrast With Texture

The combination of color and texture conveys a distinct experience, so the right mix is key to the overall design. Today’s designers are mixing up trendy monochromatic palettes with interesting textures to add contrast and dimension to a space. One of the hottest texture trends in the residential and commercial flooring market is the use of rich, dark wood grain; while sleek metallic finishes are very much on trend in both residential and commercial applications.

We are seeing lines blurring when it comes to residential and commercial usage of metallic textures, such as chrome, nickel, and stainless steel. Black stainless steel and champagne metallic finishes have transitioned from their initial use in residential kitchens and are now widely being used in commercial interiors to add subtle luster and sophistication.

On Trend For Commercial Restrooms

When considering design for public restrooms, architects and designers have many opportunities to incorporate color and texture in order to create a space that meets their aesthetic vision. In these spaces, they are also challenged to balance aesthetics with safety and durability, as well as the comfort and privacy of the user.
Scranton Products are innovators when it comes to commercial bathroom partition solutions. Our Eclipse Partitions® combine sleek and modern style with high privacy and high durability, offering rich color and texture options that are precisely on trend, such as textured nickel, bronze, black metallic and stainless steel.

Part of the beauty of these high-design partitions is that they are built using sustainable building materials, making them the right choice for your facility and the environment. The solid core design requires no painting, is very low maintenance, and the materials are non-porous, and resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew, making them the smart choice for busy public facilities and high traffic settings.

To view the range of color and texture options available in Eclipse Partitions®, please click on the link below.

Eclipse Colors and Textures

Tips for Choosing New School Restroom Partitions

When it’s time to think about renovating your school’s restrooms, you’ve got a lot to think about. As a facility manager, you make the calls of what materials to use, how to replace the fixtures, and any layout changes that may make the restroom seem more spacious and inviting. This is also your chance to update your schools restroom partitions.

Here’s a few tips on getting new school restroom partitions that you can utilize when it’s time to start remodeling your school’s restrooms.

Improve Student Privacy

When using the restroom, there’s a certain degree of privacy that’s expected. However, depending on the partitions in your school’s restroom, privacy may not always be guaranteed. You’ll want to think about the open spaces from the partition to the floor, and even the top of the partition to the ceiling. A crucial, but often overlooked aspect is the sightlines with the door. The hinges sometimes create a slight gap, which may not seem like much, but to an occupant in the restroom, it’s enough to cause discomfort.

Use More Durable Materials

Using the right materials in your school’s restrooms are important. Not only will the doors be slammed shut periodically, but there are other factors, like moisture and humidity, that can contribute to early wear. Using highly durable materials can help you combat the elements and the hits that partitions can take.

Go for Low Maintenance

Regular maintenance is important when it comes to the restrooms in your school. However, to make your workload and life easier, choose partition materials that are low maintenance. A material that doesn’t require repainting, screw and hinge replacement, or rust removal is ideal for the restroom environment. By choosing a low-maintenance material for your partitions, you’ll save time and money, and you can focus your efforts elsewhere.

Think Long-Term & Sustainable

When you buy new toilet partitions, you’ll want to choose a material that can last. You may want to consider buying a sustainable material that not only can be recycled, but one that actually comes from recycled material. Inching towards sustainability can have a variety of benefits for your school and your budget.

Choose HDPE Solid Plastic Materials

One material that has been utilized in schools restrooms is HDPE solid plastic. This sustainable and recyclable material is highly durable. It’s resistant to impacts, cracks, and surface abrasions. This plastic also results in a softer noise when being closed, even forcibly. A major benefit to choosing HDPE over other materials is its ability to withstand the moisture and humidity in your restroom.

If you have a partition material with an inner core made from kraft paper or cardboard, it can become soaked and sprout mold over time. Since HDPE is a solid plastic, it can resist mold growth and put off a costly replacement. Choosing HDPE plastic is a wise investment because this plastic will last through the years and require very little maintenance.

In this post, you learned all about the important factors that you need to consider when choosing your school’s restroom partitions. You also learned that HDPE plastic is a great choice to install in the restrooms in your school. Want to learn more about the benefits of choosing HDPE plastic for your school’s toilet partitions? Check out this eBook, The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from us at Scranton Products.

Relevant Trends Driving School Design

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The technological, virtual and physical landscape of the public school system has changed and advanced in many ways since the beginning of the new millennium. We have seen new products, and changes to the services and standards in the educational space evolve over the last 20 years. Add to that the way a student learns in school, as well as how they interact with their educational environment, and the conditions are ripe for change. Here, we are highlighting a few key trends that are relevant to driving school design and shaping it to fit 21st century learning.

Technology And Learning

Many public schools are repurposing the additional space within classrooms that used to house bulky computers and wiring. With the advancements in wireless technology, the PCs are replaced with slimmer laptops and devices that students can easily transport inside and outside the classroom. Desks with power ports are being installed to better access the technology. This additional mobility allows for more versatility in how and where a student learns.

 

Converting Corridors Into Public Spaces

Where hallways were once the main thoroughfares, in some public schools those corridors are being modernized to make way for common seating areas. These areas are proving to be a positive addition to the social and educational behavior of the students.

Flexible Configurations In The Classroom

The traditional square classroom with uniform desk setup is evolving as well. No longer are students and teachers relegated to a desk and chair in a set matrix. Many schools are opting for a flexible learning area where the layout allows for an easier flow into adjoining spaces. Having the ability to rearrange the configuration in a classroom is allowing teachers to foster collaboration and encourage group learning.

Goal to Go Green

Many schools across the country have committed to using sustainable products and making smart use of resources. They are also selecting materials that support excellent air quality and a healthy indoor environment for students. Many schools are taking their commitment very seriously and are working towards a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification.

Sustainable Solutions

Scranton Products Duralife Lockers® are the sustainable solution for schools looking to support a healthier environment. Our HDPE products are made in part from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable, helping to reduce environmental impact. The solid color needs no painting, so our products have a zero volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions rating, offering initial and long-term improvements to the indoor air quality of your projects. Duralife Lockers® are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which meet the strict certification requirements for use in schools and can contribute to LEED certification.

Click to see where you can buy the right sustainable products near you. https://www.scrantonproducts.com/