The senior school toilet block at Glen Innes School hadn't been renovated in approximately twenty years and was well-worn and out of date. The school wanted a toilet block that could not only handle the traffic of 140 students each day, but would also be welcoming to students. Facilities that were low maintenance and robust were a priority, but the school also asked the students what they wanted in order to deliver a toilet block they could be proud of.
"We actually did a survey, so the kids felt input into the design," explains Jono Hendricks, principal of Glen Innes School. The survey was open to all senior school students, who shared that they wanted colour in their toilet block and requested more 'upmarket' basins than the 'trough style' usually found in school facilities.
With the expertise of builder George Eva, hardwearing Resco products were selected for the full renovation. "In discussing with the principal and VP, it was quite clear they wanted something better than the norm," explains Eva. "So they set about choosing colours and designs, and then we discussed with Resco to see what was possible."
Multicom wall panelling was used throughout, with a feature wall in Resco Antibac Zebrano. "I liked the quality of the Resco panels, and the fittings that they use are really great," explains Eva. "The Resco panels sit hard back to the wall with a nice defined trim where other panels only have small clips holding the panels onto the back wall — and then the detailing on their fittings and moulding adds a really nice finish."
A custom vanity was designed to meet the children's special basin request: "George found a brilliant solution for this by having two stainless steel bowls beneath the Resco countertop," explains Hendricks. The vanity units are made of the same Resco Antibac Panelling used throughout the toilet block. The water, impact and graffiti resistance of the panels make them particularly suited to tough school environments, while the antimicrobial technology in the panels ensures a cleaner, healthier space for the children.
Hardwearing Resco Series 5000 partitions in Resco Antibac Grey, with doors in Laminex Juicy green, complete the new toilet block — adding a lively pop of colour.
The final result is a vibrant toilet block, and some very happy end-users. "The kids love them," says Hendricks. "The toilets have now been open for just over a term and are still looking fresh. The kids are showing a great amount of respect, treating it well."
Both Hendricks and Eva are pleased with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to use Resco products again. "When we are able to upgrade the junior block toilets, we will certainly be using the same products," says Hendricks.