The Latymer School, voluntary aided, selective, co-educational grammar school located in Edmonton, London. This project involved the full refurbishment of the school toilet facilities to address ongoing issues with unpleasant smells, improve hygiene and create a more durable and secure environment for students and staff.

The refurbishment included upgrading the extraction system, replacing existing finishes and fittings, and making changes to the ceiling and entrance to help prevent vandalism and improve the overall functionality of the facilities.

Client Requirements and Challenges

The school had been experiencing problems with unpleasant smells, indicating that the existing extraction system needed updating to improve ventilation and remove odours more effectively.

The client also wanted to reduce the risk of vandalism by removing the entrance door. In addition, they required a more secure ceiling solution that would prevent items from being hidden or placed above the ceiling.

The aim was to deliver clean, hygienic and practical toilet facilities that were easier to maintain and better suited to the school’s needs.

Scope of Works

The project involved a full strip-out of the existing facilities, followed by a complete refurbishment. The works included:

• Full strip-out of existing fixtures, fittings and finishes
• Installation of new vinyl flooring
• Installation of hygienic wall cladding
• Installation of a new MF ceiling
• Upgraded lighting
• Installation of an improved extraction system
• Installation of new toilet cubicles
• Installation of new ductwork
• Installation of solid surface urinal troughs
• Installation of a solid surface wash trough

The entrance door was also removed as part of the planned changes to help deter vandalism.

Products and Solutions

Each element of the refurbishment was selected to address the school’s requirements and improve the long-term performance of the facilities.

Improved extraction system

The upgraded extraction system was installed to improve ventilation and help remove unpleasant smells. This addressed one of the school’s main concerns and helped create a more comfortable environment for users.

MF ceiling

An MF ceiling was specified instead of a traditional suspended ceiling with removable tiles. This provided a more secure ceiling arrangement and reduced the opportunity for items to be placed or hidden above the ceiling.

Vinyl flooring and hygienic wall cladding

New vinyl flooring and hygienic wall cladding provided durable, easy-to-clean surfaces suitable for a busy school environment. These finishes help support good hygiene standards and simplify routine cleaning and maintenance.

Solid surface urinal and wash troughs

Solid surface urinal troughs and a solid surface wash trough were installed to provide practical, durable and easy-to-maintain washroom fittings. Their streamlined design also helps create a clean and consistent finish throughout the facilities.

Cubicles, ductwork and lighting

New cubicles, ductwork and lighting completed the refurbishment, improving the overall appearance, functionality and usability of the facilities.

Project Outcome

The refurbishment at Latymer School addressed the key issues identified by the client through a combination of improved ventilation, durable finishes and more secure design choices.

The upgraded extraction system was intended to tackle the ongoing problems with unpleasant smells, while the MF ceiling provided a more secure alternative to a suspended ceiling with removable tiles. Removing the entrance door also supported the school’s aim of deterring vandalism.

Overall, the project delivered refurbished toilet facilities designed to meet the demands of a busy secondary school, with improved hygiene, practicality and ease of maintenance.