Here are some guidelines for creating an optimal locker room design:
Durable Locker Materials
Lockers are the centrepieces of any locker room, so the look and durability of their material are extremely important.
Students and gym users enjoy hygienic and well-maintained locker rooms, which are more achievable with phenolic and solid plastic lockers. Phenolic and solid plastic are two innovative locker materials that provide more value to your locker room.
Phenolic lockers are durable and water- and moisture-resistant, making them stand up well to heavy use and conditions near pools and showers while adding a sophisticated look. The lockers’ resistance to moisture helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew, while a smooth, nonporous finish ensures a hygienic, easy-to-clean and low-maintenance solution.
With a multitude of models, colours and configurations, Phenolic Lockers enable flexible and customizable design. This innovative locker material is available in a variety of products, such as z lockers, cubby lockers, and pedestal benches.
To further harmonize facility designs, specifying the lockers with matching or coordinating colours will instantly create a cohesive and consistent look between the locker room and the rest of the washroom.
Solid plastic lockers are made entirely of high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) – the same sturdy material used in plastic milk containers. Solid plastic is a durable solution because it will not rust, dent, scratch or delaminate like metal lockers, and it is also ideal for humid or wet environments. Maintenance staff can easily wipe away dirt and graffiti with everyday cleaners. Solid plastic is available in a range of shades beyond bland gray or taupe and can be customized to various specifications and industries.
Aside from aesthetics, upkeep and sustainability, there is also a cost difference between plastic and metal lockers. Although plastic lockers have a higher initial cost, over the long run, they have a longer lifecycle and are more cost-effective than metal lockers since they don’t need painting, door replacement, or other maintenance that requires downtime and costs.
In addition, plastic lockers support a quiet environment, as they don’t slam loudly like metal. Like phenolic lockers, these lockers are highly durable and impact resistant, and Green Guard certified them as low VOC emitting materials. All are available through Allmar.
Roomy and Airy Layouts (Even for Small Spaces)
The primary goals of a well-planned floor design in locker rooms are to provide maximum space utilization while promoting efficient traffic flow, comfortable personal space, and high usability. Integrating a central circulation path in the layout can create a sense of openness and flow. Providing users with dry locker spaces that are easy to access while being semi-private is ideal, as is providing private or semi-private changing areas in both wet and dry areas.
For small spaces, utilize vertical space with tall lockers or shelves to draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller. Bright, evenly distributed lighting can make a space feel larger. Strategically placing mirrors – especially LED mirrors – on walls can visually double the size of the room, and using lighter colours on walls and floors will reflect more light, making the space feel airy and open.
Traffic patterns also benefit by keeping the wet and dry vanity areas, showers and restrooms in a somewhat close and central location to help minimize dripping water that can cause slips and falls.
It’s also important to ensure an unobstructed path to a lit emergency exit door for all patrons. Allmar’s vendors can provide customized floor plans that take into account space, locker size and configuration, and design requirements.
Keep it Clean
A consistently cleaned, sanitized and well-maintained locker room, shower area and restroom will go a long way toward impressing clientele and/or staff, encouraging them to utilize the facility and recommending it to others. Keeping floors, countertops, and restroom surfaces clean and dry will help to avoid slips, germy touch zones and unhappy patrons.
The condition of locker room restrooms is key. A survey conducted by Bradley shows that the top restroom improvement requests include: 1) cleaning them more regularly and keeping them better stocked; 2) making everything touchless; and 3) always providing paper towels – even if there are dryers.
Finally, airflow must be able to pull the wet, moist and humid air from the area. Upgrading HVAC systems to address these conditions may be necessary to provide comfort for users and preserve materials and finishes in dry areas.
Allmar has numerous options from leading brands to support locker and washroom designs. Talk to our sales experts about our full complement of product offerings and solutions to enhance your facility’s locker room design.
Click here to read the original blog from Bradley
