I'm looking to remodel our office bathroom to make it unisex, but I'm running into a ventilation dilemma. Currently, we have one main restroom with three stalls used primarily by 17 women, while three men are using a utility closet with one toilet and sink. This setup needs a change. My idea is to create separate powder rooms around each toilet for privacy. However, I'm unsure of how to handle ventilation efficiently and cost-effectively. I could install a separate fan for each room and run ducting outside, but I'm considering a single motion-activated fan for the entire space that could pull air from all three rooms at once. What's the best approach to get this set up?
2 Answers
If you're framing separate powder rooms for privacy, you might want to think about European-style stalls that offer more privacy with fewer gaps. This could save you some cash compared to building three new rooms. However, keep in mind that if you completely enclose each toilet up to the ceiling, you'll still face ventilation challenges. You might want to think about sink placement too, as each space will need its own if you go with separate rooms.
I don't think turning this space into a multi-stall unisex restroom is the best route. It could lead to HR issues down the line. Instead, I suggest upgrading the utility closet to better accommodate the guys. If you still want separate rooms for each toilet, consider installing an inline duct fan with a motion sensor timer that can work with an exhaust that pulls air from all three stalls. Just make sure each stall has some makeup air coming in to avoid bad airflow when the doors are closed.
That’s an interesting point. But I really plan to keep the sinks in a common area outside the toilet rooms, similar to a modern master bath setup. Each toilet needs its privacy without moving them; they’re already in place. My goal is to just provide a better 'pooping experience' without adding a whole new room for sinks.