A GUIDE FOR PUBLIC TOILETS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS

Are you designing or refurbishing public toilets in an archaeological area?

Designing public restrooms within an archaeological site involves meeting requirements that are significantly different from those of any other environment.

The aim is not simply to install a public toilet, but to provide a facility that enhances the visitor experience while respecting the site’s historical and archaeological heritage. Every intervention must comply with the constraints, and requirements of the relevant authorities, as well as the site’s specific characteristics and the planned management of the facility.

The starting conditions can vary considerably. For this reason, the selection of a public toilet should never begin with the product itself, but with a thorough analysis of the site and the project’s actual requirements.

At SANO2, a division of Prefabbricati Santerno specialising in the design and installation of public toilet facilities, we support public authorities, architects, designers and site managers in identifying the most suitable solution for every situation. Our expertise ranges from integrating self-cleaning public toilets in existing buildings to installing outdoor precast modules and fully autonomous off-grid units.

In this guide we will examine the factors that influence the design of sanitary facilities in archaeological areas and protected sites. We will also present the main solutions available and the criteria that help identify the most appropriate option according to the characteristics and requirements of each site.

A GUIDE TO THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC TOILETS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS AND PROTECTED SITES

What role do public toilets have in enhancing the accessibility and value of an archaeological site?

Enhancing an archaeological site means making it accessible, understandable and engaging, so that visitors can experience and appreciate it under the best possible conditions.

Alongside restoration and conservation work, all the services that support the visitor experience play a significant role, including pathways, visitor centres, information systems and public toilets.

Public toilets, in particular, are an essential part and make a significant contribution to the overall visitor experience. Their availability enables visitors to spend more time on site, improves accessibility for families with young children, elderly people and disabled visitors, and supports guided tours, educational activities and cultural events.

They also enhance the overall perception of the site. Clean, well-maintained and readily available public toilets demonstrate attention to visitors’ needs and help make cultural heritage not only accessible, but genuinely welcoming and enjoyable.

Why is designing a public toilet within an archaeological site more complex than in other contexts?

Every archaeological site presents unique design conditions that require careful preliminary assessment and are rarely encountered in other types of projects. Ground conditions, the presence of archaeological remains, the constraints imposed by the relevant authorities and the availability of infrastructure all have a direct impact on how the installation will be carried out.

Before selecting a technical solution, it is essential to determine which interventions are compatible with the site and which design options are genuinely feasible.

Future management must also be carefully considered. Reliability, ease of maintenance, continuity of service and straightforward access for maintenance personnel all have a direct impact on the quality of the service provided and its long-term sustainability.

Designing public toilets in an archaeological area is therefore much more than a simple construction work. It is an exercise in balancing heritage conservation, functionality, operational management and high standards of accessibility.

Why do traditional public toilets not always represent the most adequate solution?

Constructing a traditional building is only one several possible design options, and it is not always the most appropriate choice.

Foundations, masonry works, new utility connections and lengthy construction programmes can significantly increase the complexity of the project, particularly where the site is subject to archaeological constraints or has limited existing infrastructure.

In addition to construction aspects, long-term operational requirements must also be taken into account. Accessibility for maintenance, ease of servicing, future modifications and the ability to carry out work without affecting the surrounding environment are all key factors when determining the most suitable solution.

For this reason, the choice should not be based solely on the type of construction, but on the specific requirements of the site. Depending on the installation context, public toilets integrated into existing buildings, precast freestanding units or fully autonomous off-grid solutions may offer a more effective approach, reducing the impact of the intervention while simplifying future management and maintenance.

Where should you start when choosing the most suitable sanitary facility?

Selecting the right solution always begins with a thorough assessment.

One of the first aspects to consider is the availability of existing infrastructure. Access to water, electricity and the sewerage network has a direct influence on the type of solution that can be installed and on the extent of the works required.

Another aspect is the availability of existing buildings or spaces on site. Ticket offices, visitor centres, service buildings and other facilities may provide opportunities to integrate new public toilets without constructing additional buildings within the archaeological area.

Installation patterns must also be carefully assessed. In some situations, traditional foundations and utility connections can be provided without difficulty, while in others it may be preferable to adopt solutions that require minimal groundwork and reduce intervention within the site.

The design assessment should also take into account the expected number of visitors, frequency of use, accessibility requirements, wastewater disposal, maintenance needs, installation timescales and available budget.

Once these factors have been evaluated it becomes possible to identify the solution that best matches the site’s characteristics, avoiding standardised approaches and ensuring the project delivers the most effective and sustainable outcome.

Which design solutions best meet the different requirements of archaeological sites?

The characteristics of each archaeological site have a direct influence on the most appropriate design solution. Below are the main design scenarios, together with examples of projects already completed.

CASE 1: Existing buildings with available infrastructure

Where a site already includes visitor facilities, such as a ticket office, visitor centre or existing public restrooms, integrating indoor self-cleaning toilets can significantly improve the quality of the service without the need to construct additional outdoor facilities.

This solution makes it possible to enhance existing spaces while maintaining high standards of hygiene, accessibility and ease of maintenance.

Ideal requirements:

Existing buildings are available for the installation of new public toilets;

Water, electricity and sewerage connections are already in place;

Existing spaces can be refurbished to improve functionality, hygiene and maintenance;

The objective is to minimise structural work, by upgrading existing facilities;

The project does not require the construction of additional buildings.

CASE 2: Outdoor areas with available infrastructure

Some archaeological sites have access to water, electricity and sewerage connections, but do not have buildings suitable for accommodating public toilets.

In these situations, precast freestanding units connected to the existing infrastructure offer an effective alternative to a traditional building. It reduces construction work while providing a modern, accessible and easy-to-maintain facility.

A practical example is the project developed for the Ludus Magnus archaeological area in Rome, where the site assessment led to the installation of an outdoor self-cleaning toilet as a part of the wider redevelopment of the site.

Discover the Ludus Magnus project.

Ideal requirements:

Water, electricity and sewerage connections are available, but there are no suitable buildings in which to install public toilets.

A new outdoor public toilet facility is required.

Construction work should be minimised compared with a traditional building.

The project requires a fast installation programme.

The toilets need to be located near entrance areas, visitor centres, car parks or along visitor routes.

CASE 3: Sites with no available infrastructure or where excavation is restricted

Where a site has no access to water, electricity or sewerage networks, or when new utility connections are incompatible with archaeological or environmental constraints, fully autonomous off-grid solutions provide an effective alternative.

These systems make it possible to install public toilets without relying on traditional infrastructure, significantly reducing on-site works while offering a practical solution even in the most challenging contexts from both a logistical and regulatory perspective.

Ideal requirements:

No water, electricity or sewerage connections are available.

Utility connections cannot be installed or would conflict with archaeological or environmental constraints.

Excavation work must be minimised or avoided altogether.

A fully autonomous public toilet facility is required.

The project aims to minimise construction work and reduce the impact on the archaeological site.

The public toilets must provide integrated management of wastewater, clean water and energy.

To learn more about this type of solution, discover our project for the public toilets installed at the Roman Villa delle Colonnacce in Castel di Guido.

How can a public toilet be integrated into an archaeological site?

Every archaeological site has its own unique characteristics and requires a design that can adapt not only to its technical requirements but also to the choice of materials and the way the facility integrates with the existing site.

For this reason, the ability to customise public toilet facilities is an essential part of the design process. Dimensions, internal layouts, construction materials, external cladding, finishes, colours and equipment can all be tailored to suit the characteristics of the site, the clients’ requirements and the recommendations of the relevant authorities.

Customisation is not limited to the external appearance of the facility. It also includes its functional configuration. Depending on the available space and the project’s requirements, it is possible to develop either indoor or outdoor solutions, incorporating additional facilities within the same unit, such as showers, plant rooms, baby-changing facilities or other amenities for visitors.

The location of the installation also plays a key role in ensuring the facility integrates harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

How to design a public toilet that is easy to maintain over time?

The quality of a public restroom is measured not only by its appearance, but also by its ability to remain reliable over the years.

For this reason, the design phase should carefully consider factors such as ease of maintenance, accessibility for service personnel, durability of materials, waste water management and continuity of service. These elements have a direct impact on operating costs and the long-term reliability of the facility.

In archaeological sites, these considerations become even more important. Maintenance work must often need to be carefully scheduled, while the personnel responsible for managing the site may have limited resources. Solutions specifically designed to simplify routine maintenance therefore offer significant operational advantages.

When visitor numbers are high, self-cleaning public toilets help maintain consistently high standards of hygiene throughout the day. After each use, the system automatically carries out a cleaning, disinfection and reset cycle, reducing the need for manual interventions between users.

To learn more about this topic, visit our dedicated a specific page to our services of support and maintenance services for self-cleaning public toilets.

How much does it cost to install public toilets within an archaeological site?

There is no single answer, as every project has its own specific requirements.

The overall investment depends on several factors, including the availability of existing infrastructure, the type of installation, site constraints, the level of customisation required, associated construction works and planned management of the facility over time.

Two archaeological sites of similar size may require completely different solutions. In some cases, public toilets can be integrated into existing buildings, while in others the most appropriate option may be a freestanding precast unit or a fully autonomous off-grid solution.

A preliminary evaluation allows for identifying the most suitable solution for the context, avoiding unnecessary interventions and leading choices towards a higher value for the site and its visitors.

Do you need support in designing public toilets for protected areas?

Together, we will assess the characteristics of your site, any architectural or archaeological constraints, the available infrastructure and your operational objectives in order to identify the solution that best meets your requirements.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about SANO2 public toilets

What kinds of facilities and types of toilets can you provide?

We understand that each context has specific needs and requires bespoke solutions. That is why our range includes:

Public Toilets that can be integrated into existing premises, ensuring maximum adaptability to the available space.
Freestanding outdoor structures
Off-grid Public Toilets, when sewer, water and electricity are not available

Our solutions are designed to meet every requirement: whether you need several toilets in a single room or individual toilets, at SANO2 we have the ideal project for your space.

Once you have defined the structure, choose the most suitable type of toilet: off-grid, traditional or self-cleaning, at SANO2 you will find each of these solutions and all the support you need.

I do not have sewage, water or electricity network. Can you provide me with off-grid public toilets?

Absolutely! Our S0 range of off-grid toilets is designed for areas that are far from water, sewerage and electricity networks. SANO2’s Bathroom Zero allows you to install a prefabricated toilet, accessible to disabled users, more durable than a chemical toilet and more versatile than a traditional bathroom. Bathroom Zero has a waste water tank to compensate for the lack of a sewer connection, a water storage tank connected to a rainwater collection system, and two photovoltaic panels to generate the electricity needed to light the facility. Off-grid solutions are highly valued by users for their added value as eco-friendly and sustainable restrooms.

When it comes to materials, fittings and finishes, you are spoilt for choice! Visit the design page of our projects!

With what kind of access can I setup the toilets?

Toilets access systems depend on customers and area of installation requirements, which is why we offer several options.

Access can be free or paid, coin-operated or contactless with Nayax readers (you decide how much to set!).

Again, you can choose the access system equipping the facilities with QR code or tax code reader or a EuroKey.

Do you want to buy a public toilet privately or do you want to respond to a public tender with your toilet project?

Whether you want to buy a public toilet as a private individual or you need a project for a tender, perhaps as a construction company, architect or town hall technician, at SANO2 we design public toilets of all kinds, from off-grid ones to self-cleaning models.

As a global company, one of our main values is respect for the installation context, the regulations in each country, and, above all, respect for the customers’ needs.

Tell us about your project, SANO2 will come to you and find solutions for all your needs.

Do you build Accessible Toilets for disabled users? Can I choose how to equip them?

At SANO2 we design, build and install Accessible Toilet And Unisex Toilet. Accessibility is a core value for us and has always been a part of our offering. As an international company, when we design and build toilets for people with disabilities, we always meticulously comply with regulations in force: each country has its own dimensions, equipment, access and measures specifically designed for safe use by people with reduced mobility.

Our public toilets are fully customisable, you choose the layout. For example, we can include instructions in Braille or record voice commands in the toilet, we can install the hand shower next to the toilet or include SOS buttons easily accessible from the toilet bowl.

You can rely on our experience in this industry and our knowledge of public toilet regulations for disabled users.

Can I get a maintenance contract for my toilet? How do you manage public toilets?

Of course you can! We guarantee our self-cleaning toilets maintenance through our All In service, which is an integral part of our offer. In addition, we can offer a variety of maintenance packages on request, depending on your specific needs.

Our All In maintenance service includes:

Routine maintenance: cleaning and replenishment of consumables, typically scheduled twice a month
Predictive maintenance: thanks to our powerful remote control tool we can intervene before components failure, reducing the time the toilet is inefficient.
Technical maintenance: carried out by specialised technicians, it involves checking all the automatisms, usually scheduled once a month.
Telephone assistance service: active on working days, we provide assistance and intervene remotelyon the units, solving most of the problems.

Do you have a warranty for your products? For how many years?

Yes, all our toilets are covered by a warranty. By law, the warranty on manufacturing defects is one year, but at SANO2 we have decided to extend it to 2 years to give you greater peace of mind and security in your investment.