Are you planning to design or renovate public toilets in an underground station?
Underground stations are used daily by thousands of people, but users flows are often fast-moving, intermittent and not always predictable. Some passengers only spend a few minutes there, some are waiting for a connection, while others travel with children or elderly relatives; some users might have disabilities or work within the station itself. All of them may need access to restroom facilities.
Public restrooms in underground stations contribute to the perceived quality of the environment, as well as its safety and comfort.
At SANO2, a brand of Prefabbricati Santerno specialising in self-cleaning public toilets, we support authorities, administrators and designers in identifying state-of-the-art restroom solutions that enhance both public spaces and people’s every day experience.
A GUIDE TO INSTALLING PUBLIC TOILETS IN UNDERGROUND STATIONS
Why are public toilets in underground stations essential?
Underground stations are high-pressure, high-traffic environments, are constantly moving and rarely stay for long periods. Passenger flows vary depending on the time of day, events, delays, weekdays or holydays. In such environments, a restroom that is unused can quickly become heavily frequented, creating sudden peak usage that is difficult to predict. In addition to this, underground stations present several specific challenges, such as:
- enclosed or underground spaces,
- the need for clear and intuitive routes,
- a high risk of misuse or vandalism,
- logistic difficulties during maintenance operations.
In this context, a poorly-maintained restroom can quickly become a critical issue, contributing to the perception of an unsafe and neglected environment, to be avoided, and ultimately compromising the overall quality of the station. For this reason, simply providing a toilet facility is not enough. What is needed is an innovative solution, genuinely designed for people and capable of supporting an intensive, continuous and unpredictable use.
Which features should toilets in underground stations have?
They should be easy to find and to use and consistently hygienic. Passengers who need a restroom in an underground station often have limited time, and move through a crowded, underground environment. They need to understand immediately whether facilities are available, how to access them, how to use them and how to leave without difficulty. For this reason, all SANO2 solutions include touch-free sensors, pictograms, backlit signage, low –energy automatic LED lighting and emergency lights in case of power failure. These features are designed to reduce uncertainty and make the user experience safe and intuitive, even for elderly people, children, users with disabilities and tourists. In underground or poorly lit environments, in fact, safety and functionality strongly influence users’ trust: a dark or damaged restroom is likely to be avoided even if it is technically operational.
Another essential aspect is the toilet’s ability to withstand intensive use. Traditional facilities rely on manual cleaning and can deteriorate rapidly. SANO2 self-cleaning solutions, on the other hand, activate automatic sanitisation cycles after each use, ensuring that the environment remains clean and welcoming at all times.
SANO2 self-cleaning toilets for underground stations: which solution should you choose?
We recommend the S5 series, the most advanced solution of our self-cleaning range. S5 toilets are designed for high-footfall environments, where cleanliness, safety and functionality must be guaranteed even during periods of intense and unpredictable use, exactly as in underground stations. After each use, S5 technology activates an automatic cleaning cycle that refreshes the entire environment. The SLEDTECH® device sanitises and dries the toilet through a translating system which guarantees a consistent and effective cleaning. Floors are also automatically washed through a dedicated collection and sanitisation system. Finally, the SCRUBBER® device completes the cycle by drying the floors and mechanically removing debris or objects from the user area. In addition, the entire S5 series features SANO2 CONNECT® telemetry system for remote monitoring. Administrators can monitor toilets status, consumables levels, access frequency, anomalies and maintenance requirements, enabling rapid response times as well as optimised and preventive intervention.
Compared with traditional restrooms ‒ where quality often depends on the conditions left by the previous user, as well as the frequency of manual cleaning ‒ SANO2 self-cleaning facilities introduce completely different approach: public toilets are no longer spaces people use reluctantly; they become controlled, sanitised and ready- to- use environments.
Can SANO2 self-cleaning solutions be integrated into existing underground station restroom facilities?
If the underground station already includes restroom facilities, SANO2 can provide interior self-cleaning solutions designed to renovate existing environments and transform them into automatic toilets that are easier to use and manage. This operation is particularly useful in underground stations, where installing entirely new facilities can be complex and where every intervention must consider operational schedules, safety routes, technical access and architectural constraints. In these situations, renovating existing spaces makes it possible to improve the service without disrupting the station’s organisation. We integrate SANO2 solutions into pre-existing environments, customising each of them according to dimensions and structure of the facility, as well as operational and management requirements. In this way, renovation becomes a practical and strategic choice: it enhances existing spaces, reduces interferences with daily station operations and introduces an automatic, innovative and reliable service for all users.
Public toilets in underground station: how can vandalism and improper use be prevented?
Public toilets in underground stations are often exposed to a wide variety of users, and not all of them treat facilities respectfully. For this reason, restroom design must minimise all vulnerable elements, including fragile components, protruding parts, easily damaged surfaces, and areas prone to tampering and vandalism. SANO2 public toilets are specifically designed to maximise durability, safety and resistance. The stainless steel washbasin, for example, is integrated into the wall to reduce the risk of damage and misuse. All other components follow the same principal: vandal-resistant mirror, built-in waste bins and touch-free, fire-resistant paper towel dispenser. Preventing vandalism also involves controlling access and monitoring occupancy. Series S5 toilets incorporate highly precise electronic weight sensors, with a tolerance of less than one kilogram, capable of detecting whether the cubicle is occupied by a child, an adult, or more than one person. In the latter case, an emergency mode is activated to help prevent improper use of the facility. In underground station environment, these preventive measures help ensure a consistently safe and reliable experience for all users.
Cost of public toilets in underground stations: how much does a SANO2 solution costs?
We do not offer standard pricing for underground station installations, as each project depends on the specific characteristics of the site and the installation context. Several factors influence the quotation, including the solution chosen, the configuration of the spaces, the number of units required, the possible renovation of existing facilities, the level of automation and the operational requirements of the management team.
For this reason, every SANO2 solution is custom-designed. We evaluate each project according to the actual condition of the environment, the management objectives and the type of user experience to be delivered. In underground stations, in fact, restroom facilities are an investment on the quality of service, operational continuity, perceived safety and the overall quality of a highly-traffic public environment.
To configure your SANO2 self-cleaning in underground stations, fill the form below or contact us directly: we will analyse your project and help you identify the most suitable solution.
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.