Emergency release indicator bolts come as standard on our Award toilet cubicle range, which is an ideal safety feature for high footfall washrooms.

The project
Nestled in the natural habitat along the River Thames is where you’ll find Microsoft’s UK headquarters. The team of 2,000 at Microsoft Campus Reading are forward thinking, dynamic and creative, with a working environment to match.

In addition to office space, Microsoft Campus is host to cafés, restaurants, retail areas and service facilities such as a gym and nursery, which makes for a busy site with heavy and steady footfall. The international tech giant set out to modernise their offices and employee facilities, creating a healthy and inspiring workplace. This saw a requirement for an update to their existing washroom facilities, with a need for stylish yet hardwearing washroom systems.

The challenge
The typical office worker visits the toilet three to four times a day, which meant that durable commercial washroom systems were required for the Microsoft offices. Sufficiently accommodating, well designed and hygienic office washrooms not only improve employee satisfaction but also help retain employees for longer periods too.

By providing employees with good toilet facilities, it shows Microsoft care about the welfare of their staff. What’s more, visitors to the headquarters get the right first impression too. Accredited Installers T-IPS worked with Microsoft to specify and install fit-for-purpose washroom systems that would not only look great but also stand the test of time.

The solution
Award toilet cubicles were specified in High Pressure Laminate (HPL) in our popular Noir finish, for a timeless look. Thanks to its scratch and heatproof properties, HPL is a well suited material for busy washrooms such as those at Microsoft Campus. HPL’s smooth surface also meant surfaces would be easy to keep clean, so that sanitary levels are kept high.

Emergency release indicator bolts come as standard on our Award* toilet cubicle range, which is an ideal safety feature for high footfall washrooms. In the event of an emergency, doors can be safely unlocked from the outside without damaging the locks or cubicles.

Our made to measure metal framed washroom panelling system, Frameduct, was specified in matching Noir HPL for the WCs and urinals. With Frameduct, all duct space is concealed and can be accessed by opening the secure access panels that are on 90° linear bearing hinges - this makes for simple ongoing maintenance.

Microsoft Campus specified our durable K4 profile HPL vanity units for their washroom renovation project. With a very specific vanity unit design requirement, the client selected a non-standard wood effect laminate and also chose to customise the design with a deeper downstand. The modern vessel basins and deck mounted sensor taps completed the overall contemporary design of the new office washrooms.