Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport
Architect: Richard Rogers
Type of works: supply of bespoke sanitaryware.
Serving 30 million passengers a year, Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is the busiest of all BAA's terminals, after it opened in March 2008.
Terminal 5 is intended to reinforce Heathrow's position as Europe's principal intercontinental hub.
The terminal, primarily to be used by British Airways, was the subject of a design competition in 1989. It is a response to growing passenger numbers and will form a gateway to Britain and Europe for travellers from across the globe.
With over 50 WC facilities throughout the terminal, all needing to meet strict design, accessibility and durability criteria, a new approach to the washroom specification was required.
T5's accessibility strategy demanded that all washroom facilities should not only meet but surpass the current Part M Regulations and Design Disabilities Act; unfortunately there was no product in the marketplace that met the requirements.
Not willing to accept the usual approach of 'tacking on' an unsightly and unhygienic back box to the rear of a standard WC pan in order to meet the 750 mm projection, BAA Design approached VitrA UK Ltd.
“VitrA, already on board looking at other bespoke sanitaryware pieces for T5, took on the challenge of creating such a large, one piece moulded product. The resulting product is clean lined with minimal contours and fixings, an essential part of BAA's brief where ease of cleaning and maintenance is paramount in a 24/7 environment. “