Guide for Residential and

Commercial buildings
Introduction
Planning Considerations
Measurement and Clearance
Fixtures Selection
Theme Design
Coordination Process
Sheet Annotation and Presentation
When we ask "Why is the Toilet Dirty?” we trace its origin to many
diverse and interrelated Toilet issues including Design, Behaviour,
Public Health, Cleaning Skills and Methods, Building Maintenance,
Accessibility, Setting Norms and Standards, Legislation, Research &
Development, Technologies, Public Education and Environmental
issues such as Water.
These issues are also different in each kind of building e.g. a factory's
toilet serves different visitors than that of a shopping centre, or a
school, a hospital, an office, a coffee shop, etc.
The Toilet needs of a man are also different from a woman, a child,
an elderly person, an infant and different kinds of handicapped
people like the visually handicapped, blind, wheel-chair bound, etc.
Furthermore, ethnic and cultural needs also have to be addressed.
Design guide lines

Calculate occupant loads by one of this list:

 Minimum area per person according type of building (codes of practice)
 Operator calculations
 Furniture layout
 IBC
 International codes such as IBC or local codes to figure out the actual number of sanitary
fixtures needed to get the sufficient toilet area (For occupants load refer to chapter 10
MEAN OF EGRESS IBC and for fixtures number refer to chapter 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS IBC)
Local codes of practice
Refer to International codes
such as IBC or local codes to
figure out the actual number
of sanitary fixtures needed to
get the sufficient toilet area.
(For occupants load refer to
chapter 10 MEAN OF EGRESS
IBC and for fixtures number
refer to chapter 29 PLUMBING
SYSTEMS IBC)

Egyptian building code for pluming fixtures

It is preferred to allocate public toilets at building core and on top of
each other’s
Design shall consider toilets locations and its service area or service
radius.
In occupancies other than covered and open mall buildings, the
required public and employee toilet facilities shall be located not
more than one story above or below the space required to be
provided with toilet facilities, and the path of travel to such facilities
shall not exceed a distance of (152 m)
Avoid allocating toilets’ spaces above or attached to electric facilities
such as electric rooms, IT rooms, etc.
Try unifying toilets designs through the entire building to be easily
submitted in construction documents.
All public toilets must meet the last edition of ADA requirements
It is preferred for handicapped compartment to be a unisex located
outside male and female multiuser facilities.
To coordinate with structural department to insure that the top of
structural is designed for piping routing and floor drains fixing.
Avoid Mech. Pipes under structural slab above private spaces.
Check with MECH. Department to have an adequate size for back
shafts and ducts for piping maintenance.
Shafts and ducts shall be accessed by access hatch door or access
hatch panel for maintenance.
Hygiene should be encouraged by placing washing and drying
facilities between WC\urinals and exits.
All horizontal surfaces shall slope to floor drain.
 Using Double Wall is
mandatory in such cases

Handicapped unit
is separated from H.C
H.C
male and female
toilets

Various screening arrangements for small A drawing illustrating the use of double wall in case
installations, showing the area visible from outside. of locating a toilets room next to an IT room
 Janitor area to be within the wet area zone and to be accessed from
outside of toilets zone.
Vestibules shall provide easy passage between the corridor and toilet
while maintaining a visual barrier to protect the privacy.

Various screening arrangements for small installations, showing the area visible from outside
• Clearance of 370 mm is the
minimum allowable from the
centerline of toilet to the wall or
the partition, while 450mm is
the optimum clearness to give
more comfortable space.
• Height 400-450mm is the
recommended height for toilet An illustration demonstrates the clearance range
pan and 355mm for use in for toilet

junior schools.

 All clearances and dimensions is measured from finish line where thickness of finishes shall be considered in
design.
• Clearance of 405-455 mm is the
range of distance from the
centerline of toilet to the wall or
the partition beside the toilet.
• The range of Height is 430-
485mm measured for the top of
the seat.

An illustration demonstrates the clearance range for

H.C toilet

 All clearances and dimensions is measured from finish line where thickness of finishes shall be considered in
design.
• Clearance of 450 mm is the
minimum allowable from the
centerline of toilet to the wall or
the partition.
• Special requirements, Top of
structural slab shall be dropped
from 450mm to 500mm to give
a sufficient depth for
installation, which will avoid
raising WC above floor finish
level with the sufficient value for
piping installation. Illustration drawings demonstrates the clearance
range and dropping depth for eastern toilets
• Clearance of 350mm is the minimum
distance from the centerline of the
urinal to the wall or the partition, and
700mm from the centerline of each
one and the other.
• Urinal bowls are usually fixed with
their forward rims 610mm above floor
level, and it could be lower at 510mm
which used by small boy.
Illustration drawings demonstrates the clearance
range and height of urinals
Clear Floor Space:
• A clear floor space 30 in by 48 in
(760 mm by 1220 mm) shall be
provided in front of urinals to allow
forward approach.
• This clear space shall adjoin or
overlap an accessible route and shall
comply with.
Height:
• Urinals shall be stall-type or wall-
hung with an elongated rim at a
maximum of 17 in (430 mm) above Illustration drawings demonstrates fixing type and
the finish floor. height of urinals
• Clearance of 370mm is the minimum
allowable from the centerline of toilet to
the wall or the partition, while 450mm is
the optimum clearance to give more
comfortable space.
• For lavatories set into a flat top forming a
vanity unit the minimum distance between
centerline of lavatory to the side wall is
370mm but 450mm is preferred,
• 750 mm is the allowable minimum
between the centerline of each lavatory but
900mm is preferred.
• The fixing height of lavatory is 820-850
mm and it may be 900 but it is not
recommended, while 760mm
recommended in hospitals and 700mm for An illustration drawing demonstrates the clearance
children. for lavatories
• Clearance. 400mm is the
allowable minimum from the
center line of lavatory to the side
wall or partition.
• Height. 865mm maximum
allowable height above the finish
floor, and have a knee clearance
at least 685mm from the finish
level. The knee clearance must
extend at least 200mm under
the front edge of the lavatory. An illustration drawing demonstrates the clearance
of lavatories for handicapped persons
• The
preferred height for ablution seat is
400mm
• Theminimum allowable depth range for
ablution seat is 350-400 mm
• The preferred height for ablution step is
200 mm
• The
preferred depth for ablution step is
600mm
• The minimum clear depth for ablution
drainage cavity is 300mm.
An illustration drawing demonstrates the dimensions
• Wall mounted faucet hanged at height of for ablution seat and step design
1100 mm from finish floor level.
• Robe hook. It is preferred to be hanged
at 1800 mm minimum.
There are two types of WC Compartments:
1. A WC compartment which is totally
enclosed by walls that reach down to
the floor and up to the ceiling and has
its own lighting and ventilation system.
2. A WC compartment which is enclosed
by light partitions that do not reach
floor or ceiling. It shares the lighting
and ventilation of the larger space of
which it is apart.
• 1500 mm is the minimum allowable
clear depth for WC compartments. An illustration drawing demonstrates the clearance
and dimensions of WC Compartments
• 800 mm is the minimum allowable
clear width, but 900mm is preferred.
• The minimum allowable depth for
handicapped WC compartments is
2150 mm.
• The clear minimum width allowable
for handicapped WC compartments is
1570 mm.

An illustration drawing demonstrates the clearance

and dimensions of handicapped WC Compartments
WC compartments and cubicles open inwards. The
advantages for this are:
• Privacy, particularly when the door lock is missing or broken
• Elimination of hazard to those outside the cubicle
• The doors are hung so that empty cubicles have open doors
and are easily found.
The disadvantages are:
• Restriction of space within the compartment.
• Difficulty of reaching anyone taken ill within.
Door leaf
• 700 mm is the allowable minimum
door leaf used in WC compartments.
• 600 mm is the allowable minimum
door leaf used in HPL partitions
system.

Illustration drawings demonstrates the dimensions

of door leaf for HPL/walls WC Compartments
• Door leaf, ADA requirements
• 815 mm is the allowable minimum
clear opening width when the door is
90 degrees, but 900 mm is preferred,
and 450 mm minimum door latch.

152
5
An illustration drawing demonstrates the
clearance and dimensions of handicapped door
leaf for WC Compartments
There are two types of shower
compartments:
1. Shower compartment with shower
tray.
2. Shower compartment without
shower tray.
• 1600-1700mm is the preferable range
for shower compartments depth.
• 900mm is the allowable minimum
width. An Illustration demonstrates the dimensions of
shower Compartments
• 600 mm is the recommended depth
for vanity top.
• 700 mm as an active space for vanity
top usage, so for single vanity 1200-
1400 mm clearance is required from
vanity top active space, while 1200-
1500 for vanity top on both sides.
• 820-850 mm the fixing height of
lavatory and it may be 900 but it is
not recommended, while 760 mm
recommended in hospitals.
An illustration drawing demonstrates the
clearance and dimensions of vanity top and
lavatories arrangement
Illustration drawings demonstrates the clearance and dimensions of vanity top and lavatories
arrangement
Mirror
• Length.900-1000 mm is the preferred
length range for mirrors.
• Height. 950-1000 mm from finish level
is the preferred height range for
mirrors.
ADA requirements
• Height. 1015mm is the allowable
maximum height above the finish
floor level. Mirrors not located over
lavatories or countertops must be
installed with the bottom edge of
reflecting surface no more than
890mm.
An illustration drawing demonstrates the
clearance and dimensions of mirror fixing
Hand Dryer
• Clearance. 300mm is the allowable minimum from the centerline
of hand dryer to the side wall or partition, and 600mm between
the centerline of each hand dryer and the other one beside it with
650mm active space.
• Height. 1000-1200mm is the preferred height from floor finish
level.

ADA requirements
• Height. 1120-1220mm is allowable range for the
operable part of the hand dryer.
Paper Towel Dispenser &Waste Receptacles
• Clearance. 300 mm is the allowable minimum
from the centerline of paper towel dispenser to
the side wall or partition, and 600 mm between
the centerline of each one and the other beside it
with 650 mm active space.
• Height. 1100-1200mm is the allowable range for
the operable part of the paper towel dispenser.
• Concealed paper towel dispenser to be located in
wall with adequate thickness or cavity
ADA requirements
• Height. 1120-1220mm is allowable range
for the operable part of the paper towel
dispenser.
Illustration drawings demonstrates the clearance
and dimensions of hands dryer and paper towel
dispenser
Soap Dispenser

There are two types of soap dispensers:

 Wall mounted
 Counter mounted

• Height. 900-1000mm is the allowable

range for wall mounted soap dispenser
height.
ADA requirements
• Height. 1120-1220mm is allowable An illustration shows the wall mounted soap
dispenser
range for the operable part of the soap
dispenser.
It is preferred to locate soap dispenser at right hand side of
lavatories.
Hygiene Water Hose
It is located at right hand side of the toilet
• Clearance.350-400mm from the center line of toilet.
• Height. 600mm from floor finish level at right hand side
Soap Dish
• Height. 900-1000mm is the allowable range for wall mounted soap dish height
Paper Towel Holder
• Clearance.600mm is the preferred distance from the center line of
paper holder to the side wall.
• Height. 600mm is the preferred height from finish floor level
ADA requirements
• Clearance.
180-230mm is the allowable range from the center line of
paper towel holder to the leading edge of handicapped toilet.
• Height. 380mm above the finish floor level.
Towel Rail
• Height. 900mm is the preferred height from finish floor level
Grab Bars:
Grab bars with circular cross-sections must have an outside diameter of 32mm
minimum and 51mm maximum. Non-circular profiles such as ovals and rounded
rectangles are allowed.
Also note that maximum and minimum horizontal mounting heights of grab bars
are set to the top of the gripping surface instead of the centerline.
Clearance
• SideGrab Bar. It must be 1065mm long minimum (1170mm recommended grab
bar length eliminates many installation compliance problems) located 305mm
maximum from the rear wall and extending 1370mm minimum form the rear wall.
• Rear Grab Bar. The location of the 915mm grab bar required to be mounted on the
rear wall behind an accessible toilet is now more clearly defined with the inclusion
of 610mm minimum requirement to the open side of the fixture centerline.
• Vertical Grab bar. 445mm located 990-1040mm off the back wall.
Grab Bars:
Height:
• Side Grab Bar. 840-915 from finish floor level.
• Rear Grab Bar. 840-915 from finish floor level.
• Vertical Grab bar. 990-1040mm from finish floor
level.

Illustration drawings demonstrates the grab bars

dimensions for handicapped WC
Baby Changing:
• Clear floor space. 700mm is the required space in front
of opened baby changing shelf.
• Height. 750-820mm is the preferred height range from
finish floor level.
ADA requirements
• Clear floor space. 760x1220 mm is the required clear
floor space for baby changing unit.
• Height. 685 mm to the bottom of work surface from
floor finish level.
Service Corridor
• Depth 600mm is the allowable minimum clear depth for
service ducts, while 800mm in case of double loaded toilet
compartments
Inspection cavity
• Depth. 200 mm is the allowable minimum clear depth for
inspection cavity.
• Height. Variable according to different cases as shown
below.
 1
2
Case 3
A group of illustrations showing the appropriate dimensions
and height of inspection panel for service ducts.
A group of illustrations showing piping cavities
Plumbing Fixtures
WCs
 Floor mounted
 Floor mounted with concealed cistern
 Wall mounted
Plumbing Fixtures
Lavatory
 Floor pedestal
 Wall pedestal
 Countertop
 Above counter
 Under counter
 Semi countertop
 Handicapped lavatory
 Pantry /janitor
Plumbing Fixtures
Urinal
 Wall mounted

Basin mixers
It recommended using water saving mixers such as infrared electronic basin mixers
or self-closing pillar taps.
 Extended basin mixer
 Basin fitting mixer
 Wall mounted mixer

Hygiene water hose

Accessories
Mirror
 Framed mirror
 Frameless mirror
 Coved light
Fixing types
 Stick on
 Screw on
 Mirror mount
 Presto clips

Mirror fixing techniques

Accessories
Soap dispenser
 Wall mounted
 Under counter mounting
Hand dryer
Paper towel dispenser & waste receptacle unit
Paper towel holder
Robe hook
Towel rail
Grab bars
Trash bin
Floors
 Finish floor assembly shall be ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and marble or granite
tiles.
 Floor and wall color schemes shall be coordinated
 Floor finishes shall be durable and non-slippery
 Floor surfaces shall be sloped to the floor drains
 Floor drains shall be designed to fit in the space of a single tile or center to the
crossing of joints and to be located at the right hand side of toilet.
 The use of large size tiles is recommended to reduce area of grout joints
Walls
 Wall finish assembly shall be ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, back painted glass,
mosaic tiles, marble tiles or granite tiles.
 Wall finish must extend above false ceiling at least 200mm
 Wall finish assembly shall be full height
 Using coved wall base to avoid water or small debris trapped at wall floor
joints.(optional)
 It preferred to start wall tiling from bottom of the wall and extended above false
ceiling by 200mm
Ceiling
 Ceiling finishes shall be of a smooth surface such as cement plaster with a paint
finish, water resistant drywall or any other water resistant material
 Ceiling height is preferred to be 2700mm minimum and it could be 2400mm at
WCs compartments only
 It preferred to design a lighting bulk head above vanity top
 Access panels shall be located on ceiling for easy maintenance

Toilet compartments and urinals screens

 Toilet compartments partition and urinals screens shall be coordinated with floors
and wall colors
 Cantilevered fin-style screens are required between urinals and shall be fabricated
of the same material as the compartments
Architectural Discipline w\
other disciplines
Architectural vs. Structural
 Recessed slabs for drainage routing and floor drains fixing
 Drainage sleeves for S trap WC type and squatting (eastern) WCs
 Not to hang any plumbing fixtures such as toilets, urinals and lavatories on
structural columns or shear walls.

Architectural vs. Electrical

 Power source for all hand dryers at its specific locations
 Power supply for all coved lighting
 Power supply for water heater if needed
Architectural vs. Mechanical
 Exhaust fans locations
 Air supply and return grills locations and its relation with false ceiling and with
other fixtures.
 Doors with undercut or louvers system to comply with HVAC design
 Toilet pressurization system avoiding adores transfer to outside
Architectural vs. Plumbing
 Floor finish zone to accommodate drainage pipe sizing regarding toilets, lavatories
and showers
 Hot and cold water supply for all faucets and shower mixers
 Floor drains locations and it is preferred to be at right hand side of toilet
 Flush water system
 Water heater location and its maintenance
Plan Annotations
 Tiles pattern with its actual size.
 Wall tile cut thickness 15/20mm.
 Tiles starting point symbol
 Flooring slops symbol and it direction
 Floor drain and to be with dashed lines if it under counter
 Plumbing fixtures tags
 Accessories tags
 Full dimensions for plumbing fixtures and accessories locations
 Internal elevation symbol
 Room name and room number
 Material tagging
 Details callouts
Elevations Annotations
 Tiles pattern with its actual size.
 Wall tile cut thickness 15/20mm.
 Tiles starting point symbol
 Plumbing fixtures tags
 Accessories tags
 All Dimensions for Plumbing fixtures and Accessories.
 Refer to false ceiling level
 Material tagging
 Clear height
 Details callouts
DAVID, LITTLEFIELD, “Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data”
Third edition, Architectural Press, 2008.
A Guide to Better Public Toilet Design and Maintenance, Third Edition
2013
Department of Justice, “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”,
Department of Justice, September 15, 2010.
International Code Council, “2012 International Building Code”,
International Code Council, June 2011.