The school holidays are prime time for school facility upgrades — no students, no rush-hour chaos, and just enough time to modernise essential spaces like restrooms. But a great refurbishment isn’t just new tiles and fixtures. To make the investment count, schools need to balance compliance, inclusivity, durability, and smart design.
Here are four key tips to ensure your restroom upgrade stands the test of time
1. Prioritise Compliance and Safety from the Start
Restrooms must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards. These cover everything from door widths and privacy locks to fire safety and slip resistance. Non-compliance can lead to costly reworks or, worse, safety risks.
Key standards to consider:
- AS 1428.1:2021 for accessibility requirements in sanitary compartments.
- NCC Volume One, Section F2.5 for sanitary facilities in education buildings.
Safe Work Australia hygiene and maintenance guidelines.
(Source: Australian Building Codes Board) equals one CPD point.
- The Formal Minimum: At least 10 of these points must be “Formal CPD.”
- The “No Carry-Over” Rule: CPD points cannot be banked or “rolled over” to the next registration year. Each year is a standalone compliance period.
Tip: Engage your builder or architect early to confirm your restroom design meets both building and accessibility codes, including accessible and ambulant cubicles. DuraCube also offers a free 1-hour formal CPD-accredited training course on Australian cubicle standards that can be booked here.
2. Design for Inclusivity and Accessibility
An inclusive restroom design supports independence, dignity, and safety for all students, including those with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or mobility challenges.
Accessibility must-haves:
- Clearly marked ambulant cubicles with outward-swinging doors.
- Fixtures at accessible heights for different age groups.
- Adequate circulation space for mobility aids.
(NSW Department of Education: Inclusive and Accessible Design)
DuraCube solution: DuraCube’s toilet partitions are built to specification, providing compliant door hardware, privacy locks, and robust fittings to handle daily school use while meeting DDA requirements.
3. Choose Durable Systems That Last Beyond One Term
School restrooms are among the most heavily used areas on campus. Moisture, cleaning chemicals, vandalism, and constant traffic can destroy inferior materials quickly. Investing in durable systems upfront avoids frequent replacements and maintenance headaches.
What to look for:
- Compact laminate construction for moisture resistance.
- Solid hardware that resists corrosion and impact.
- Low-maintenance surfaces that withstand daily cleaning.
- Systems with long-term warranties and local support.
DuraCube advantage:
- Made with DuraSafe Compact Laminate, resistant to water, impact, and bacteria.
- Fully installed and backed by a 15-year warranty on both product and installation.
Designed, manufactured, and installed by our experienced team, ensuring quality and accountability from start to finish.
4. Make Smart Colour and Finish Choices
Restroom design affects more than appearance — colours influence mood, cleanliness perception, and maintenance needs.
Practical colour considerations:
- Light, neutral tones can make spaces feel brighter and cleaner.
- Contrasting colours support accessibility for students with low vision.
- Darker bases hide scuff marks in high-traffic zones.
- Align colours with your school’s visual identity for a cohesive feel.
DuraCube options:
- Offers a wide palette of colours from modern neutrals to bold accents.
A well-planned restroom refurbishment should deliver more than a cosmetic upgrade. With the right systems, materials, and planning, schools can create facilities that are safe, inclusive, hygienic, and built to last.
By specifying DuraCube, schools gain a compliant, durable, and low-maintenance restroom system backed by a 15-year warranty, meaning peace of mind long after the school bell rings again.