(Video) Unisex washrooms, Superloos and Doc M WC installed at Royal Court Theatre London
Project overview
The Royal Court Theatre, located in the heart of Sloane Square, is internationally recognised as a leading space for new writing in theatre. Its Undercroft Bar is a popular destination, offering drinks in a welcoming and inspiring environment. All profits from the Bar directly support the theatre’s mission to cultivate and develop writers.
To reflect this ethos, the washrooms in the Undercroft Bar were completely refurbished by Focus Washrooms. The theatre wanted a high-quality, modern, and inclusive facility that would serve audiences for years to come, while echoing the brand identity of the Royal Court. The refurbishment was designed to comply with UK building regulations, specifically referencing the relevant Approved Document for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring the facilities meet legal and policy requirements for venue toilets.
The brief
Create a world-class facility aligned with the theatre’s reputation.
Provide a solution that would be inclusive, practical and future-proof, with unisex washrooms, two private washrooms (Superloos), and a dedicated Doc M accessible washroom. The design needed to meet all legal requirements for public washrooms, including relevant regulations and standards.
Deliver an environment that matched the style and brand identity of the Royal Court, including the bold red finish, instantly recognisable as part of the theatre’s identity.
The solution
Focus Washrooms worked closely with the Royal Court’s Head of Operations from initial concept through to completion. Our approach included:
Concept and design collaboration – working with stakeholders to identify the needs of all user groups, including disabled people, ensuring layout and finish choices reflected both practical and aesthetic ambitions.
Structural assessment and space optimisation – enabling the transition to a unisex layout, maximising space efficiency and reducing waiting times.
Installation of high-quality finishes and fittings – delivering a robust, hygienic solution built to withstand the demands of a busy entertainment venue.
Full compliance with accessibility requirements – including a fully fitted Doc M washroom to support inclusivity.
Key features of inclusive facilities
Unisex washroom with 7 cubicles.
Two private Superloos, each a self-contained room for maximum privacy and comfort.
One Doc M compliant accessible washroom, ensuring inclusivity.
Handwashing zone with four modern basins, touch-free taps, and well-lit mirrors.
Durable SGL finishes in Royal Court Theatre red, paired with warm woodgrain cubicle doors.
Easy-clean tiled walls and hardwearing floors, designed for long-term performance.
Outcome
The finished washrooms achieve the perfect balance of style, durability, and inclusivity. The bold red and warm woodgrain SGL finish reinforces the identity of the Royal Court Theatre, while the modern design ensures the facilities will continue to serve the theatre community for years to come.
The new washrooms accommodate the needs of children, parents, men and women, ensuring privacy and safety for all users. This inclusive approach supports families, provides suitable options for children accompanied by parents, and addresses the requirements of both male and female visitors.
The design principles used here could be applied to other settings such as schools, leisure centres, offices, and workplaces, promoting accessibility and inclusivity across multiple environments. Unlike traditional women’s or men’s toilets, these facilities are designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
By investing in high-quality washrooms, the Royal Court Theatre has demonstrated its commitment to offering a world-class visitor experience, supporting its reputation as one of the most important cultural institutions in London.
Why unisex and gender-neutral toilets?
The decision to adopt a unisex layout was driven by both inclusivity and practicality. Not only does it create a welcoming environment for all visitors, but it also allows for better space utilisation, reducing queues and simplifying traffic flow during busy intervals. The addition of superloos ensures that those seeking greater privacy are equally well catered for.
In recent years, the idea of implementing unisex toilets and gender-neutral public toilets has gained traction due to the need for better provision, inclusivity, and safety. Concerns about discrimination and accessibility in traditional single-sex toilets have highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of groups who may not feel comfortable using facilities labelled exclusively for men or women.
By providing unisex toilets and accessible washrooms, organisations can create safer, more welcoming environments for all users. This approach reflects a broader commitment to equity, inclusivity, and dignity in venues.
