Romtec’s waterless restroom facilities have been installed nationwide in natural areas, providing the public with access to a restroom in forests, parks, lakes, and mountains.
In the recent Harris Nature Center project, Romtec worked with the Meridian Township (Owner), Viridis Design Group (Landscape Architect), and LJ Trumble Builders (Contractor) for the design and supply of a waterless restroom facility to serve guests at a nature center and outdoor recreation area.
The Harris Nature Center in Okemos, Michigan is “surrounded by 200 acres of forest and meadows […] set on the banks of the Red Cedar River.” According to the Meridian Township, the center provides walking trails that connect the parks, a nature exploration center where guests “can intuitively interact with nature”, and a building offering “interpretive exhibits, live Michigan animal displays, nature murals by local artists and a variety of environmental programs for schools and the general public.” The Harris Nature center is focused on protecting the Red Cedar River environment and involving the public by providing outdoor areas and activities for the community. (“Visit the Harris Nature Center | Meridian Township, MI”, 2021)
Romtec supplied a double waterless restroom structure with our Original Toilet Risers inside. The risers are a smooth and strong polyethylene material that rejects bacterial growth, is impervious to chemicals, and resists vandalism. The risers sit on top of 750 gallon polyethylene vaults, which have been installed underground beneath the structure.
The building is composed of smooth face gray block that is topped with a veneer installed by LJ Trumble Builders to provide a more unique and natural looking structure. Kick proof wall vents with big screens for ventilation are installed in the block, as well as gable windows that provide the lighting for the interior. To keep with the natural theme of the building, the Evergreen metal roofing blends the building with the environment, and preserves the aesthetics of the area.
After the installation of this structure, Romtec reached out to the Meridian Township, who was very pleased with the Romtec waterless restroom and the Romtec process. For the Meridian Township, Romtec’s ability to streamline the building design and approval process is one of the reasons they choose to come back to Romtec with their next project.
Visit the Harris Nature Center | Meridian Township, MI. Meridian.mi.us. (2021). Retrieved 1 June 2021, from https://www.meridian.mi.us/visitors/hidden-gems/visit-harris-nature-center.