The Portland Loo is redefining what cities can expect from a public restroom. Its revolutionary design is a marvel of engineering capable of withstanding the harsh realities of urban environments. One of the standout features is its vandal-resistant walls. Don’t be fooled by the name, though. These stout walls act as a buffer against common downfalls of restrooms including everyday wear and tear, illicit use, direct damage, and weather. Let’s dive into the science behind this innovative design and see why it’s making splashes in the restroom world.
Stainless Steel Foundation
The Portland Loo’s heavy-gauge stainless steel walls are the bedrock of this restroom’s durability. This isn’t your average kitchen-grade stainless steel; it’s built to be virtually indestructible. Standard restrooms feature compromising brick or drywall while the Loo is fortified with stainless steel barriers. Even the restroom’s angled louvers are built with this tough material.
This stainless steel skeleton offers tremendous resistance to impact, allowing it to withstand the most aggressive attempts at vandalism that would leave other materials in ruins. The secret to stainless steel’s durability lies in its hardness and tensile strength which easily outperforms wood and plastic. Vandals can try as hard as they want, but making a mark on the Loo is improbable.
Anti-Graffiti Finish
Stainless steel’s non-porous nature makes it naturally more resistant to markings than other common restroom materials. However, the Portland Loo doesn’t stop there in its battle against tagging. Almost every inch of the facility is covered in a graffiti-resistant coating for optimized protection. This clear powdered layer makes it nearly impossible for graffiti, markers, and other types of vandalism to stick. These materials are easily wiped off with standard products, making it easier to keep restrooms clean and free of defacement. This also eliminates the need for abrasive and potentially harmful chemicals or expensive repainting. As a result, cities can protect sensitive areas such as business districts and green spaces while saving money.
Modular Design
The Portland Loo’s resistance to tagging isn’t fully summed up by its choice of materials. The way this revolutionary loo is assembled furthers its fight against damage. A modular design enables the restroom to be replaced in parts rather than as an entire unit. This way, in the off-chance a piece of the Loo is damaged, it can be quickly and affordably replaced. Imagine it as a giant, practically impervious Lego set. Plus, all parts are easy to source and highly affordable, greatly reducing maintenance and repair costs for cities.
Weather-Resistant Materials
Vandalism is a problem but not the most pervasive source of damage to public restrooms. That infamous award would go to everyday weather. Excessive temperatures (in either direction), precipitation, and simple sun exposure can eat away at the integrity of conventional bathroom materials. The Portland Loo’s stainless steel structure, once again, saves it from this common restroom fate. This material is notoriously resistant to corrosion due to high amounts of chromium which form a layer of protection against moisture and oxygen – the precursors to most forms of deterioration. This ensures the Loo is much less likely to rot, warp, or rust.
Built to Last
The Portland Loo’s virtually indestructible design isn’t only about resisting the short-term effects of inappropriate use. This minimalistic, durable, and downright tough structure is also intended to serve the needs of cities far into the future. While conventional public restrooms often fail to make it a handful of years, the Loo can last 100 years. And, that’s no exaggeration. Over 20 cities have found it fit to install this futuristic restroom, and that number is growing every year.
If you have an unbreakable desire to bring the Portland Loo to your city, this guide can help! Feel free to contact us for more information too.
