Columbus Airport Restroom: Elegant Design creates Exceptional Airport Experience

The intent was to create a monolithic appearance to complement the overall airport design and the epoxy terrazzo floor. In addition, light and warmth were to emanate throughout the space.

Terminal Modernization Focused on Traveler Comfort and Aesthetics

The ongoing $80 million Port Columbus air terminal modernization program has been designed to create an exceptional travel experience for its valued customers. The renovated terminal will also position Port Columbus International Airport for increased future passenger activity and reinforce the airport’s multi-billion dollar annual economic impact to the Columbus, Ohio region.

Phased over several years with no significant impact to operations during construction, the terminal modernization program has several goals, including building upon the functional characteristics of the existing 55-year-old terminal structure to look and operate like new; ensuring the functional lifespan of the Port Columbus terminal for at least another 20 years; and utilizing energy and environmentally-efficient materials.

Working together with the aviation practice experts at AECOM – the global engineering design firm, airport facilities project managers Matt Devereaux and Matt Langel are making sure the new terminal will provide a contemporary design and experience that is comfortable, convenient and safe for travelers. Key renovations include new flooring and carpeting, natural lighting and restroom upgrades.

“The patented system, with its use of Corian® and stainless steel hardware resulted in a design that is THE choice for the most demanding environments. At the same time, this system delivers an upgrade in aesthetics to complement the most discriminating spaces.” - David Gerali, Privacy Plus® Partitions

Design Versatility of Corian®

Cathy Lucks, the architect/designer at AECOM, developed a design guide for the restroom renovations that called for a wall finish that was a solid seamless surface with the look of stone and easy to maintain. The intent was to create a monolithic appearance to complement the overall airport design and the epoxy terrazzo floor. In addition, light and warmth were to emanate throughout the space.

Floor to ceiling Corian® Witch Hazel from the "Private Collection" colors, and Privacy Plus® Partition System and accents in Cameo White provide the dramatic look envisioned for the restroom.

Corian® distributor Dave Greening at Ohio Valley Supply, and fabricator David Gerali of Gerali Custom Designs in Illinois, the principal of Privacy Plus® Partitions with Corian®, worked together to bring to life the vision of elegant sophistication. 

Patented Form, Function and Beauty

David Gerali describes how Privacy Plus® Partitions System was created with the designer, maintenance department and personal user in mind. “The patented system, with its use of Corian® and stainless steel hardware resulted in a design that is THE choice for the most demanding environments. At the same time, this system delivers an upgrade in aesthetics to complement the most discriminating spaces.”

Every partition system installation is a one to two person job that requires only commonly available tools. Side panels and door widths that can be adjusted and trimmed on-site give the flexibility of a custom installation, without additional custom build costs. The entire system fits and ships on pallets, eliminating crating costs. The ease of shipping and installing the partitions helped reduce the time of installation at the airport. The interconnected panels are easy to replace and easy to maintain – another plus for the busy facility.

Fabricated in Corian® Cameo White, the privacy panels provide the feeling of warmth called for in the design. The light color and tone of Corian® Witch Hazel is the perfect complement, along with its veining which provides the depth needed on the walls to enhance the overall design. The luster finish of all the Corian® surfaces also helps to reflect the light. End result? An inviting space that is clean, bright and calming. 

The light color and tone of Corian® Witch Hazel is the perfect complement, along with its veining which provides the depth needed on the walls to enhance the overall design. The technical backup from DuPont provided the additional confidence that the right decisions had been made for this renovation.

Delivering High Performance in High Traffic Spaces

In this application, Corian® solid surface mimics the high end feel of stone. The design concept was to create a less institutional looking restroom for travelers, and more of a high end hotel environment. Travelers feel as if they are entering a luxurious marble bathroom. In the real world of high traffic use, Corian® delivers high performance in both aesthetics and durability.

Seamless Support from DuPont

According to Greening and Lucks, the visual appeal of Corian® Witch Hazel made the choice easy for the design and fabrication team. Corian® Cameo White was also used in the back wall cubby hole for placing items above the toilets.

The only challenges were in the detailing for the seamless walls. However, distributor Dave Greening worked closely with DuPont’s technical support team and Building Knowledge Center to achieve the translucent seamless appearance of the Cameo White on the walls.

The technical backup from DuPont provided the additional confidence that the right decisions had been made for this renovation.

Beautiful Materials – and Solutions – to Fit Any Restroom Design

Corian® solid surfaces create beautiful, stylish spaces that withstand the realities of everyday living. This durable, versatile surface combines innovative style, design flexibility and a long list of performance benefits. Available in over 140 color choices, Corian® is the perfect complement to the natural and man-made building materials so desirable in today’s interiors, whether residential or commercial. No matter what the space – contemporary loft, traditional home, boutique hotel, chic restaurant, airport or hospital – Corian® is the perfect solution.

 

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