As of October 1st 2024, toilet cubicle dimensions for workplace and public building projects are now subject to Approved Document T (Part T) regulation. We’re supporting architects, designers and specifiers through these changes by providing expert support and resources through our lunch & learn and specifier hub guides.
Each toilet cubicle must be designed with the user and location in mind. For example, toilet cubicles vary in accessibility in different settings. Education facilities, healthcare, leisure centres, and sports buildings follow their own guidance separate from Part T. Also, it is usually wise to consider cubicle sizes and layout for ambulant persons and accessible toilets (DDA Compliant). For more on regulations and requirements click here.
For a quick overview of Approved Document T, visit our comprehensive FAQ section.
As required of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010, toilet accommodation in buildings that fall within Part T must consist of:
Male and female single-sex toilets.
Or – where space precludes, the provision of single-sex universal toilets.
And – if space allows, universal toilets in addition to single-sex toilets.
Approved Document T identifies four types of toilet accommodation that are suitable for meeting requirement T1:
Below, we will discuss the variations of toilet dimensions and toilet types to get a better understanding of these new requirements.
Type A fully enclosed, self-contained ambulant universal toilet cubicle is specifically designed to meet accessibility needs for ambulant users with limited mobility. These cubicles offer added space and are fully enclosed to provide privacy for users regardless of gender. According to the 2024 Building Regulations under Part T, Type A cubicles must meet certain minimum dimensions and features to ensure functionality and comfort.
Key specifications for a Type A cubicle include:
These cubicles are a versatile and compliant option for locations where accessible, unisex facilities are needed. By providing enhanced privacy and accessibility, Type A cubicles align with the latest Part T requirements for inclusive washroom design.
Also known as ‘Superloos’, Type B – fully enclosed self-contained universal toilet is not solely a single-sex toilet and may be used by anyone regardless of gender identity, though if desired, they can be placed within a single-sex washroom.
Key specifications for Type B toilet cubicles under Part T include:
Additionally, for privacy, all washroom facilities should have no direct sightline from corridors or circulation spaces.
Type C cubicles are single-sex, ambulant-accessible toilets designed with accessibility features for users who may need added support, such as grab rails. These cubicles provide basic accessibility in single-sex washrooms, though they do not include hand-washing facilities within the cubicle.
Part T of the 2024 Building Regulations specifies the following dimensions and requirements for Type C cubicles to ensure both accessibility and privacy:
These Type C cubicles offer a practical solution within single-sex washrooms, providing essential accessibility features without requiring a fully self-contained design.
This cubicle type is intended solely for individuals of the same sex, with shared washbasins and hand-drying areas designated for exclusive use by that sex.
Once adequate single-sex toilet facilities are provided, any additional space may be allocated for universal toilets. If there isn’t enough room for gendered facilities, Type B (superloos) may be used instead of traditional cubicles for enhanced privacy and flexibility.
Type D cubicles must meet the following minimum requirements under Part T:
Type D cubicles serve as an efficient, straightforward option in single-sex washrooms, supporting privacy and functionality in shared restroom facilities.
Previously, every standard cubicle by law had to have a minimum of a 450mm diameter for the user to manoeuvre in. We have highlighted the following sizes to outline a recommended guide on toilet cubicle dimensions:
Indicator-bolts must also be capable of being operated with a closed fist (i.e., easily accessible for people with mobility issues) and doors must operate in such a way that complies with emergency evacuation procedures. If the cubicle were to collapse or become damaged, the user must be able to get out without becoming trapped.
There are different types of designs and regulations determined by your requirements. For example, do you require gender-neutral toilets? Or, do you need to know about office toilets or cafe toilets?
Ambulant cubicles are for user with disabilities who are able to walk.
Every same-sex toilet cubicle had a minimum of one WC cubicle suited for such users. If the establishment in question only had one toilet cubicle, then it must have been suitable for an ambulant user. The toilet cubicle must have also featured an outward opening door and grab rails for accessibility.
Click here to read more on disabled toilet cubicle dimensions
These toilet cubicles were comprised of a single washroom with 4 or more cubicles inside. These enlarged cubicles had a width of 1210mm and included an outward opening door. Both horizontal and vertical rails were also a requirement in order to assist the user if necessary.
Similar to the enlarged cubicle toilet, wheelchair access is of paramount importance for the physically impaired.
The accessible toilet dimensions had previously been restructured in order to accommodate a cubicle length of 2220mm, as opposed to its previous measurement of 2000mm. The outward opening door needs to be 950mm wide and have a 900mm opening. Doc M Accessible Toilets are usually formed from partition walls and not cubicle material and require a Doc ‘M’ pack including suitable sanitary ware and grab / drop down rails.
Before Part T, there were no set sizes for toilet cubicles and building regulations governed the minimum toilet cubicle dimensions for manufacturers and suppliers. The Building Regulations Part M and the Equality Act 2010 showcased guidance on standard, ambulant and enlarged toilet cubicle dimensions for companies to follow.
With Part T now in effect, new cubicle types are now in place and affect the following projects:
Only workplace and public buildings in England requiring Building Regulations approval.
Projects not sufficiently progressed by 1st April 2025
For new buildings, construction is progressed when concrete is poured for the trench, pad, or raft foundations, or when piling begins.
For existing buildings, work begins when any modifications or repairs start.
For any further information on the services we provide or an insight into our other work, please feel free to contact our team on 033 0404 3775 or specifications@conceptcubiclesystems.co.uk
Click here to read more on the required cubicle dimensions for each cubicle type or contact us for specification support.
Approved Document T is a new requirement of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. The document states a change in legislation to washrooms in public buildings and workplace environments.
Part T – or Approved Document T – applies to applications that are made from 1st October 2024, or made before this date but fail to be ‘sufficiently progressed’ by 1 April 2025.
A project is considered ‘sufficiently progressed’ once the building work reaches the stage of construction. Specifically, this includes situations where:
Part T outlines regulations to be followed when washroom construction on public buildings and workplaces is carried out. The document does not affect washrooms in education, sports buildings, or healthcare facilities.
Part T outlines changes in legislation to provide separate gendered toilets for men and women and only include gender-neutral, universal toilets (Superloos) in addition to single-sex facilities where space permits.
Aiming to ensure safety through eradicating communal spaces for handwashing that can be accessed by both genders, with all buildings that require sign-off from Building Control now obliging single-gender toilets with single-gender handwashing facilities.
We are supporting A&D with a dedicated Part T Lunch & Learn series – for those seeking to know more about these changes and encourage conversations into new ways for best practice on future projects.
To book a session with your practice, get in touch with our team.
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