Are Shower Pods Suitable For Historic University Upgrades?
Posted by Mark Peers
Residential facilities in Oxbridge colleges provide term time accommodation for students, guests, and even many staff. However, with vital estate revenue coming from the non-term season, when rooms are rented out to guests and tourists visiting the historic cities of Oxford and Cambridge, something as simple as a disappointing shower can lead to a revenue-crushing one-star TripAdvisor review. However unfair and unfounded these reviews may be, the installation of shower pods can be a rapid, budget-friendly, effective way to upgrade the estate and improve the accommodation experience for students and guests alike. Read on to find out more.
One of the biggest gripes throughout online reviews of university accommodation is unsanitary shower facilities. Black mould tops the list, and general ‘dirt’ is a frequent namedrop. This leads to an overall impression of grubbiness that can be as off-putting for students as it is for paying guests.
Shower pods are designed with hygiene in mind. Their shape prevents dirt and grime from accumulating, and a sparkling clean can be achieved with a simple wipe of a sponge. This can also help to increase efficiency when preparing rooms for a high turnover of visitors.
Students and visitors come to expect a certain amount of antiquity from the hallowed halls of education. However, this patience does not extend to washroom facilities. International visitors in particular have little tolerance for anything other than hot, reliable, leak-free, showers. Shower pods offer a complete, up-to-date, self-contained shower. Once installed, they enable students and visitors to step into a refreshingly modern experience.
Grade I And II Appropriate
Installing showers in Grade I and Grade II Listed buildings can be challenging. Stone buildings can present a significant challenge when applying to introduce non-contemporary materials. As a consequence, many of the iconic universities of Britain have not managed to upgrade their shower facilities. Frequently, the problem is something as simple as tiles or floor preparation not meeting planning requirements.
As self-contained units, shower pods are an ideal way to modernise Grade I and Grade II buildings. Shower pods require no tiles, grouting, or floor preparation. As such, they do not affect the integrity of the building or its existing materials.
Installing showers can be especially challenging for universities that rely on non-term revenue. The choice often boils down to creating discomfort for students during Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity, or losing income during the holidays. Either way, the disruption is difficult to justify, and inevitably provokes backlash.
Thankfully, the installation of shower pods can neatly circumnavigate these problems. Standard installation can see as many as two pods installed, quietly and efficiently, in a single day. Stepped installations are designed for environments that are constantly in use, and are a minimally disruptive approach.
Find Out More
Shower pods can be an excellent way to modernise older buildings. By introducing added comfort, enhanced hygiene, and modern reliability to academic accommodation, shower pods can improve the university experience for students and visitors alike. To learn more, call 02476 11 303 to speak with one of our knowledgeable service team.
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