By 2027, all commercial properties in the UK must achieve an EPC rating of C, with a target of B by 2030. Yet, a significant proportion of existing buildings do not meet these standards, driving a major refurbishment boom. For architects and designers, this creates a unique opportunity: turning compliance into high-impact, sustainable design. From material selection to water use, commercial washrooms are increasingly influential spaces that affect environmental performance, operational efficiency, and user experience.

Every specification decision – from taps and WCs, to surfaces and finishes – can influence both compliance and occupant satisfaction. Washrooms, often overlooked, now offer a rare chance to demonstrate design intent in high-traffic areas, balancing functionality, hygiene, and aesthetics.

The refurbishment boom

Refurbishment dominates the UK commercial property market. In the first half of 2025, 83% of new office space in London came from refurbished stock rather than new builds . Regional markets are showing similar trends, with 84% of office space currently in the pipeline is refurbishment – a substantial increase from pre-Covid figures of 29%.

For architects and designers, this trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Refurbishments often require working within existing layouts, structural constraints, and outdated plumbing systems, demanding careful planning to integrate modern, sustainable solutions. Designers must upgrade facilities to meet accessibility and energy standards, introduce water and energy-efficient fixtures, and refresh aesthetics – all while creating spaces that are functional, hygienic, and visually cohesive.

Washrooms in refurbished spaces are particularly impactful because they are frequent touchpoints for building occupants. Thoughtful design can reduce operational costs, lower environmental footprint, and enhance user experience, turning functional areas into showcases of design excellence. 

Regulations and sustainability

Regulatory requirements are shaping washroom design more than ever. Building Regulations Part G and Document M set accessibility standards, ensuring washrooms are inclusive and user-friendly. Although UK building regulations do not explicitly place a responsibility on developers and specifiers of sanitaryware to consider the sustainability credentials of the products they install, the regulations do require compliance with water-efficiency standards – so developers and specifiers are expected to ensure that the sanitaryware they install meets those necessary water-efficiency requirements. 

Meanwhile, upcoming updates to EPC and MEES require measurable improvements in energy and water efficiency. Non-compliant spaces risk falling short of legal requirements, making sustainable design choices essential. These frameworks not only create compliance obligations but also serve as strong incentives for specifiers and developers to take a proactive approach. Early investment in compliant, high-performance products can reduce the risk of costly retrofits, enhance long-term asset value and appeal to occupiers who increasingly prioritise environmentally responsible buildings.

For architects and designers, this means washrooms must simultaneously satisfy accessibility, hygiene and environmental standards. At the same time, sustainability-certification schemes such as BREEAM UK New Construction V7, which came into effect on the 30th September 2025, and LEED are providing strong incentives for developers and designers to seek out the most sustainable and efficient products.

BREEAM V7 in particular is significantly tightening its criteria and placing increasing priority of its water category weightings to better reflect its importance in the overall sustainability assessment, aligning with local environmental policies and construction practices. For specifiers, this creates a clear opportunity to add value – by selecting products that contribute to higher BREEAM and LEED scores, projects can achieve stronger sustainability credentials and improved market positioning.

Creative integration allows spaces to feel seamless rather than constrained by regulation. Thoughtful product selection and layout strategies can exceed minimum standards, enhance operational efficiency, support ESG objectives and align with certification goals – positioning washrooms as a strategic intersection of compliance, sustainability and design innovation.

Futureproofing through smarter specification

Futureproofing begins with informed product selection. Modular fixtures, sensor-operated taps, dual-flush toilets, and environmentally certified products such as Armitage Shanks Doc M packs allow designers to adapt layouts, refresh interiors, and maintain operational efficiency over time.

Considering materials and finishes is equally important. Anti-microbial surfaces, easy-clean materials, and modular components support both hygiene and durability, helping architects deliver spaces that remain relevant as usage patterns change.

By anticipating evolving regulations and long-term performance, designers can create washrooms that are flexible, durable, and aligned with occupiers’ evolving needs. Exceeding minimum requirements reduces operational costs, avoids costly retrofits, and demonstrates a proactive approach to sustainability and long-term value.

Innovation driving design

Emerging technologies are transforming commercial washrooms. Smart flow management, automated fixtures, modular components, and advanced surface materials give architects control over both functionality and aesthetics. These innovations enable spaces to remain efficient, hygienic, and cohesive, while adapting to changing workplace trends.

Integrating technology from the outset ensures that design intent extends beyond installation. Architects can specify washrooms that adapt to operational demands, maintain high environmental standards, and support long-term sustainability goals, creating spaces that are both future-ready and user-focused.

Technology also allows designers to model usage patterns and optimise layouts. Sensor data can inform fixture placement, spacing, and material selection, ensuring washrooms balance efficiency with comfort while supporting regulatory compliance.

Why washrooms matter

Refurbished washrooms are high-visibility spaces where every design decision matters. From layouts constrained by existing plumbing to material choices that impact hygiene and durability, architects have the opportunity to showcase sustainable, user-focused design.

Approached strategically, washrooms allow designers to align aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility, transforming a once purely compliance-driven area into a demonstration of thoughtful, future-proofed architecture. In offices, warehouse conversions, and mixed-use refurbishments alike, washrooms are key touchpoints where design, sustainability, and operational efficiency converge.

Anil Madan, non-residential marketing manager at Armitage Shanks, part of Villeroy & Boch Group