New public toilets exemplify design, comfort and hygiene

His quest paid off. The port now has two restrooms that you must have experienced for yourself, to feel the sense of hospitality. 

We find ourselves in the port office in Urk to speak with Jan van den Berg and Erik Gerrits, technical commercial advisor at Delabie. Van den Berg came into contact with Delabie through interior designer Ben van Zadelhoff, who was brought in to shape the two sanitary oases.

From ancient to ultramodern

"The reason for the renovation of both toilet groups was the fact that after 30 years, they no longer met today's standards. There was no heating and too little capacity, for example. With increasing tourism, we had to add separate toilet units during the peak season. That was a huge thorn in my side as harbor master. We are proud of Urk and welcome everyone. If you just got off board, or you get out of your camper, it's nice when the sanitary facilities you find pamper you, right?", Van den Berg opens the conversation. The new restrooms had been in the planning for some time, but Van den Berg, who has now been harbor master for some 14 years, didn't want to leave anything to chance. By going to various places to look at public sanitation facilities, a list of wishes and requirements emerged. "The best of all worlds, brought together in a clear list. During this search, I came across a washroom that had been created by Ben van Zadelhoff. There I realized that functionality can go hand in hand with design. That's when I knew I wanted to realize that on Urk as well."

Temperature of showers user adjustable

Van den Berg had one very important requirement when it came to the showers: visitors must be able to set their own temperature. "Not everyone is the same and who am I to decide how hot or cold you should shower?" he outlines. "That's where Delabie came into the picture. Erik Gerrits advised us in the choice of water supplies in the showers." Gerrtis adds: "The criteria were clear. Jan wanted as few electronics as possible, but went purely for functionality, coupled with design. Everything had to be immensely resistant, because - especially in the high season - the sanitary facilities are used enormously. Also, the faucets themselves had to be replaceable if necessary. The arrangement now chosen is also water-saving. Beautiful to look at, practical to use and geared toward tomorrow's use."

People come back for it

Gerrits continues: "It's incredible how beautiful and functional everything has become. You'll find the comforts of home here. People will come back for this, I'm sure." In the two sanitary buildings we find the same configuration: each building has 12 showers with equipment from Delabie, six toilets and the extremely practical Delabie hand dryers, which do not cause leaking water on the ground. Both groups are divided into two sections: a public section that anyone can use for a fee, and a section reserved for port guests, who have settled there with their boat or camper. Van den Berg: "By scanning the QR code in the harbor you already pay for the berth or pitch and with that you also get the access code for the toilet groups. It couldn't be easier. How nice is it that when you've just settled in, you can refresh yourself in a washroom that leaves nothing to be desired?"

Van den Berg praises the good support he received and is receiving from Delabie. "For example, we ended up with built-away pipes and built-in mixers. That is more aesthetic and hygienic. Behind the shower walls is an easily accessible, technical space. The water drains through gutters behind the wall, where it is drained to a central pit." He is justifiably proud of the work and now has a third toilet group planned.