Botanic gardens’ new bathroom facility ranks as exceptional
Delaware Botanic Gardens’ new bathroom facility was named by Cintas Corporation among the top 10 American business finalists for maintaining clean and exceptional restrooms.
Ray Sander, DBG president, said, “It is an honor for DBG, our award-winning local SEA Studio Architects and WN Builders to be among the top 10 finalists for this prestigious Cintas 2022 Best Restrooms in America Contest. This successful restroom project involved many creative people and organizations including Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund, the Sussex County Council, the Crystal Trust, the Ellice and Rosa McDonald Foundation, and the Marmot Foundation.”
The Cintas nomination said, “Just a few miles from the Southern Delaware beaches, an oasis of tranquility and beauty has been steadily cultivated at the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek. Designed by the local firm of SEA Studio Architects, the new restroom is situated gently at the threshold between the Meadow Garden and the Woodlands. The building combines contemporary forms and a thoughtful material palette in a structure that both enhances the landscape and serves its function as a fully accessible restroom. Natural cedar cladding makes the building feel at home, while floor-to-ceiling south windows provide natural light and transparency into what are typically stuffy, private spaces. Several didactic features on the exterior demonstrate simple stormwater management practices, including a rainwater collection cistern and rain chains that feed a 'living' wall, dry riverbed and rain garden. Lastly, the interiors boast a clean and contemporary look with modern tile finishes and floating, stainless-steel vanities. Without a doubt, the restrooms at the DBG are truly part of the unique garden experience.”
Scott Edmonston, SEA Studio principal architect, said, “We at SEA Studio are continually grateful that the DBG entrusted us with the opportunity to make a little architectural intervention with the new restrooms at the gardens. And we are exceptionally proud of the final built product, which wouldn’t have been possible without exemplary teamwork and a steadfast shared vision for beauty and sustainability by all parties involved.”
Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director, said, “Our restrooms just opened in March, and have several green technology features thanks to our partnering with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. We hope our supporters and guests who have visited the gardens this year will support the DBG nomination by voting for our public restroom. Please take a minute to vote for DBG. Go to bestrestroom.com and follow the directions to vote for Delaware Botanic Gardens Restrooms.”
