The Challenge
The developer’s vision for Central Square is that it becomes a proud new Gateway to the Capital of Wales, reflecting Cardiff’s ambition to be amongst Europe’s most successful cities.

The architects responsible for the specification worked closely with Ideal Standard’s dedicated team of experts to choose product that would meet the demands of their specific criteria.

This ensured that facilities were of a high quality and not only reflected the futuristic aesthetic of the new development but also provided plenty of washrooms for the numerous amounts of new staff working within them.

The Brief
Steve Borley of CMB Engineering said: “One Central Square is the 1st phase of an exciting development which will include the new BBC Headquarters in Wales and landmark transport hub, which will transform Cardiff city centre and provide a leading business and media district within the Capital. It aims to become a place defined by excellence in design, in quality and in diversity of offer with the vision from leading Cardiff Developer Rightarces Property Company"

“It was important to reflect these values to provide a contemporary bathroom solution for this modern and high quality development – with a bold yet simplistic design throughout every washroom, including accessible cubicles, ensured every user would feel comfortable using the office facilities and contribute a happier more motivated workforce."

Tim Chappell from Ideal Standard is delighted that "One Central Square is the first commercial project in the UK to feature our revolutionary AquaBlade toilet technology, which offers a superior flush performance and out performs all existing toilets in terms of hygiene.”

The Solution
Ample space was imperative with large washrooms that would suit every user and mirror the modern design of the building’s exterior. Every washroom was specified with the latest Ideal Standard product from Silhouette wash troughs with Sensorflow 21 taps and soap dispensers, to Jasper Morrison designed Ideal Standard urinals with sensor flush. All WCs specified in the office development feature the revolutionary AquaBlade™ technology.

The offices in Wood Street are the first commercial project in the UK to specify this ground-breaking flushing technology as part of the Tonic II product selections installed at One Central Square. Constructed and occupied, the office building totals 135,000 square feet over 9 floors, with floor-plates of about 16,500 square feet and basement car parking.

The building has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and the building is now fully let and work has commenced on no 2 Wood Street and the BBC Headquarters building with Transport Hub being prepared for planning. Over the next three to five years some one million square feet of new office, residential and retail space will be built at Cardiff's Central Square scheme which is being developed by Rightacres Property.