An obligatory part of any suburban area is represented by a shower and toilet. It is impossible to imagine a comfortable stay without them. Most often, an outdoor shower is set up in such places. But if you wish, you can build a building that combines several functional objects at the same time. This saves space on the territory, as well as building materials necessary for the construction of a utility block.
Such a building is designed for a variety of needs. Having arranged a cozy room in it, you can comfortably relax in the hot part of the day. Additionally, it is convenient to use a separate object instead of a warehouse for storing seasonal fruits and vegetables, fruits grown and harvested by yourself on the site.
Features of the
Outwardly, a building is a structure that simultaneously combines several working rooms for different purposes inside. Most often, such a building is equipped with a toilet and shower. Often such sheds are divided into compartments for convenient distribution and subsequent storage of tools, all kinds of utensils needed in the country.
Car enthusiasts often combine a relaxation area with a garage. In any case, the size of the utility block for a summer cottage with a toilet and shower, other functional rooms depends on the taste and idea of the owner of the site, the available free space.
In order to save more space, a corner shower stall is often installed in the structure, which it is appropriate to supplement with heating.
Where to place?
It is customary to distinguish two options for the location of the utility rooms at the summer cottage. They are combined under one roof into a single complex, or they are distributed separately throughout the courtyard in free-standing blocks.
It is recommended that the household blocks be located in shaded areas that are not suitable for laying out beds or areas for active pastime. An exception to this rule would be a summer kitchen or dining area. Such objects should always face the sunny side.
Materials (edit)
Hozbloks are versatile structures. For their construction, the following materials are most often used:
- wood;
- metal;
- plastic;
- finishing in assortment.
The choice in favor of specific materials depends entirely on the preferences and financial capabilities of the owner of the summer cottage, the purpose of the barn being equipped.
Most often, the choice stops on wood and its derivatives, which look especially advantageous against the background of nature.
When choosing the optimal building material, it is worth additionally taking into account the characteristics of the place for construction, the duration of operation, the available budget.
The most profitable plastic models in terms of cost, they are also characterized by low weight. Wooden utility blocks are distinguished by such qualities as:
- aesthetic appearance;
- durability;
- absolute environmental friendliness.
Many manufacturers cover wooden building materials with protective impregnations that prevent damage to products by insects and mold.
Small-sized street structures made of metal are often equipped with garages and storage facilities. They are often equipped at construction sites as cabins. Brick buildings are the most durable and solid.
Projects
At this stage of construction, a plan with drawings is drawn up, the area for construction is selected. The dimensions of the future building are displayed on paper, internal walls or partitions are indicated. This will help to determine as accurately as possible the amount of building materials.
A utility unit with a toilet and a shower or a wood log under one roof can be done as you like. Consideration should be given to the option of a rectangular structure, the dimensions of which are 4x2 m. The indicated communications are optimally placed in it, each of which is equipped with a separate entrance door. The middle room is also complemented by a window opening.
In general, the dimensions of each area are set for individual reasons.
A combined country project for a utility block of a similar rectangular shape and three standard rooms for a toilet, a shower room and a pantry or a shed for inventory will be interesting. The difference from the previous version lies in the internal connection of the areas. Accordingly, in the middle there is one door, framed on both sides by corner windows.
In the next garden project "3 in 1" a different arrangement of premises can be traced. Two of them are narrowed, are assigned as standard for a toilet with a shower, and a more spacious area remains under the shed or storage room. There are three front doors.
It is worth identifying another project in demand, which is distinguished by the placement of doors to rooms from opposite sides. Two small zones are allocated for a shower and a heated toilet, together with them a spacious room for a barn, storage is organized.
How to build?
Before embarking on the construction of a farm building, you should decide on the project, draw up the most accurate drawing. And only the next step will be the beginning of construction activities, the result of which will be the creation of an easy-to-use and practical structure. If the layout is initially incorrect, the erected structure will not give the proper impression.
Most often, in suburban areas, inexpensive and budget materials are used when creating a utility block with their own hands. The most common are derivatives from wood, which fit optimally into the surrounding nature outside the city.
If you have minimal skills in the field of construction, the structure can be made independently.
It is impossible to imagine carrying out the indicated events without the appropriate tools. Before creating an object that combines a shower, toilet or garage with a relaxation area under one roof, you should arm yourself with the following devices:
- pencil with drawing paper;
- yardstick;
- level;
- cord;
- pliers;
- reservoir for water;
- concrete mixer;
- shovel;
- ax;
- self-tapping screws;
- hacksaw;
- plane;
- screwdriver;
- economic wheelbarrow.
In the course of performing certain manipulations, it will become clear what kind of inventory is missing. All needs are determined on an individual basis. It is possible that some of the designated items will turn out to be superfluous, everything will be determined in the process of work. There are sequential steps that are recommended to be followed during the construction of a multifunctional building at a summer cottage.
The first step is to choose the most suitable location. The territory located in the lowland, in the pit, will not be appropriate. After that, a foundation is laid, preferably columnar, which is preceded by marking directly on the ground. Here you should use a rope and tape measure. A pit is dug according to the prepared markings, the optimum depth of which is up to 2 meters. As for the width, it depends on the wishes of the owner of the site.
The generally accepted standard size is 100x150 cm.
The dug hole must be strengthened, for which a cement-based solution and bricks are used, which are held together according to the principle of an adhesive. When such walls are fully prepared, the moat is filled with gravel mixed with sand. After that, everything is concreted. As a result, a container is created that does not allow all the contents to pass through the walls.
At the next stage, a columnar foundation is mounted. For this, holes are prepared to a depth of 80 cm. Sand is placed in them, carefully compacted. On top of it, a layer of gravel similar in thickness is filled up, compacted. Further, pillars are lowered into the holes, sprinkled with sand on all sides.
If there is a shower and toilet in the utility block, a drain pipe must be equipped. She settles in the most convenient place, after which she is taken out. The easiest way is to assemble the frame according to the project from a bar, which does not take much time. On top of it, special racks are placed, the strapping of which is carried out along the upper edge.
As for the door and window openings for each room under one roof, they can, if possible, also be made of timber. Their location can be either side of the building.
An important stage in the construction process is the organization of the roof. For this purpose, several types of materials are used, taking into account individual preferences, desires and financial capabilities. An example of this is:
- roofing material;
- sheet steel;
- slate;
- professional flooring and more.
However, many summer residents give priority to tiles. It is produced in various color options, with the right choice, it will be in harmony with all objects in the country, creating a single composition.
Convenience and simplicity, comfort during the operation of a utility unit with several functional zones largely depends on a properly executed floor covering. For this purpose, boards are usually used.
Do not forget about the exterior decoration of the building. The existing wood cladding is treated with oil formulations.
Durable and all-season structures are insulated with fiberglass wool, polystyrene foam, which are fixed with an adhesive or a construction stapler.
The final stage is represented by interior decoration. Toilet and shower are lined with plastic-based clapboard. Everyone organizes the interior according to their needs. These can be holders for toilet paper, towels, shelves for soap and shampoo, and other accessories. In the storage room, you also cannot do without shelves designed for heavy loads, boxes, containers.
If a summer dining room and a recreation area are arranged in the building, it is appropriate to make a compact table where you can get together with a friendly company, a family. Drawers for kitchen utensils, coasters, bedside tables will be useful.
Beautiful examples
The optimal and often rebuilt is the utility block, under the roof of which a shower room, a bathroom, and any change house necessary on the farm are equipped. Such a structure can significantly save space on the site.
Change houses are in demand only with a summer shower and toilet, where there is a water barrel on the roof. The reservoir is selected in accordance with the design features of the structure, does not spoil the overall appearance.
The best option is a building complemented by an open-type veranda in the form of a spacious porch.
For information on how to make a utility block with a toilet and shower, see the next video.