MOTHERS' ROOM

CORPORATE OFFICES & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

OVERVIEW

Private space to support new mothers.


A dedicated, enclosed space for new mothers to pump and refrigerate breast milk, and clean supplies. Buildings with less than 75 people may have a wellness room, which can be used for both lactation and wellness purposes.

Design Goals

  • In buildings that have public amenities (such as a café or public event space), locate the mothers’ room outside the secure perimeter so users without badge access can have easy access. Otherwise, locate the mothers’ room inside the secure perimeter.
  • Provide a discreet entrance for the mothers’ room.
  • Share the plumbing wall with restrooms or other plumbed spaces when possible.
  • Provide soft finishes, display boards for community messages and pictures of babies, and lamps so users can adjust the lighting. The environment should feel welcoming and calming, which increases milk production.
  • Rooms should be separate from the wellness room unless the total office headcount is less than 75. 
  • Group the building’s mothers’ rooms together with a shared sink/storage area and as many private stalls as needed to meet the standard ratio. For availability, it’s easier for people to go to one location. Even if there is only one stall, separate the sink/storage area so users always have access to their milk and supplies.
  • If multiple stalls are included, provide choice between a desk (for users who want to multi-task) and lounge chair with side table (for users who prefer to relax) in the different stalls.

Jerry Rice, PHK

Key Components

Mothers room axonometric


Download PDF and BIM files below


Download Drawings BIM Folder
  1. Accessible sink 
  2. Access to supplies
  3. Under-counter refrigerator 
  4. Private pumping stall(s) with lock
  5. Lounge seat and/or desk chair


Single-User Layout

Area: 125 SF (11.6 SM)

Size: 13’ x 9’-6” (4m x 2.9m

Capacity: 1


Multi-User Layout

Area: 20’ x 10’ (6.1m x 3.1m) 

Size: 200 SF (18.9 SM) min.

Capacity: As many stalls as needed to meet standard

Branding

Use calming wall color and graphic artwork to provide a neutral, restful retreat from the activity outside. Avoid bold or saturated colors that might feel aggressive or jarring to occupants, and be careful to curate graphic content that does not provoke strong feelings. It is usually best to avoid bold logos and brand quotes, as well as athlete imagery.


Cost guardrail for brand investment: Low level

REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Clearances
    • Provide 60” x 60” (152.5cm x 152.5cm) min. clear floor space on each side of door 
    • Wheelchair turning radius and accessible door clearances must be met at the sink area
    • At least one stall should have a 67” (170cm) min. turning radius, but 75” (191cm) is better for all mobility device users, if possible
    • Circulation should be 36” (91.5cm) min. wide
    • Counter and storage cubbies  at the sink with accessible front approach
  • Finishes

    Walls

    • Wall type 8: Gypsum below deck
    • Use standard wall types or approved alternate that meets acoustic requirements
    • Optional to have stalls open to the ceiling 
    • Paint and rubber base (or equivalent)

    Floors

    • Cleanable flooring for wet locations required at the sink
    • If an area rug is used, adhere it to the floor and install transition strips at all edges to minimize tripping hazard

    Ceiling 

    • Height: 8’-10’ (244cm-305cm) 
    • Suspended ACT (or equivalent), wall-to-wall (NRC 0.5+) 
  • Doors
    • Type: Swinging with 3 hinges, solid core 
    • Size: 36” x 80” (91cm x 203cm). If not feasible, 32" (81cm) min. clear opening 
    • Handle: Metal lever-style
    • Requires require 5 lbs or less of force to open or have push-button door openers
    • Provide a lock with keypad or badge reader on the main door, or deadbolt with occupancy sensor on stall doors. Stalls can have opaque curtains or locking doors, depending on lock configuration
  • Furnishings

    Furniture


    Desk chair

    • Plastic or material that can be wiped clean
    • Height adjustable preferred

    Lounge chair or sofa

    • Arms and high back, width comfortable for large body types
    • Upright posture; deep or reclined seats won’t work for pumping
    • Faux leather or material that can be wiped clean
    • Throw pillows should not contain down, to reduce the risk of allergic reaction

    Table

    • Within reach of seating
    • For lounge seat: Laptop table 12” x 17” (31cm x 43cm) min. Larger sizing preferred to hold pump and a laptop
    • For desk seat: Counter or table 28”-34” (71cm-87cm) height with 27” (69cm) min. knee clearance 
    • Table or floor lamp

    Window Coverings

    • Provide opaque privacy film and/or window coverings if there are windows or glazed walls  

    Accessories

    • Basket for disinfectant wipes, tissues, supplies, etc. – coordinate with local service team
    • Display board (tack or magnet) 
  • Casework and Plumbing
    • Laminate counter with exposed plywood or laminate cabinets 
    • Counters in pumping stalls. Accessible front approach in at least one stall
    • Provide a front access sink, open below with a rim height of 34” (87cm) max. and knee clearance of 29" (74cm) height. Pipes should be covered
    • The faucet should be manual without a sensor
  • Acoustics
    • Minimize sound transfer for privacy
    • Noise criteria (NC): 30-35 dBA
    • Sound transmission class (STC): 45-50 dBA
  • Equipment
    • Refrigerator: Residential grade. 4.4 cubic feet (0.1 cubic meter) No freezer. 24” (61cm) width, 22” (56cm) depth, 32.5” (83cm) height max.
    • Counter-mounted soap dispenser, mirror, small trash bin, paper towel dispenser
    • For a mothers’ room with stalls, provide coat hooks within each stall. Install with toggle bolt - include an option for wheelchair accessible height
    • Include temperature/ventilation. Avoid drafts directly over seats
  • Electrical

    Outlets

    • Wall outlets at accessible heights above and below counter at the sink and easily accessible for users to plug-in pumps in the stalls

    Lighting

    • 20-35 FC (215-375 LUX) at 30” (76cm) above finished floor – a lower overall level, with lamps for individual adjustment
    • Controls: Daylight harvesting or user dimmable
  • Wayfinding
    • See Wayfinding section
    • ID sign with ‘Mothers’ Room’ and icon 
    • Amenity Icon Tab
  • Branding
    • All painted elements should be easy to clean and resistant to food spills or normal wear.  Low VOC paints should be used whenever possible.
    • Wallpaper should be non-vinyl wall covering such as DreamScape Terralon
    • Furniture painted with brand colors should be powdercoated for durability.
    • Custom furniture or upholstery should follow CAL 133 or other local flammability standards 
    • Framed graphics are typically Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG’s)

  • Technology
  • Safety and Security
    • For Workplace Security standards, contact your local Design or PM team. EHS standards can be found in Resources
    • Coordinate lock solution with security

Examples

Image Of Campus Site

Los Angeles, USA

Calming Colors

A unified color palette creates a soothing environment and ensures the brand content does not overwhelm occupants. Curtains provide softness and privacy.

San Francisco, USA

Suite Layout

When multiple users need access to the space, individual stalls with privacy curtains allow access to stored milk and supplies while eliminating the need to rush and find another location.

San Francisco, USA

Functional Furnishings

Seating is comfortable with a supportive back, upright posture, and upholstery that can be wiped clean. Local service teams are encouraged to provide accessories and amenities.