You are on Accommodation Summary (Deerness). Skip to the next section.

Accommodation Summary (Deerness)

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• Parking and Transport View
  • The accommodation has its own parking facilities.
  • No secure parking is available.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • There is a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
• Residence Information View
  • This residence is made up of single ensuite rooms in catered hall of residence buildings.
  • The residence surveyed was Deerness.
• Accessible Accommodation Information View
  • The accommodation has 99 rooms in total.
  • There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
  • The accommodation has 3 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
  • There is/are 3 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
  • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • The accessible toilet facilities are located in the ensuite bathrooms.
• Standard Accommodation Information View
  • There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
  • Ground floor accommodation does have level access.
  • There are standard rooms on other floors.
  • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
  • Standard accommodation has ensuites with stepped shower cubicles.
  • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
• Amenities and Communal Facilities View
  • There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
  • Communal facilities within this residence include a staffed reception, a launderette, a common room, a recreation room, a bar and a study area.
• Additional Accessibility Aids View
  • There is not a deaf alert system available on request.
  • Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
  • Bed raisers are not available on request.
  • Portable hoists are not available on request.

You are on Getting Here (Van Mildart College). Skip to the next section.

Getting Here (Van Mildart College)

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• By Road View
  • Van Mildart College is located south of the city centre off the A177 South Road. The A177 links the "Cock o the North" Roundabout on the A167 Darlington Road with the south side of the City Centre. When approaching from north or south, turn into Elvet Hill Road, then left into Mill Hill Lane. The college is on the left.
  • There is a car park directly in front of the main building for permit holders.
    Public parking is available at the Howlands Park and Ride on South Road, with bus links to the city centre, which will involve a 600m walk via South Road.
  • For more information on visiting Van Mildart College please click here (opens new tab).
• By Bus View
  • There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
  • The nearest bus stops are on South Road near the end of Elvet Hill Road, South Road Colleges stops, approximately 150m walk from the nearest blocks, served by bus routes 6, S1 and N21. In addition the PR2 bus service links the Howlands Park and Ride car park with the city centre.
  • For more information on the bus routes 6, S1 and N21 to the South Road Colleges please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
  • Durham Railway Station is located approximately 1.3 mile to the north of the college, on the far side of the city centre and River Wear. Buses run from outside the station to the city centre. This station is a category A station and has step free access to all platforms. Interchange between the platforms is via a subway. Lift access is available to the subway from both platforms.
  • For more information on trains to Durham please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Durham Railway Station please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Useful Information

• Disability Support is located on the ground floor in the Palatine Centre, and provides information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students who disclose a disability as well as students who think they may have a disability.
  The service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate.
• To see more information on Disability Support please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Student Support and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Applying To Durham please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on College Accommodation and Facilities please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Accommodation and Allocations Office please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Building Parking. Skip to the next section.

Building Parking

• The building does have its own dedicated parking.

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• Building Car Park View
  • The car park can be used by permit holders.
  • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • The car park is located in front of the building off Mill Hill Lane.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
  • There is/are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 300cm x 500cm.
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
  • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
  • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
  • The nearest designated bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the front entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
• Site/Campus Car Parks View
  • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
  • The name of the car park is Van Mildert College Car Park.
  • The car park is located by the main building.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

You are on Site/Campus Car Park (Van Mildart College). Skip to the next section.

Site/Campus Car Park (Van Mildart College)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located off Mill Hill Lane by the main building with additional parking on the service road below.
  • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Van Mildert College main building, Deerness Block and Derwent Block.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 500cm.
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
  • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
  • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park can be used by staff, Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
  • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Signs are clearly presented.
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
• Car Park Access View
  • There is step free access from this car park.
  • Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
  • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
  • The nearest designated bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There are 3 additional Blue Badge bays on the service road in front of Deerness Block. There are 2 additional Blue Badge bays and standard parking on the service road at the north end of the main building with ramped access to the JCR entrance and Derwent Block.

You are on Outside Access (Deerness Block - Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Deerness Block - Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand end of the block by the Main Building.
  • This entrance gives access to the second floor.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • A key code is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the key card reader is 85cm.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
  • The exit push pad or push button is 84cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.

You are on Outside Access (Deerness Block - Courtyard Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Deerness Block - Courtyard Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the block on the ground floor.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor bedrooms, toilets, launderette and lift.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the key card reader is 130cm.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 116cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

You are on Outside Access (Deerness Block - Front Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Deerness Block - Front Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building facing Mill Hill Lane, at ground floor level.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor bedrooms, toilets, launderette and lift.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • A key code is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the key code reader is 126cm.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 107cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

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• Access and Circulation View
  • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located in the centre of the building off the main corridor.
  • The stairs are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

You are on Lift (Deerness Block). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Deerness Block)

• The lift is located in the centre of the block off the main corridor.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
• The weight limit for the lift is 900kg 12 persons.
• There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 150cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

You are on Accommodation. Skip to the next section.

Accommodation

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• Accessible Room Information View
  • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
  • All accessible rooms of this type have identical specifications.
  • Residents do not need to open a door between the lift and the room(s).
  • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
• Accessible Room Features View
  • The accessible room surveyed is located on the third floor.
  • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was 83D.
  • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed, via lift.
  • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
  • The door is manual with a key lock.
  • The keyhole height is 87cm.
  • The width of the door is 77cm.
  • There are lowered spy holes available.
  • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
  • The bed height is not adjustable.
  • The height of the bed is 54cm (1ft 9in).
  • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 30cm (12in).
  • The bed is not moveable.
  • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
  • A member of staff can reconfigure the room furniture to create a turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
  • The height of the desk is 75cm.
  • The desk is not height adjustable.
  • The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
  • The room surveyed had a desk chair with armrests.
  • Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
  • The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the room.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm in the room is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • The colour contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels in the room are moderate to good.
• Bathroom Facilities View
  • This information relates to the ensuite.
  • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
  • The bathroom door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the door into the bathroom is 88cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 239cm x 169cm.
  • The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
  • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
  • There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm in the ensuite is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • There is a/are general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
  • The lighting levels in the bathroom are moderate to good.
• Toilet Details View
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 90cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm (3ft 1in).
• Shower Details View
  • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • The shower control type is twist/turn.
  • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
  • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 40cm (1ft 4in).
  • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
  • There is a single vertical grab rail to assist standing users.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.

You are on Kitchen/Dining Area. Skip to the next section.

Kitchen/Dining Area

• The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
• Lowered work surfaces are not available.
• The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
• There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
• There are some low level cupboards.
• The height of the dining table is 70cm.
• There are dining chairs with and without armrests.
• There are additional cupboard, fridge and washing facilities adjacent to the kitchen/dining facilities. There are kitchen/dining facilities on ground, first and second floors.

You are on Launderette. Skip to the next section.

Launderette

• The launderette is located on the ground floor. There are two washing machines with door level at 35cm and the highest controls at 107cm.
• There are also stacked dryers. The lower door is at a height of 40cm and the higher door at a height of 160cm. The highest controls are at a height of 105cm.
• There is a sink and drainer 90cm with lever taps and a sluice sink 55cm high with twist/turn taps.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Left Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Left Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the right as you enter via the front entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the front entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 77cm.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 194cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 4in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 50cm from floor level.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is not a mirror.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
  • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
  • There is not a hand dryer.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor, next to the rear entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the rear entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The gender neutral toilet is located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter via the front entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the front entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.