Assateague Mobile Bathhouse Project PV Solar Energy
The Sustainable Bathhouse Project was completed in June 2002. However, as the dynamic barrier-island landform continues its westward migration, the arrangement will be reconfigured accordingly. In that sense, this project has no completion date.
Assateague is an island on the move. The ocean, shifting sand, and seasonal storms constantly transform the landscape. Natural forces have damaged beach facilities over the years. At Toms Cove, the National Park Service is responding with mobile bathhouse units. Easy to remove and reposition after a storm, each unit includes lightweight changing rooms, passive-solar vault toilets, and a solar-powered shower.
Environmental Aspects
The objective was to develop mobile, cost-effective, environmentally sensitive bathhouses to serve visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore. The solution includes lightweight cabana structures and prefabricated, passively ventilated vault toilets capable of being removed from the beach rapidly during pre-storm evacuations. Photovoltaic panels are installed in an easily transportable trailer to provide solar-powered rinse showers. Crushed clamshells were used to pave roadways and parking lots. Wayside exhibits tell the story of this project to our visitors.
Owner & Occupancy
It is difficult to accurately calculate the project size and occupancy of these atypical structures. Typical number of occupants is based on full capacity estimate at the busiest time of the day during the summer season.
