Changing Spaces | How Rearo upgraded the Falkirk Wheel's hygienic baby care station

The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift, a unique engineering marvel connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal in Scotland. It lifts boats 35 metres (115 feet) using a rotating system instead of traditional locks, using minimal energy and offering a visually stunning experience. 

It replaces a series of 11 locks that fell into disuse in the 1930s. It was opened in 2002 as part of the Millennium Commission projects, reconnecting the two canals for the first time since 1933.

The Falkirk Wheel is a testament to innovative engineering and design. It efficiently transfers boats between the two canals, which have a significant height difference. The design is based on Archimedes’ principle, ensuring that the wheel is always balanced, regardless of the size or weight of the boats being lifted [watch a video here].

This ingenious design means the wheel uses very little power to operate. Visitors can witness this amazing process and learn about the history of Scotland’s canals at the visitor centre.

Rearo was the only manufacturer able to supply the bespoke baby change unit within the project’s time constraints, delivering it in under three weeks. We used Corian^® solid surface material, a popular choice for baby changing surfaces. Corian’s non-porosity deters bacteria, mould, and mildew growth, and makes it easy to clean and sanitise.

The material’s durability ensures it can withstand frequent use in commercial and public settings, including high traffic spaces. Corian^® can be joined seamlessly, eliminating gaps and crevices where dirt and bacteria accumulate, contributing to its hygienic properties and providing a smooth and attractive appearance. Its thermoformability allows it to be moulded into specific shapes, enabling comfortable and ergonomic designs, with curved surfaces and raised edges, which enhance safety and convenience.

Because of these properties, Corian^® baby changing surfaces are often used in commercial washrooms, hospitals, restaurants, shopping centres, airports, and other public facilities.