Tono Mirai Architects of Japan completed Tioletowa in Miyoshi City as an example of recycled, regenerative architecture. The main idea behind the toilet project is the circle of life: ‘Everything comes from the earth and eventually returns to it.’
The rammed-earth building embodies this philosophy through its use of recycled materials and its wastewater treatment system, which creates clean water that can be reused.
The foundation is made from crushed stone, eliminating the need for concrete, and the wooden frame was built using traditional carpentry techniques. The interior walls, floors, and even the toilets and sinks are crafted from recycled materials like wood, glass, and soil. Skylights bathe the interior in natural light, further emphasizing the connection between the building and the natural world.
The tank building offers a glimpse into the heart of the water recycling system. Here, the complex fermentation process is on display. This innovative system uses a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to purify the water, eliminating bacteria and odors. The resulting enzyme-rich water is not only safe for reuse but also promotes plant growth.
The exterior walls are clad in local cedar boards, their natural variations echoing the surrounding forest.
The project extends beyond the building itself. By burying organic materials like branches, leaves, and charcoal, they created a network of water channels and improved air circulation, fostering the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Recycled crushed stone tiles were used for rainwater collection, and walkways were built with wood chips and lava stone.
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beautiful as ever, good for the water and How about the poop? l
have been working on composting, re the Humanure Code, Joseph Jenkins. with the beautiful, complete lthe cycle. working on this past almost 20 years at 3moonsproject in the California desert. Now we want to work with the local County, Inyo. Can. we work together, explore together making this small family, or group compost system , be legally viable.
If only American public bathrooms were as nice as that!