A little loo can make a big change to the public space around it. Toilets are small projects with plenty of complexity, and getting them right, whilst salvaging existing material is deeply satisfying. Remark want to make better places for more people across regional Victoria. Public toilets are well used facilities, and improving them for the many people who will stop by is exactly why we love projects like this one.

What we found

This little public toilet in the centre of Newstead really needed some love. It sits in the centre of a beautiful, historic street lined with mature shade trees. The toilet fronts a carpark and is next to the popular local swimming pool.

Aside from its dowdy exterior, the toilets didn’t feel safe inside.  The entry to the men’s was tucked around the back finding the men’s toilet caused much confusion.

What we did

We kept the good bits, the main building with its high ceilings and lovely natural light and ventilation. We threw away the low height lean-to’s that had been added to make more space, but made the entries darker and clumsy to navigate.  

We designed toilets that are safe and robust. We sorted out the navigation and made them accessible and inclusive.

We made separate cubicles accessible from a shared walkway, brought the building closer to the street, making it easy to navigate and improving the sense of safety. Then we introduced something special, a joyful canopy for shade and weather protection. The canopy is an oversized version of corrugated iron common in the historic precinct. On sunny days, light filters through the awning, and when it rains, water pours into the rain garden. The rain garden provides a soft edge to the concrete wall that has wrapped the site for years. An external hand washing space, beautiful shade trees and a nearby picnic table make this an excellent rest stop on long trips.

Do you have a public building that needs some love? Let's Talk.

If you are considering new facilities or are keen to upgrade existing ones in your town, we’d love to hear from you.