A little loo can make a big change to the public space around it. Public toilets are small projects with plenty of complexity, and getting them right is deeply satisfying. Improving well used public facilities 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 on a beautiful, historic street lined with huge shady oak trees. The toilet fronts a carpark and is next to the popular local swimming pool.

Aside from its dowdy exterior (see the photos below), the toilets don't feel safe inside. The entry to the men’s is tucked around the back causing much confusion. They are tired and need to do more to enhance, rather than detract from the area.

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, a simple addition that made the building worse rather than better.   

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

We brought the building closer to the street and introduced an external walkway to enter separate cubicles. These design decisions make the toilets easy to navigate and improve the sense of safety. Then we introduced something special, a canopy for shade and weather protection. This joyful form is an oversized version of corrugated iron common in the historic precinct. When it is sunny light filters through the awning, and when it rains, water showers into the rain garden, providing 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 for long trips.

These toilets are set for construction late in 2025. Keep your eye out for updates.

Do you have a public building that needs attention?

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