PHOTOS: Taikoo Hui Washrooms Get Hip Makeover

By Jocelyn Richards

If we were anywhere but China, bathroom news might not be, well, news. But when you’re standing face to face with a squat toilet day after day, prospects of a well-designed, sustainable – or even artistic – loo become significantly more enthusing.

Hong Kong-based studio Ida & Billy recently got to work on the facilities at TaiKoo Hui in Guangzhou, overhauling the bland decor for a crisp, white interior accented by fresh greenery. 

The new design is expressed as a “bright grotto” rooted in a “contemporary abstraction of nature,” according to Design Boom. It aims to raise environmental awareness and become a role model of sustainability in the commercial and retail sector.

The lavatories feature waterless urinals and vacuum toilets to save water and reduce waste volume. Indoor plants surround the space, purifying the air and raising the oxygen level. The washbasin counters feature sleek curves that blend into an LED lighting strip, while an integrated water tap and hand dryer have been installed to prevent dripping water. Two fans ensure regular air circulation and a fresh scent.

In total, the new toilets reduce water usage by 80 percent and reduce waste volume by 60 percent, according to Design Boom. 

Check the photos below for an exclusive peek inside, courtesy of Ida & Billy:

[Images via Design Boom]

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