Compost toilet

One of the first essentials, after a shower, is creating a toilet. Initially, we built a temporary toilet that was simply a bucket in a frame. However, for the official toilet, we wanted something more luxurious.

Although it’s a compost toilet and we live off-grid, one of our goals was to provide a pleasant experience for users. We’ve encountered many compost toilets that were basic and often unclean, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

We began constructing the toilet using tree trunks from the land and pallets filled with straw for insulation. The interior is lined with laminate that we received for free and recycled. The exterior is covered with COB, a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water.

To prevent odors and flies, we designed an extraction system that uses both convection and a fan to draw air out of the barrel and release it above the toilet.

Urine is directed to a separate compost heap. Since urine contains a lot of nitrogen, it activates the composting process and is immediately absorbed, preventing any odor. Rainwater and handwashing rinse the urine pipes, stopping urine odors from entering the toilet.

Finally, the roof is covered with sedum, and we plan to plant ivy on the sides. This not only looks nice but also helps keep the toilet cool in the summer, reducing flies and other insects and allowing for a more comfortable experience.