Yesterday I came across a post by @riverflows , presenting what could be the most beautiful public restroom in Australia. Yes, our fellow Hivean is on the road again, and she has just traveled with her partner all the way across the continent just to visit this wonderful loo. Awesome, @riverflows , I'm excited for you! I must say, I can relate quite a bit, because I've done a similar thing myself on time in New Zealand. Of course, the distances are nowhere in comparison, but I actually took a day-long hitchhiking trip to Kawakawa in the Northland, to visit a world famous toilet, which I want to share with you here. Thank you @riverflows for the inspiration!
A Crazy Genius of an Architect
Have you ever heard of Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser? If not, you should certainly check him out. The weird name of this architect is certainly an omen for the amazing and crazy buildings he has designed. The neat thing about them, is that they are not simply weird, they also tend to address those "radical" ideas that nature should be included in our living spaces. So it is not uncommon to see resident trees as planned parts of Hundertwasser buildings. Originally from Austria, Hundertwasser made New Zealand his home of choice, and to leave his mark in this beautiful country, he designed a building of great utility: a public lavratory!
Lots of Life and Crazy Ceramics
Located in the Northland (the peninsula North from Auckland) in the town of Kawakawa, right in the center on 60 Gilles Street, the building can be recognized from a distance for its interesting look. Held up by a number of columns covered in artsy ceramic pots, the entrance has a living green roof, with tall grass growing on it. And that big tree towering above... is rooted right under the structure, which is built around it.
The inside of the loo is covered in various types of tiles, other pieces of ceramics, as well as bricks, rocks, glass blocks and even a bottle wall, dipping the entering sunlight in a bright green. All of these pieces are arranged in the typical Hundertwasser style, with irregular lines, shapes, and colors. The overall result is a funky, goofy, but ultimately pretty facility to take care of our bodily needs.
Any Other Cool Looking Loos?
So, now that we've seen the best bathrooms in New Zealand and Australia, I'd be interested in what other cool loos there may be out there. Have any of you been to a memorable WC? Do you happen to have any pics you may want to share? I certainly would be excited. In fact, I didn't even know about The LooLoo Community until now, so I'm intrigued to learn more.