Garden Restroom / LAAB Architects

Curated by 韩双羽 - HAN Shuangyu

Architects: LAAB Architects
Area: 100 m²
Year: 2017
Photographs:Studio UNIT Ltd.
Manufacturers: LOTTE CHEMICAL, Arpa Fenix , Imola, Kast, Logan
Sustainability Consultant: Arup
Facade & Structural Contractor: ICGL
Design Landscape Architect: Field Operations
Interior Lighting Designer: Lightswitch
Managing Contractor: New World Construction Co. Ltd
Executive Landscape Architect: Speirs + Major
Exterior Lighting Designer: Speirs + Major
MEP Engineer: WSP
Interior Contractor: Yearfull Contracting Limited

Garden Restroom / LAAB Architects - Image 2 of 21 — © Studio UNIT Ltd.

Text description provided by the architects. Garden Restroom is an award-winning public toilet in Salisbury Garden in Hong Kong. Unlike a conventional boxy approach, our toilet design challenges the boundary between public and private space by bringing in natural surroundings (e.g. sunlight) into the washroom while maintaining a sense of privacy to optimize user experience.

We also maintain a coherent experience of Salisbury Garden by borrowing the architectural language of adjacent buildings and using timber fins to design Garden Restroom. The diagonal pitched roof creates a dynamic spatial experience and provides a visual surprise for those standing from afar.

Garden Restroom / LAAB Architects - Image 21 of 21 — section

Inside the toilet, we construct a curvilinear wall to create enclosure with a sense of privacy, while concealing light bulbs, speakers, and exhaust fans underneath. Garden Restroom plays the sound of flowing water, users can enjoy a moment of privacy with comfort and ease.

Garden Restroom / LAAB Architects - Image 3 of 21 — © Studio UNIT Ltd.

We also document the historical prominence of Tsim Sha Tsui by erecting mosaic murals featuring the historic views of Victoria Harbour and Salisbury Road. We use anamorphic perspective to produce distorted images that can be perceptible only from a certain angle at the entrance. We also document Hong Kong toilet development by illustrating toilet typology behind cubicle doors, such as "Back Alley" and "Vacuum Toilet.”

Outside the Garden Restroom stands a stone-sculpted drinking fountain and a washing basin. The curvilinear shape responds to the profile of Garden Restroom; the dynamic form also caters to different heights of adults and kids. The green plants in the centre provide a relaxing environment for visitors to rest and refresh in the garden.

Garden Restroom / LAAB Architects - Image 8 of 21 — Courtesy of LAAB Architects

Garden Restroom has received accolades from various design communities, including the Japan Good Design Award, the DFA Design for Asia Award, and the AIA (International Region) Award.