As my husband and I began mapping out the interior of our rustic shed-turned-cabin in Montana, he knew we wouldn’t have plumbing, and I knew I didn’t want to deal with chemicals or smells. With two small children and weather that can range from -20 to 85-degrees Fahrenheit, we also didn’t want to deal with schlepping outside for potty breaks. Building our own humanure toilet turned out to be our perfect solution.
With only 12x20 feet of living space, the whole cabin is virtually a kitchen/bedroom/bathroom. We had to choose between putting the loo by the hot stove (not safe for children) by the hide-a-bed, or in this quiet corner. While some question the cleanliness of pooping so close to a food prep area, one must remember that this is not a flushing toilet that sprays bacteria into the air with every flush. Your backside seals the toilet while you do your business. There is no splash. Compost debris quickly covers the deposits, and the lid is shut immediately. Also, having water within easy reach is a must for cleaning up "accidents." We hope to adjoin the outhouse to The Shabin in the near future.
We get quite a few jokes from friends and family about our “lovey loo,” but I would take our lovely-loo over a honey bucket any day! It’s a bucket inside a wood box, and we cover – um – the deposits with sawdust. it has a real toilet seat on it for looks and comfort, but it is what it is, and it works very well.
Recycled red outhouse behind The Shabin always stinks!
Ellen Murphy pointed out this great article in the Mail Online a UK based paper about a couple who turned a public toilet into a beautiful dream home.
Chris Brook the author states that: They spent a lot more than a penny doing it up, but turning the public toilets into a home was a true labour of love.
For nearly a century the Victorian WC was used as a loo by visitors to the beach at Scarborough.
Dream home: Tracey Woodhouse and partner Graham Peck have turned the £15,000 former public toilet into a cosy house
Now the distinctive building has been transformed by Tracy Woodhouse and her partner Graham Peck into a cosy house, with magnificent views overlooking the North Sea.
The Gents is now the lounge and the Ladies is the bedroom and en suite bathroom.
