#8 Tokinokura Lavatories Shimodate

Chikusei City, Japan

Architect: Shuichiro Yoshida

Location: Shimodate, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

New to our list is Tokinokura Lavatories Shimodate. A Tokyo-based architecture group, Shuichiro Yoshida, has created this sleek public toilet slotted between two buildings in Chikusei City in Japan.

With no lavatories in the area, this caused problems for a local volunteer group residing next door in an early 20th century storage building deemed 'Tokinokura'.

Despite the historic building being in good condition, no toilets available were still a problem. During 2008 the volunteer group organised a public design competition for the toilet. Over 75 proposals were entered and Shuichiro Yoshida Architects were selected.

The narrow area looked to be a challenge however was overcome with expert design through Shuichiro Yoshida Architects utilising the space and making it double the height. Wooden beams support the roof with its sharp gradient and double-glazed triangular windows allow light to flood the space. The toilets contain one wash basin and two cubicles.

All images courtesy of ShuichiroYoshida Architects