The idea of dry-composting community toilets sounds just perfect for an arid desert like Rajasthan, India. Vir.Mueller Architects designed a prototype of public toilets to offer better public sanitation services to the people of this rural area. Commissioned by the National Foundation of India, the architects came up with a proposal that could be locally built, emit no waste and prevent groundwater contamination.
The design intended for Delwara village is a result of the problems noticed at a series of community meetings held with the villagers. Vir.Mueller Architects’ proposal is a greener answer to the present septic-tank-based toilet serving the village. The dry-composting toilet would divert the urine to on-site planter beds, while the solid waste would be collected in sealed drums, after which it would be burned in the scorching sun and sprinkled as fertilizer.
The architect sees his design as a bigger idea of creating a community space for the villagers. The proposal has provision for rainwater collection from the metal roofs to a stone-wash basin. The water in these basins will be used for cleansing and washing laundry. Apart from this, the architects also plan an orchard that will serve as a gathering place for village meetings and will give some relief from the sweltering heat.
Via: Archdaily