The Lobster loos are iconic public toilets in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. They are part of the Kumutoto public space near Queen's Wharf[1] on the Wellington Waterfront.[2] They are formed from two concrete 'tentacles' covered over by a red-orange steel shroud.[3][4] Updraft through the tentacles provides natural ventilation.[5] The toilets were designed by Bret Thurston of Studio Pacific architects[5] and cost $375,000 to build, twice as much as an ordinary facility.[6] The toilets have been the subject of international interest.[3]

The Lobster loos in August 2015

The toilets are open 24 hours.

See also

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  • Lobster loos – The Architecture Centre
  • Video: interviews with Wellington Waterfront chief executive and project manager and a look around the toilets

References

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  1. ^ Torrie, Bronwyn (12 August 2011). "Designer dunnies get first flush". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  2. ^ Chung, Kiran (27 September 2010). "Costs put rink down gurgler and toilets on ice". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  3. ^ a b Torrie, Bronwyn (13 August 2011). "Lobster loos name unpopular". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Kumutoto Toilets by Studio Pacific". Dezeen. 2012-08-10. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  5. ^ a b "Kumutoto Toilets open | Studio Pacific Architecture". www.studiopacific.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  6. ^ Burgess, Dave (16 April 2010). "Extra $200,000 to make lobster loos a work of art". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-06-19.

41°17′02″S 174°46′42″E / 41.283783°S 174.778374°E / -41.283783; 174.778374