Anshi Village in Yibin, Sichuan, is a typical rural settlement nestled against Nianpan Mountain. The village features winding pathways, scattered fields and ponds, and a blend of houses and trees that reflect the character of southern Sichuan. This project is situated next to the village parking lot by Yichang Road, overlooking farmland and backed by bamboo groves cultivated by the locals.
Overall aerial view of the project and site © In the field of architecture
Amid the rural revitalization efforts, the project focuses on a frequently overlooked public facility—the restroom. The “Toilet Roll” aims to combine thoughtful design with practical needs, serving both tourists and villagers. It also acts as a key space to reflect the identity of Anshi Village, leaving visitors with a positive first impression.
△ Illustration © RUIS
Surrounded by bamboo forests, the restroom building features a rectangular roof supported by steel columns. It houses ten individual bathrooms arranged in a staggered formation within stone cage-wrapped cylinders. The central, slightly larger cylinder is designated as an accessible restroom, while two separate male-only compartments are symmetrically positioned at the rear.
A toilet surrounded by bamboo forests © Mountain photography
Traditional public restrooms often result in long wait times for female visitors. To address this and promote fairness in space usage, the designers introduced a gender-neutral restroom concept. At the Toilet Roll, any individual can use any single room regardless of gender, effectively reducing congestion during peak periods. The inward-opening doors enhance privacy and accommodate users of all genders, ages, and mobility levels. Additionally, the hollowed roof design allows natural air flow, eliminating odors, while skylights provide natural light, improving ventilation and comfort.
△ The toilet compartment opens inward © Lv Xiaobin
Rather than being viewed as unpleasant, the restroom is designed as a welcoming public space. There is a 2.2-meter elevation difference between the building and the parking lot, and visitors are guided to the facility via a large staircase that integrates landscaping and steps.
△ Entrance of disabled ramp © Mountain photography
Visitors enter through the landscaped staircase © Mountain photography
A circular seating area wraps around the stone cage on one side, offering a shaded spot for visitors to rest, chat, and enjoy the scenic views of nearby rice and fish ponds, as well as the rural landscape.
Tourists relax in the restroom area © Mountain photography
Arc-shaped seating surrounds the gabion structure © Lv Xiaobin
The roof features several staggered circular skylights, and the ground includes circular flower beds planted with clusters of green bamboo. The dappled sunlight and swaying bamboo shadows create a natural ambiance, as if the village’s original bamboo forest has been integrated into the design. This blurs the lines between man-made structure and nature, fostering a closer connection between the building and its environment.
A circular flower pond and bamboo shadows on the ground © Lv Xiaobin
△ Toilet Roll construction process © In the field of architecture
The building uses locally sourced red sandstone as the primary material. Red sandstone fragments are filled into steel wire cages, creating natural gaps that facilitate air circulation. Besides being moisture-resistant and noise-absorbing, red sandstone suits the functional requirements of a restroom. The construction process promotes rural revitalization by employing local materials and collaborating closely with local craftsmen and workers.
△ Stone cage and seating details © Mountain photography
△ Red sandstone fragments packed inside steel wire cages © Lv Xiaobin
Facing the lush mountains and clear waters, with blue skies and golden clouds overhead, the design of the Anshi restroom embraces a human-centered approach. It reflects a commitment to gender equality and social responsibility by minimizing the carbon footprint. Through simple yet thoughtful design, it explores the harmony between architecture, people, and nature. This project challenges the common stereotype of public restrooms as “dirty, chaotic, and poorly maintained,” addressing real rural revitalization needs and offering visitors a refreshing daily experience.
Project Drawings
△ Model axonometric diagram © Wang Jianfeng
△ Model facade © Wang Jianfeng
△ Model rear male-specific compartments © Wang Jianfeng
△ General layout of Toilet Roll © In the field of architecture
Project Information
- Project Name: Toilet Roll
- Project Creator: Xinghang Architectural Design Firm
- Design Team: Wen Qinhao, Huang Ting, Zhou Ziyuan, Kong Xiaorui
- Construction Drawing Design: Yibin Branch of Zhongjing Cloud Architecture Planning and Design Co., Ltd
- Construction Location: Anshi Village, Lizhuang Town, Yibin
- Construction Unit: Yibin Cuiping Agricultural Development Investment Co., Ltd
- General Contractor: Yibin Sanding Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
- Design Period: April 2021
- Completion Date: December 2021
- Building Area: 150 square meters
- Main Materials: Metal mesh, red sandstone, water-ground stone, steel
- Photographers: Mountain Photography, Lv Xiaobin, Wang Jianfeng
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