zuzhai public toilet by atelier cnS expresses its history with crushed rubble

situated in the historic and picturesque landscape of zuzhai village in kaiping, southern china, atelier cnS constructs a public toilet as an expression of the rich heritage of its context. built on the site of a former public restroom, the brick and title project is constructed from the materials sourced from the previous structure’s demolition. in the design of architectural form, the project is treated as a continuation of the landscape. part of its functional areas are hidden under a large step which offers a public gathering space for locals, which resolves the contradiction between the convenience and concealment of public toilets.

all images by siming wu, space of tangkou

through the expressive use of materials, atelier cnS creates a new modular system of construction. with the reuse of crushed and broken bricks and tiles, the structure conveys its history in a new form. the shattered material composite finds structural integrity with a steel wire cage-like wrapping, offering a free and varied method of organization. the mottled, derelict bricks and tiles recall fragments of local history broken up, rearranged, and collaged.

the method of construction of the wall is determined by the ‘gravity rule.’ as the upper wire mesh modules require a lower weight, the crushed material fill becomes more varied. these moments reveal fragments with more hollows such as old teapots, and the brick wall more transparent. with the rising and setting sun, natural light penetrates through the interstitial space within these brick walls and falls on the ground or the corner of the wall, casting a little golden spot.