We literally walked around with a chair, trying to decide the very best location for the privy. Eventually Annie decided this was the spot, so we built the privy with a view of the valley below. We did (eventually) move the chair.
Straw bale privy under construction...
The small building houses a SunMar composting toilet.
Laurel Hobden adds a bit of flare to the outside of the building.
Cold trek out to the privy in the winter.
Weather - the freeze and thaw of snow and ice - had caused the base of the building to deteriorate. So we began the process of creating "elephant feet" to protect the base.
The elephant feet completed and ready for paint.
Brick walkway built leading from the Earthship to the privy (dry feet and traction in the rain and snow).
Finishing touches on the artwork on the privy with the million dollar view.
The privy features a SunMar commercial composting toilet. It (the privy, not the toilet) is built from straw bales. It also features a living roof. There was originally a door, but storms ripped two versions from their mounts – so we decided the privy did not want a door. A flag (lowered when in use) does the trick.
As is the case with most of the small buildings at Blue Rock Station, the privy rests upon a rammed earth tire foundation. Over the years we have made a number of changes, adding art work and a bit of whimsy.
The privy accumulates dry human waste for several months. It is then emptied and stored in another composting area for about a year. By the end of this period of time, the “humanure” is ready for the gardens.