The Kangaroo Valley outhouse by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects is a bathroom in the bush like no other. The mirrored exterior reflects the leafy surrounds, creating a shimmering camouflage that renders the bathroom almost invisible!
The outhouse has been installed on a low hillside, 30m from the accommodation on site (which we featured a few weeks ago!). The mirrored cube hovers above the ground and can be easily removed, without leaving a lasting impact on the natural environment.
The bathroom cuboid plays with ideas of concealment and exposure, as the one-way mirrors provide 360° views from within, but ensure privacy for the user. The architect explains, ‘the sense of being “exposed” in the bathroom plays on the sense of place, being out of the confines and control of the city and immersed in the natural environment.’
The mirage-like structure mimics the surrounding lush landscape, and ‘only the subtle lines of the cube’s edges are visually legible.’ However, when the light levels are high internally (at night), the mirror does become partially see-through from the outside also… (noted!) – this illumination helps with the journey down the path from the nearby cabin accommodation at night.
With a lux interior fit out containing a freestanding bath, shower and toilet, the mirrored box applies sustainable technologies, including natural ventilation, solar-powered lighting and greywater recycling / septic tanks. The architects explain ‘the outhouse heightens the sense of place, makes one consider their location and the vulnerability of humans in the uncontrolled landscapes.’ Plenty to ponder as you are submerged in the bath, under the starry skies!
