Duravit AG has contributed to a ‘Martian House’ art project in Bristol with the design of a concept shower-toilet.
Inspired by the planet Mars, artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent have brought the project “Building a Martian House” to life in collaboration with Hugh Broughton Architects and Pearce+, open to the public until October.
Franziska Wülker, head of research & development at Duravit AG, came on to the initiators’ radar, having taken part in the NASA Lunar Loo Challenge to develop a toilet that would work both in zero-gravity and on the moon.
“Everyday life on Mars is challenging and arduous as a result. That’s why it’s so important that everyday items in the home are designed to be as simple and comfortable as possible. That applies especially to the things we don’t like talking about, such as using the toilet,” Franziska said.
Requirements for the Martian Toilet included low water and electricity use, ease of operation and maintenance, prevention of unpleasant odours as well as the ability to use urine and faeces as fertilizer.
The Daravit team identified various approaches including incinerating toilet, separation & composting toilet, freeze-drying, or a toilet with a water flush.
Mars is subject to cold temperatures and low pressure, both of which are required for freeze-drying.
Franziska and the project team ultimately opted for a shower-toilet, adding: “We opted for a toilet with a water flush. We’ve also integrated a shower function, which is comfortable and hygienic – plus there’s a lot more water than toilet paper on Mars.”