Yano Aoyama Architecture Design crowns Tobe Zoo toilet with sweeping cedar canopy

Japanese practice Yano Aoyama Architecture Design has completed a pair of public toilet blocks at the entrance of Tobe Zoological Park in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The design replaces outdated facilities with two sculptural concrete volumes crowned by a delicate roof of naturally curved cedar.

Project overview

The toilet blocks sit on either side of the main pedestrian path near the zoo’s entrance gates. Each cubicle is formed from chiselled concrete — a deliberate contrast to the organic timber canopy above. The project was commissioned to upgrade the existing amenities, which no longer met accessibility standards. Both blocks now provide fully accessible toilets, including facilities for families and wheelchair users.

Design and materials

The most striking feature is the thin, sweeping roof that extends over both concrete volumes. Made from locally sourced cedar with natural curvature, the timber canopy appears to float above the blocks, creating a light, sheltering gesture. Yano Aoyama Architecture Design used a restrained material palette — raw concrete, untreated cedar, and minimal hardware — that respects the park’s natural setting. The chiselled texture of the concrete echoes the site’s rugged landscape, while the cedar roof introduces warmth and a traditional Japanese architectural reference.

According to the architects, the roof’s curvature was achieved by selecting naturally bent cedar logs, avoiding the need for heavy machining or artificial shaping. This approach reduces waste and keeps the structure in harmony with the surrounding forested environment.

Accessibility and public function

Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritises usability. Each toilet block includes a unisex accessible cubicle, a baby-changing station, and clear signage. The layout ensures easy navigation for visitors with limited mobility. The concrete walls provide acoustic privacy and durability in the high-traffic zoo setting, while the open canopy allows natural ventilation and daylight.

Key facts

Broader context

The project joins a wider trend in Japan of reimagining public toilets as architectural landmarks. The country’s “Tokyo Toilet” initiative and similar civic programmes have elevated such facilities from purely utilitarian structures to design statements. In this case, the architects have balanced sculptural ambition with the practical needs of a zoo — durability, ease of cleaning, and clarity of wayfinding.

The choice of local cedar also ties the project to regional forestry practices, supporting the local economy and reducing transport emissions. For visitors, the toilet blocks serve as a subtle introduction to the park’s natural landscape before they enter the zoo itself.

Source: Dezeen – “Yano Aoyama Architecture Design tops public toilet in Japan with sweeping timber canopy” https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/25/yano-aoyama-architecture-design-tobe-zoo-toilet/