Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025
Architect / Designer:
Matthias Pinkert
Studio:
TwoNeeds
Design Team:
Marc Henkenjohann
Copyright:
Atmo Design Studio
Country:
Germany
DESIGN:
The design’s distinctive features lie in its natural and minimalist aesthetic, which results from the conical shape, making it almost iconic. Through the use of natural, durable, and recycled (and recyclable) materials, the design emphasizes resource conservation and sustainability. Care was taken to avoid unnecessary edges in the product design to ensure hygiene and cleaning. The conical shape and minimalist design language also create an excellent sense of space inside, contributing to a sense of well-being for users. Externally, the design language enhances the image of event organizers, operators, or owners of businesses in public spaces. The ergonomic seat height for the toilet was just as important as the ergonomic grip height of the chip container, which was specially raised to avoid having to work with your face directly over the toilet opening when adding litter. The design emphasized functionality for ideal transport, assembly, disassembly, use, and emptying of the composting toilet. The principle of a collapsible ladder is the basis for easy transport and simple assembly and disassembly. The slopes and large surfaces are ideal for service, excellent hygiene, and very easy cleaning.
INNOVATION:
The submission significantly improves the current sanitation problems within municipalities, cities, national parks, and nature reserves through sustainable and natural circular economy processes. Aspects such as resource conservation and recycling, well-being during use, and image play a particularly important role and are significantly improved.
1. Completely self-sufficient
2. Use of natural materials and processes
4. Waterless and chemical-free
5. Improved hygiene
6. Improved assembly/disassembly
7. Improved well-being during use
8. Enhanced image impact
9. No odors
10. Resource recovery through composting
SUSTAINABILITY:
The product meets all sustainability aspects throughout its entire life cycle. From the production and selection of naturally renewable and recyclable raw materials, to recycled toilet paper, to the utilization of the resulting biomass and the services offered around it, resources are conserved and returned to the cycle. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional toilets, which discharge wastewater and bodily waste into the sewer system, where they are separated again at a high energy cost. In contrast, the “More” composting toilet collects human waste, which is converted into nutrient-rich compost that can be used as fertilizer.
The “More” composting toilet not only reduces water consumption but also contributes to reducing environmental pollution, conserving resources, and returning valuable resources to the cycle. Thus, it not only saves water from conventional toilets but also avoids the use of chemicals used in conventional chemical toilets.
TwoNeeds
TwoNeeds designs waterless, chemical-free composting toilets and urinals that are sustainable, hygienic, and resource-efficient. Beyond providing eco-friendly sanitation solutions, the company operates a service network for the collection and conversion of organic waste into valuable follow-up products. By closing the loop, TwoNeeds actively contributes to the circular economy—reducing environmental impact and creating smart infrastructure for events, public spaces, and off-grid locations.