Victoria Avenue Public Conveniences

The new amenities on Midsummer Common are part of Cambridge City Council’s programme to improve the city’s public conveniences. The oval form offered the least disturbance to the mature trees nearby and eliminated hidden corners. The five cubicles open outwards towards the Victoria Avenue for increased safety.

A Pindar’s room had to be included for storage of the equipment and hay needed to tend the herd of cows traditionally allowed to graze on the common. The self-coloured Sto-rendered walls around the Pindar’s room are arranged in panels of muted colours to reflect the autumn sky and trees. The walnut shaped copper domed roof houses the rainwater harvesting storage and distribution systems. Lighting is low energy and controlled by sensors, and materials throughout were chosen for low maintenance and graffiti resistance.