Transforming public toilet facilities with architecture and lighting

29 Aug 2025

Exeloo public toilets are designed with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in mind. Using this architectural design platform can transform potentially unsafe public toilets into secure and welcoming spaces.

A perfect example of this is a recently completed installation in Inglewood Place in Wellington’s CBD which not only meets a need for public toilet facilities in the city, but has also been built with architectural design and exterior lighting that looks great during the day and transforms into a light show at night!  

This Exeloo prefabricated unit is clad with laser-cut purple-heart timber and includes two standard and three accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities, automated timed doors and hands-free controls. Two of the toilets are open 24/7, with three locked between 11pm and 7am. The sixth toilet is a ‘Changing Places’ facility designed by Jenn Hooper of Changing Places New Zealand.  These cubicles give special access to members of the public with disabilities to use the toilet, shower and change space.

The custom LED strip lighting, designed by Angus Muir Design, can be changed to reflect awareness campaigns like pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month, red for Anzac Day or special lighting for city events like the WOW festival.

This unit attracted local and media attention for its unique design.

“Putting the block in a more visible place, installing new CCTV cameras in the area and adding beautiful lighting will help reduce anti-social behaviour – while also providing a much-needed toilet stop for the public in this busy spot. The building, with its ribbed timber facade, looks great during the day – and is transformed into a special light show at night.” - James Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, Wellington City Council.

The whole Exeloo team is proud of the result - a coordinated effort between Wellington City Council, the design and build team and installation contractors.

Images supplied courtesy of Wellington City Council