At a summer camp nestled high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, these bathrooms were designed to meet the unique challenges of the rugged, remote environment. The project had three main requirements: the buildings needed to be completely no-maintenance, cost no more than a standard public restroom and function entirely off-grid. Despite these constraints, the resulting design exceeded expectations, offering both functionality and beauty.
The bathrooms were built with durability and sustainability in mind. The mechanical and plumbing equipment were housed in a central core made of ground-faced exposed CMU block for maximum resilience. Water jet-cut Corten steel panels were used above the core, serving as both signage and a subtle homage to the wooded surroundings. Around this central core, stalls and sinks made of corrugated Corten steel were thoughtfully arranged, emphasizing practicality and aesthetics. A striking Corten roof, angled to optimize the performance of a rooftop photovoltaic array, cantilevered out to shelter the sinks and stalls. The entire project was completed under budget, demonstrating that great design stems from innovative ideas, not extravagant spending.
In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex fire tore through the Santa Cruz Mountains, devastating over 86,000 acres and destroying nearly 1,500 structures. The camp was not spared with flames consuming every building across its vast expanse—except these two bathroom and shower facilities. The structures emerged from the ashes untouched, standing as a testament to the thoughtful design and fire-resistant materials used in their construction. Even the toilet paper inside remained intact, underscoring the buildings’ remarkable resilience in the face of disaster.
The fireproof nature of these buildings is rooted in their material choices and design. The combination of CMU block and Corten steel ensured that flames could not penetrate the structures, while the shape of the roof allowed the wildfire to pass over rather than be drawn inside. Unlike the other restrooms at the camp built previously by others, which were of equal value but burned to the ground, these bathrooms withstood the inferno unscathed. This highlights a key sustainability advantage: because these bathrooms survived, they do not need to be rebuilt, conserving resources and reducing material waste. The other restrooms, however, must now be reconstructed from the ground up, doubling the use of materials and increasing environmental impact.
For the camp community, which had already endured the trauma of losing so much, the survival of these structures offered a glimmer of hope. The camp has since entrusted our firm with the design of all their new buildings, a responsibility we approach with both pride and purpose. Drawing on the lessons learned from the CZU fire, we are committed to creating fireproof, sustainable structures that will protect and serve the community for generations to come. The use of Corten steel and other resilient materials will remain central to our approach, ensuring that these new facilities are as durable and timeless as the bathrooms that withstood the fire.
This project has become more than just a technical achievement; it’s a story of hope, resilience, and the power of thoughtful design. As we move forward with plans to rebuild the camp, we are inspired by the opportunity to help restore what was lost and provide a lasting sense of security for the community.