It’s an opportunity too good to pass – a Queensland council is running an Australia-wide ‘designer dunny’ competition.
In a move sure to result in anything but a bog standard design, the Sunshine Coast Council is offering a $10,000 prize to whoever can design a dunny that will become an iconic part of the historic town of Kenilworth.
The winning design will be built at the entrance of the town, in Isaac Moore Park, creating a sense of place and tourist attraction for the rural community.
Councillor Greg Rogerson says the Kenilworth Designer Dunny Competition could strain the creativity of even the most accomplished architect.
"The site poses some interesting design challenges, with entrants having to design a structure that sits at least four metres above the existing ground level to avoid the building being affected by seasonal flooding,” Rogerson says.
"As well as the practical benefits of a toilet for a much used and loved park, this toilet will definitely be a major talking point and draw card for the Kenilworth area.
"We recognise that great ideas and inspiration can come from anyone, so we're inviting everyone from qualified architects, right through to students, individuals and teams to enter."
Sunshine Coast architect and member of the judging panel John Mainwaring says public structures play an important role in communities.
"The Kenilworth Designer Dunny Competition recognises the importance of a building's impact on its environment and also how the environment can influence the design of a functional and utilitarian structure," Mr Mainwaring said.
"Isaac Moore Park sits at the entry of Kenilworth on the banks of the Mary River and will be an important welcoming statement for the town, so it's important the structure is eye-catching and interesting, while also being reflective of the Kenilworth community and environment."
Entries close 29 January, with a winner to be announced in March.
A complete design brief and a full list of technical challenges involved are available on
Sunshine Coast Council's website.