Image by Engina Kyrut found on Prexels
When a "tree-hugging" client threatened to use his backyard as a bathroom to save water, Chicago architect Rachel Wray Thompson found a more civilized—and sustainable—solution. By integrating a waterless urinal into a residential design, she helped a single household conserve over 35,000 gallons of water per year.
The Challenge: Outdoor "Business" vs. Indoor Conservation
The client’s ultimatum was simple: avoid wasting water on flushes or take the "call of nature" literally. Thompson, known for her commitment to green building, pivoted from traditional plumbing to the Waterless Urinal.
Unlike standard fixtures, these models use a high-tech trap system:
The Trap Liquid: A sealant (like BlueSeal) sits at the base of the unit.
The Physics: Since the liquid is less dense than urine, the waste sinks through while the sealant stays on top.
The Result: A 100% water-free process that acts as an odor-blocking barrier, keeping the home fresh without a single drop of water.
The Impact: Why Every Drop Counts
The environmental math behind this "dry spell" is staggering. For a household with two males using the fixture regularly, the savings look like this:
Metric Annual Savings
Flushes Saved: ~ 2,000 flushes
Water Conserved: ~ 35,000+ Gallons
Hygiene Level: Improved (dry bowls discourage bacteria growth)
A Growing Trend in Green Architecture
What began as a quirky request to save a Chicago lawn has become a signature move in Thompson's sustainable portfolio. These fixtures are cost-effective, easy to install, and significantly lower monthly utility bills.
"I’m honestly surprised we don’t see them in more homes!" says Thompson.
The takeaway? You don’t have to head to the backyard to be an eco-warrior. By rethinking indoor plumbing, homeowners can make a massive environmental impact without sacrificing luxury or privacy.
Learn More: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/call-nature-vs-great-outdoors-how-chicago-architect-reichardt--cfrxc
