Gareth Humphreys and Eelliott Whiteley of the University of Huddersfield developed the "Iota Folding Toilet" as their graduation project. This is a toilet suitable for unit bathrooms in Japan.



The main feature of the "Iota Folding Toilet" is that it can be folded into a compact size. This makes it possible to make more effective use of a small bathroom area. If adopted for use in Japanese unit bathrooms installed in one-room apartments, bathing will become easier.



Another feature of the Iota Folding Toilet is its ability to contribute to water conservation. Flushing is performed in the folded shape, and in this shape, water flows from top to bottom, and discharge and dirt are removed by gravity, resulting in higher flushing efficiency than in a conventional toilet bowl.


In addition, in conventional toilets, the drain trap area has been a cause of clogged toilets. However, the Iota Folding Toilet has a different trap position when in use and when folded, and the trap itself is larger, making clogs less likely to occur.


The Iota Folding Toilet has received many comments. Half of them praised the idea. The other half, however, are concerned that the price will be too high.

In the U.S., for example, the price of a toilet bowl ranges from 9,000 yen to 30,000 yen. Many people buy these at home centers and install them themselves. In a country with such a culture, the Iota Folding Toilet would not be popular.

In Japan, however, it is not uncommon to find toilets with an integrated bidet that cost around 150,000 yen. The "Iota Folding Toilet" would be appropriate for Japan, where people are highly conscious of water conservation, have small bathrooms, and are accustomed to expensive toilet bowls.