Mayor Toilet Builds A House
When a guy who earned the nickname "Mayor Toilet" for his tireless work to improve public restrooms in his city decides to build a new house what else would it be but a giant toilet? Sim Jae-Duck was the Mayor of the South Korean city of Suweon from 1995 to 2002. During his tenure, the city's restrooms took on a whole new look and met high standards of cleanliness. Now he is taking his campaign worldwide - and his new house is part of the effort.
SEOUL (AFP) - Sim Jae-Duck was born in a restroom and now he plans to live and die in one — a 1.6 million dollar toilet-shaped house designed to promote his tireless campaign for cleaner loos worldwide.
Sim will open what is billed as the world's one and only toilet house on November 11 to mark the launch of his World Toilet Association.
The 419-square-metre (4,508-sq-foot) concrete and glass structure is rising on the site of Sim's former home in his native city of Suweon, 40 kilometres (24 miles) south of Seoul.
Before he moves in, anyone who is flush with funds can rent it for 50,000 dollars a day — with proceeds going to his campaign to provide poor countries with proper sanitary facilities.
Apart from two bedrooms, two guestrooms and other rooms, the two-storey house — of course — features three deluxe toilets. Unlike the giant "toilet" in which they are located, they will not be see-through affairs.
"A showcase bathroom screened by a glass wall is located in its centre, while other toilets have elegant fittings or water conservation devices," Sim told AFP.
The showcase loo will feature a device producing a mist to make users feel secure. An electronic sensor will raise the lid automatically when people enter, and there will also be music for patrons.
The house, complete with a stream and small garden in front, is named Haewoojae, meaning "a place of sanctuary where one can solve one's worries".
His mother intentionally gave birth to Sim in a restroom, incidentally, believing it would lead to a long, prosperous life for him. Well, it certainly seems to have influenced him, doesn't it?
Weird Stuff, World news | Gaius October 13, 2007
By MikeM, October 13, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Well, if that’s how he wants to spend his money - and I hope it’s only his money - that’s his business.