Every build we do at Free Range Designs has its own story, and this one is a favourite. Commissioned by Peter Gill for his animal sanctuary, this disabled access compost toilet is everything we love about our craft: beautiful natural timber, thoughtful design, and a structure that's built to serve for decades to come.
The brief was clear — a fully accessible compost toilet that would be durable, low-maintenance, and in keeping with the rural character of the sanctuary. Peter wanted something that would stand up to the elements and stand the test of time, without compromising on accessibility for visitors and staff of all abilities.
Built from Douglas Fir — Inside and Out
We chose Douglas fir for this build, and it's easy to see why. One of the most robust and naturally durable softwoods available in the UK, Douglas fir is dense, resinous, and exceptionally resistant to weathering. Left to age naturally, it develops a beautiful silver-grey patina — but it will hold its structure and integrity for generations without the need for chemical preservatives.
The warm, honey-toned cladding was installed with horizontal lapped boards to shed rainwater efficiently, and the structure sits on a raised timber deck platform — itself a key part of the accessibility design.
Accessibility at the Heart of the Design
True disabled access isn't just about making a door wider — it requires thinking through the whole approach. For this build, that meant a gently graded timber ramp leading from ground level up to the deck, with ample turning and manoeuvring space at the entrance. The wide, substantial door swings clear of the threshold, and the interior proportions were planned from the outset around wheelchair access.
The raised deck platform does double duty: it creates a level, stable surface at the entrance while also housing the compost system below in a well-ventilated base compartment — accessible for maintenance without disturbing the main structure.
A Signature Free Range Roofline
You might notice the distinctive curved timber detail at the top of the gable — a flourish that's become something of a signature on our builds. Far from decorative excess, this shaped barge board adds character and draws the eye upward, giving the structure a crafted, considered quality that sets it apart from a standard outbuilding. Paired with a corrugated steel roof for long-term weather protection, it's the kind of detail that makes people stop and look twice.
What Peter Had to Say
"Absolutely thrilled with the professionalism of Free Range Designs in every way. Excellent communication, superb workmanship and a fabulous end result. Can not recommend highly enough and am now looking wistfully at their product line for another addition to our animal sanctuary."
★★★★★ Peter Gill — Google Review, May 2026
Reviews like Peter's mean the world to us. When someone tells us they're already eyeing up their next build before the first one is even finished — that's the best measure of a job well done.
If you're considering a compost toilet for your property, smallholding, or community project — and particularly if accessibility is a priority — we'd love to hear from you. Every build is bespoke, designed and made to suit your site, your needs, and your budget. Take a look at our Disabled Access Compost Toilet to find out more, or get in touch to discuss your project.
You can find our Compost Toilet with Disabled Access in our shop.
