The latest addition to Tokyo’s raft of architectural toilets is a concrete cube that appears to be hovering just above the ground.

Suppose Design Office created the facility, which is located in Sendagaya Station in the city’s Shibuya neighbourhood. Its 7.5-metre tall concrete exterior conceals a surprisingly welcoming interior, which includes brass signs and solid wooden doors. A long skylight brings shafts of sun inside, creating dramatic shadowplay.

The toilet’s floating appearance is created by an open space left at the building’s base. This is emphasised at night when a glowing downlight reveals the building’s hidden support.

The Japanese capital is no stranger to cleverly designed public conveniences, thanks to the Tokyo Toilet Project – which will see 17 toilets across the capital redesigned by architects including Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban.

This Yunnan Province restaurant resembles a cluster of clay pots