Janet’s Cabin, High Colorado Rockies

Built at over 12,000 feet in the high Colorado Rocky Mountains, Janet’s Cabin is a traditional modified log A-frame, rusticated in appearance but sophisticated in design. A Phoenix composting toilet obviates the need for an extensive septic system and drainfield in the cold and delicate sub-alpine terrain. Photovoltaic panels charge the batteries that power the pumps, fans, and lights.

Will a composting toilet function well in thin mountain air? Yes. There is plenty of oxygen at elevations even higher than 12,000 feet. But mountain nights are cold, and cold composting tanks do not compost well. Therefore, we ensure that Phoenixes in high elevation sites are placed in well insulated rooms and supplied with sufficient heat to keep the ambient temperature at 60-65 degrees F.