PASCAL FERREIRA architect

Phase: Competition

Surface area:  250 m²

Budget: 8 000 $ USD

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The project is based on design principles for climatic comfort with a low-cost construction, involving the use of local materials (wood, cob, bamboo, soil). Imported materials are used as little as possible. Circulation spaces have been developed around a courtyard, a place of daily life for residents. This patio cools the building and provides an intimate space for creative activities. The simplicity of the design and the minimal use of expensive materials facilitates its adoption by the villagers.

 

Ceilings are made with earth to improve thermal stability and offer acoustic protection against heavy summer rains. The building is covered with a corrugated iron roof with a high overhang to protect the exterior walls from the water. This cover provides effective natural ventilation. To protect the building from the monsoon, the floors are raised. Floors are made from lateritic earth, a mixture of soil, water and cow dung. This technique used in northern Ghana is very economical because of the use of in situ materials.

 

The project is adaptable. Some units can be added gradually as needed.