Post by seciltaskoparan on Oct 30, 2015 7:24:13 GMT -6
ENTRY # 467852115
ASASE HOUSE
by ASA Studio in Rwanda
DESIGN STATEMENT
Kumasi’s Ashanti region has been a socio-cultural hub for Ghanaian Arts and Architecture; the assembly of linear units around a rectangular courtyard can define the traditional Ashanti housing typology. This proposal refers to this vernacular local architecture by keeping a similar courtyard structure in a semi-open layout and aims to improve the traditional mud house model by offering new techniques of construction for rammed earth and bamboo and through sustainability strategies such as natural ventilation, vegetation and rain water collection.
One of the most distinctive features of Ashanti architecture is the corner solution that appears when two rectangular units come together perpendicularly: a semi-public space emerges from this connection along with a circulation path around the courtyard. Referencing this plan layout, ASASE House sits on a 16mx16m plot and consists of four rectangular units organized around a square shaped courtyard. Circulation spaces also revolve around this inner patio but semi-public spaces appear at the corners to establish a strong connection with the street. We propose a workshop/ common space for handcraft making and selling in addition to the individual rooms, which will be separated by bamboo partitions. The corner spaces and the room fronts are conceived as areas for social interaction between local people and residents.
When proposing a new mud house prototype, we seek for a versatile solution that could be applicable in several contexts and adaptable to different functional requests rather than having a unique and closed house type or layout. Considering the purpose of the competition, a continuous-section based unit has been considered as the best solution: an adaptable model to current and future needs and to different budgets that provides an updated version of the rural mud house typology in Ghana. Throughout ASASE House, the same section unit stretches or shortens according to the user’s requirements. Thus, the construction technique is easy to learn and cheap to build by the local population. The total construction cost is $6,997.00.
According to a research made by Earth Institute at Columbia University, Ghana’s forest resources are fast declining due to over utilization of the timber species. This proposal recognizes the potential of bamboo as a substitute for timber structure since the Ashanti region is believed to hold the third largest stock of naturally growing bamboo. Throughout the project, bamboo is used in various ways such as roof-structure elements, rooms partitions and weaving material for screens. Local artisans will be considered as a main workforce to reflect the Ashanti arts and culture, for instance through weaving labors.
Optimizing sustainability solutions in the mud house prototype has been considered as one of the major inputs through the design process. The building’s section is designed in order to provide cross ventilation through openings on the upper walls and roof. Solar energy panels located on the roof can provide electricity and a rain-water collection system with a tank in the courtyard can supply clean water from the roof. The inner patio and one of the corner spaces can be used for gardening, providing vegetables and fruits to the residents.