Post by Tono Rodriguez on May 29, 2016 16:41:14 GMT -6
ENTRY #512898165
RUBIK’S STAFF QUARTERS
Design Team: Richard Hawkins (Architect), Kwesi Acquah-Hayford (Architect), Tono Rodriguez (Architect), Mohammed Vacchiyat (Architect), Matthew Redding (Architectural Assistant), UK.
DESIGN STATEMENT
RUBIK’S STAFF QUARTERS
In the Ghanaian Akan tradition “he who does not know can know by learning”. This is represented by the symbol called ‘Nea onnim no sua a ohu’. This symbol has three main segments which in three dimension corresponds to the Rubik’s Cube which we have used as the starting point for our design. In designing the Staff Quarters as an educational facility, we have reinterpreted the ‘Nea onnim no sua a ohu’ symbol with an aesthetic, modern, scalable, flexible and minimalist twist.
Each ‘Room Unit’ forms a separate cube with one of four functions: lounge; bed room; kitchen/Bath; and open courtyard. In line with the Rubik’s concept, each is arranged in the three by three grid of the ‘House Unit’ with the living room forming a double height cube, emphasising the importance of this space. The house can be changed by adding or taking away Room Units. House Units are arranged in the three by three grid of the ‘Square’ which is designed to be constructed in phases.
The “Courtyard” is embedded in Ghanaian architectural heritage as both a functional and transition space. This motif is used in the design both in the ‘House Unit’ and the ‘Square’ with mature palm trees salvaged locally providing shade. In addition, the ‘square’ is intended to be used for community meetings and family events. The ‘House Unit’ courtyard exploits the tradition of perforated enclosing walls giving glimpses between the two courtyard spaces at the same time representing the beautiful decorated houses of the important citizens which typified the traditional Ashanti house type.
The completed staff quarters would consist of four ‘Linked Squares’ accommodating all of the staff.
Foundations are trench filled with local rubble. Walls and floors made of surface treated well compacted rammed earth, and corrugated roofing sheets are supported by locally sourced timber purlins and rafters.
BUDGET COSTS FOR HOUSE UNIT (2BED, LOUNGE, KITCHEN, BATH)
Foundation:- $470
Floors:- $350
Walls:- $2150
Roofs:- $2050
Fixtures & Fittings:- $650
Finishes:- $380
Services:- $1150
Prelims & Contingency:- $800
Total:- $8000