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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 9:40:09 GMT -6
In order to overcome the stigma that ‘mud architecture is architecture for the very poor’, I have combined mud with other materials to develop a compound building system. As with traditional mud houses, mud is utilized for its thermal mass and compressive strength; however these houses are faced with problems related to erosion from water and termites. Waste plastic water bottles are available locally and in ample supply given the reduced access to piped drinking water in Ghana. Many types of wood are also produced for export and Sokoban wood village (near the site) has discarded off cuts. This project uses a combination of these locally sourced waste materials to combat the issues with traditional mud houses from a practical and aesthetic approach.
The floor plan follows the layout of the traditional Asante compound house, creating public and private spaces that instill a sense of community and can accommodate extended family members. Like the traditional compound house, the mud house has private bedrooms accessed from the exterior. These however are concealed behind a green wall providing privacy, security and shading without compromising views out. The green wall consists of mosquito and termite repelling creeper plants including hot chilli peppers, African mint and citronella. The communal kitchen/living space has a large open plan layout unlike the hot and cramped kitchens of the traditional compound houses. The kitchen/living space sits beneath a domed roof structure that eliminates the need for a central column and provides a focal point over the family space. The kitchen/living space has woven bamboo screens which can be opened, closed or removed completely creating a flexible space that connects with the exterior and can accommodate large family events.
Construction: bamboo (Bambusa Vulgaris) is a cheap, sustainable, locally produced and fast growing resource which is resistant to termites when treated with boric acid. Bamboo posts are drilled 1000mm into the ground creating a framework for wall construction. The first few feet of the walls act as formwork to encase the cob construction mud foundations. The mud is compressed, levelled, waterproofed with ash soap in 1 to 5 parts water and polished. The walls are constructed by ramming plastic water bottles with earth and laying them out in courses using a mud-cement. Wood off cuts are used as hanging tiles and supported by wooden dowels that run through the bottle necks. These hanging tiles act as rain screen cladding, protecting the mud walls from water damage as well as providing a rich textural finish to the external walls.
Corrugated zinc roofing is used to facilitate total waterproofing, termite resistance and rainwater collection; this is supported by a bamboo frame. In order to provide insulation and sound proofing to the bedrooms, old clothes and waste fabric soaked in liquid cement and ash slurry are laid on top of woven stripped bamboo panels. Once the panels have dried, they are built in to the top of the mud walls providing a ceiling. The interiors are finished with traditional Asante furniture and fabrics creating a strong testimony of local identity, beauty and craftsmanship.
BUDGET
Mud: free
Recycled plastic bottles: free
Wood off cuts: free
Old clothes: free
Labour: $1500
Corrugated zinc sheets (10 packets): $1200
4 x 8’ plywood (8 pieces): $64
Bamboo (660m): $660
Doors and windows: $148
5 bags cement: $52.50
Plumbing and washroom facilities: $147
Electrical fittings: $223
Equipment and fixings: $400
Delivery: $200
Subtotal =$4594.50
10% Contingency for errors and omissions: $459.45
Total= $5053.05 |
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 9:50:02 GMT -6
ENTRY # 321496617
African Mud House
The making of pottery in Africa begun in the 6th century BC and it is still a living craft in various regions of the continent (- also in the Ashanti region of Ghana). The vases are usually made by women, shaped by hand and after drying baked in a kiln or in an open fire.
This traditional technique and its vernacular production process has inspired the design of the reinvention of African Mud Hut.The design of the Mud House is based on a familiar yet innovative modular element made from resources available on site. It gives the opportunity to local people to actively take part in the production of the building, contributing with their unique pot-making skills. The process reinterprets the tradition and culture of the local crafts.
The traditional vases are geometrically solids of revolution and from this observation the module has taken its shape. The shape has then been optimized in order to create space-filling elements with the smallest possible gap and the maximum adhering surface when combined in a regular pattern. The modular elements are light enough to be handled by one person yet their size allows a quicker construction time with fewer modules compared to conventional construction techniques such as brick masonry. Mud House, designed on the plot 18 x 18 m (ca 60 x 60 feet) and having the outer dimensions of 13m x 13m (ca 42 x 42 feet) consists of circa 2000 clay modules filled with loam and earth. Its thick bearing walls topped by a light wooden structure and metal roof cladding provide very good thermal isolation and ventilation while preventing excess humidity inside of the building. The simple form makes the building easy to raise. The moderate amount of window openings - the most light and fresh air comes through the space between the walls and the roofing - provides necessary light at the same time preventing excessive penetration by the sunlight of the inner rooms.
Each single-family unit consists of a central courtyard connecting all adjacent rooms: kitchen, bedroom, living room, two bedrooms and a guest room. The inner courtyard is not only a source of the fresh air and greenery but also the heart of the building where the whole family gathers to spend time together.
According to local building material costs and standards, the price of the single-family unit should not exceed $6.570. The approximate costs of each building material are as follow: Pottery (manufacturing and material) $2.700; Cement $1.000; Sand, Gravel $ 100; Corrugated Zinc sheets $1.500; Timber, other wooden elements $450; Kitchen, bathroom $120; two additional skilled handworkers (30 working days) $ 600.
Given costs relate to building a single housing unit and provide for 20 women manufacturing the pottery for a period of 30 working days. Whereas the costs of the production of the pottery are time consuming and relatively high, they would significantly decrease by raising more buildings based on ‘African Mud Module’ and investing in pottery wheels being much more time-effective and more precise than the traditional hand manufacturing.
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 9:56:56 GMT -6
The mud house design proposed here, is a contemporary version of the traditional Ashanti people patio house. The idea is to create multiple spaces, with different uses and adequated to the modern life. The concept begins in the creation of three different patios, the public one, direct connected to the street, the family patio, in the heart of the house, and the service patio in the back. These patios were created in between blocks. The blocks are 13,5 x 29,5ft. Made of rammed earth. These are separated in social block (living room and guest room), needs block (kitchen, bathroom, laundry and dinner room) and the private block with the bedrooms. These blocks are connected with corridors covered with bamboo pergolas, and partially covered by the metal roofing. All blocks opens to the central patio, the heart of house life. The living room has also windows facing the street. The patio located in the front, besides the street, is adaptable to future family growth and new needs. It is ideal to a future garage or a store. the house is all made of rammed earth, except the bathroom that is made of clay bricks. This technique is very easy and durable and also very beautiful. The house is covered with metal sheets with 3,28ft long eaves to protect the walls from rain and shadow then in hot days. The walls foundations are made of concrete, to protect the rammed earth from moisture. Its a very functional design and simply beautiful. Using local resources is sustainable and can be selfbuild by the own family.
BUDGET:
(1) Foundation = $ $ 840,00
(2) Walling = $ $ 780,00
(3) Roofing = $ $ 3.040,00
(4) Fittings = $ $ 1.146,00
(5) Miscellaneous = $ $ 187,00
TOTAL $ 5.993,00
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 10:09:54 GMT -6
ENTRY # 326989469
Design Statement: This semi-urban mud house unit of 30x40 feet (1,200 square feet) is designed for a middle income family in the Atobiasi township in the Adansi South district, the furthest southeast of the 21 districts in the Ashanti region. The house is composed of a living room, kitchen, service area, one toilet, and two bedrooms (one with space for a couple bed and another with the possibility of fitting two bunk beds). This location was chosen as a site for an innovative mud house design due to the ability of Adansi South to maintain a high rate of traditional mud house construction (69.4%) while grows rapidly (at 3.5% which compared with the regional rate of 3.4% and the national rate of 2.7%): If traditional knowledge of mud construction techniques and innovative design can be further developed in this rapidly growing district, an example might be set for the rest of the country: the stigma surrounding mud houses (their association with low income populations and ‘poor quality’ housing) can be replaced by a positive model of construction that combines traditional and contemporary materials and design methods in a more sustainable manner.
Using traditional construction methods of the Ashanti region such hammered earth and hand-worked patterned bricks (which increas cross-ventilation) and fabric (which allows customization of the house by its inhabitant), together with other efficient industrial components such as corrugated zinc sheets, this single family home is affordable can be built locally with a budget of $ 5,593 (see table below).
Located in a region where access to potable water is limited and only 1% of rain water is used, one important characteristic of the house is the possibility of the installation of a water collection system: its tilted roof centralizes the water collection into a central pipe that brings the water into the filtering and storage container. The container can be installed below the house (before its construction), or can be added later in the exterior of the house, in the back of the plot.
Budget: Material Quantity Price (per quantity)
Building time Labour price (per day) Total Price
Foundation 4.7 cubic meters $55 per cubic meter 4 days $10 $310
Plywood (to frame the hammered earth, then it can be used to do the house furniture) 135 units $8 per unit (4’ x 8’) 10 days $10 $1180
Hammered earth 60.66 cubic meters $400 (digging and transportation price) 15 days $50 (5 labors) $1150
Cement (floor) 10 bags $10.50 per bag 5 days $7 $140
Corrugated zinc sheets 10 packets $120 per packet 4 days $7 $1228
Wood Beam 323 linear feet $2 per linear foot 8 days $10 $726
Ceiling battons 12 bundles $3 per bundle 5 days $7 $71
Fabric 34 square meters $ 1.50 per square meter 4 days $10 $91
Traditional perforated bricks 72 bricks $1.25 per brick 5 day $10 $140
Simple door 6 $10 per door 2 days $10 $80
Foldable doors 4 $18 per door 4 days $10 $112
W.C. seat 1 $ 65 1 day $10 $75
Other washroom fittings 1 $50 1 day $10 $60
Floor tiles 10 boxes $7 2 days $10 $90
Wall tiles 18 boxes $6.60 per box
2 days $10 $140
Overall Total: $ 5 593
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 10:36:12 GMT -6
K-HOUSE
by Mobile Studio Architects (Nicole Yu Xuan TEH (team leader), Alex BARRETTA and Chee-Kit LAI), London, UK
The K.House is an open source, repeatable, modular design house for the rapidly growing town of Ejisu in the Ashanti region of Ghana. It is influenced by Kente cloth, a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips. Kente cloth is second largest trade of the local community. It originates from the Ashanti Kingdom and is the best known of all African fabrics. This centuries old tradition has influenced the work of the world-renowned Ghanaian sculpture/artist El Anatsui. The industry currently employs approximately 40% of the local population and the K.House has been specifically designed for this particular demographic.
The basic module of the K.House as proposed consists of rammed earth walls adorned with a customised ‘Kente façade’. Rammed earth construction technique is well known given that earth is cheap and readily available. The proposed ‘Kente façade’ is intended to be a cladding of sorts, crafted together by weaving recycled materials such as metal and wood. A technique much used by the artist El Anatsui. The production process is organic and on going and it allows the occupants to express individual household identities based on colour, pattern and materiality. The design approach is influenced by architect Gottfriend Semper and his ‘theory of clothing’, the decorated wall is more significant than its intended structural function, ‘ornament as a reflection of culture’.
The house is protected from the weather by a dynamic roof made of corrugated zinc sheets, excellent for keeping out heavy rainfall. The roof has a large overhang for rainwater drain off. Between the roof structure and the top of the wall is a series of fixed timber screens allowing heat to escape from the internal spaces. The Internal spaces consist of a front facing workspace/shop, large living and dining room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Spaces in the house accommodate two parents, two children and two relatives. The fold of the roof forms an interesting double height space over the living room and workshop with a proposed large hammock ceiling serving as a relaxation area.
Each house is rectangular in shape with a notched corner which forms the external kitchen area. It is envisaged that the houses could be mirrored in two directions to form clusters, side-by-side and front-and-back. The notched corners (ie. kitchens) of four different households would face inwards to create a collective and informal sociable private courtyard where different families could share conversations and mingle over meal times. In the middle of each K.House lies a little private courtyard, a key design feature. This courtyard serves multiple functions. It eliminates the need to have corridors inside the house so as to maximise floor area for usable internal space. It provides ventilation for all rooms in the house and it affords a natural air-cooling system by virtue of the ‘wind scoop’ roof above, a five hundred year old tried and tested method.
Outline Budget (K.House)
Location Materials Quantity/Area (sqm) Rate ($) Total ($)
External Wall
Front Wall Rammed Earth 24.075 $12.00 $288.90
Side Wall (Right) Rammed Earth 10.46 $12.00 $125.52
Side wall (Left) Rammed Earth 35.1 $12.00 $421.20
Rear Wall Rammed Earth 57.71 $12.00 $692.52
Courtyard walls Rammed Earth 61.32 $12.00 $735.84
Internal Wall
Master bedroom, Children's Bedroom, External Family's bedroom Plywood 23.53 $2.78 $65.41
Bathroom Rammed Earth 8.59 $12.00 $103.08
Floor
Ground floor Rammed Earth 88.52 $12.00 $1,062.24
Mezzanine floor Plywood 5.814 $2.78 $16.16
Windows
750mm x 750 mm External window screens Bamboo 38 $7.00 $266.00
External Family's bedroom window box Plywood 1.7 $2.78 $4.73
External Family's bedroom window box Plywood 6.79 $2.78 $18.88
Children's Bedroom window box Plywood 1.8 $2.78 $5.00
Roof Window Screens Bamboo 14 $7.00 $98.00
Doors
1500mm x 2250mm per unit - Front Entrance Door Bamboo 2 $10.00 $20.00
750mm x 2250mm per unit - Internal Door Bamboo 3 $10.00 $30.00
750mm x 2250mm per unit - Living room Bifold door Bamboo 3 $10.00 $30.00
750mm x 2250mm per unit - Kitchen entrance Bifold Door Bamboo 4 $10.00 $40.00
750mm x 2250mm per unit - Courtyard entrance Bamboo 2 $10.00 $20.00
750mm x 2250mm Bathroom door Plywood 1.69 $2.78 $4.70
Roof Corrugated metal 202.19 $4.00 $808.76
Plumbing
W.C Seat 1 $65.00 $65.00
Washing Basin 1 $32.00 $32.00
Foundation $1,000.00
Total $5,953.94
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 10:41:19 GMT -6
ENTRY # 303487625
August Soil
Our design strives to be durable, frugal, and enjoyable. We believe: a durable design capitalizes on the natural strengths and abilities of materials to create a safe and lasting structure, a frugal design is efficient in its planning and use of spaces, materials, and resources, and an enjoyable design is both physically comfortable as well as aesthetically harmonious. These three principles work together to create what we propose is every human's birthright, a dignified space to call home. We have chosen Agogo, Ashanti as the location for our site. The fabric of this semi-urban area seemed ideal to accept our design which builds off of the incalculable knowledge embodied in the traditional architecture of the region while innovating and adapting to meet modern needs and lifestyles with contemporary materials and construction technologies. From the foundation to the roof ridge, the intent is to minimize maintenance while ensuring safety, comfort and beauty. With these criteria in mind we selected the following systems for the house construction:
Foundation: Rubble filled trench. This greatly reduces the amount of concrete needed for foundations, yet provides exceptional drainage and excellent bearing capacity. (± $ 950)
Walls: Lime stabilized Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) have been selected for the overall construction. (± $ 2,800)
Roof: A hybrid roof system has been applied. Both the traditional thatch material and the more modern corrugated metal sheets will be installed and supported by a simple timber system of rafters and purlins. (± $ 1,250)
Floor: Capitalizing on local affordable materials, the floor is comprised of rammed earth sitting on base and sand layers for stability. It is then sealed with linseed oil giving it a lasting and beautiful finish. (± $ 300)
Durable: Durability can be found in all the following features and practices:
The compressed earth floor is sealed with linseed oil, giving the house a washable yet lasting floor finish.
We have provided generous overhangs on all sides of the house to shield from rain. The bottom three feet of exterior walls have been plastered with a cementitious coating, protecting the structure from the eroding forces of splashed water.
Frugal: Frugality is demonstrated in the many ways resources are optimized and waste is minimized:
Both wall and floor systems make use of the most local and affordable material available, the soil on site. The “rat-trap bond” brick coursing pattern of the walls creates a wider more stable wall, while using significantly less bricks than a typical two-wythe wall. The roof surface is arranged to collect the clean rain water that falls on it into an on-site tank. (± $ 500). A composting toilet is introduced, turning waste into a valuable resource that can be used on site for the family’s food production. (± $ 150)
Enjoyable: A safe and efficient house is still not a home. The intangible transition from a structure to a home is supported through these methods:
An innovative roof system that protects occupants from the thermal radiation, while also reduces the deafening clatter of rain.
The ventilation system adopts perforated “jali walls” which promote shaded areas cooled by passing breezes.
A rocket stove is installed in the kitchen to provide safe cooking by re-directing the smoke to the exterior. (± $ 50)
The graceful design of simple earthen bricks elevates and translates the natural material into beautiful architecture.
Dignity is the whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. It is through this dignified structure that we envision nurturing and uplifting the lives of its tenants, enabling dignified lives.
BUDGET IN USD
Foundation System $ 950
Wall System $ 2,800
Roof System $ 1,250
Floor System $ 300
Water Harvesting System $ 500
Composting Toilet $ 150
Rocket Stove $ 50
Total $ 6,000
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 11:13:17 GMT -6
ENTRY # 305322587
 
The idea of this house design is to create a transition between the traditional rural house, characterized by detached huts standing around an open space without clear borders and the urban house, which is typically more clearly separated from the outside by walls on all sides to create a secluded private space on the inside and built on a platform to distinguish private from public space.
In this project, the advantages of both forms are combined, using the more spacious design of rural housing for optimal air circulation and a welcoming atmosphere, which is also emphasized by the ramp at the entry. Building the house on a platform and limiting the view on the inside yard are ideas taken from the urban house to make it more safe and private and also to protect it from rain and flooding.
As in both traditional forms, the courtyard is used as a living room, a place where the inhabitants meet, prepare their meals and eat, wash clothes etc. Building the wooden surface on a slightly lower level than the main platform creates a seating area.
The construction is made of adobe because this technique is less expensive and faster than rammed earth. Most of the parts of the buildings can be produced locally, for example the ventilation parts or the beaters (taken from weaving looms) used to build an air- and light permeable fassade in one corner. This way the costs can be kept low and many local people can benefit from the project.
Location: Abetenim, Ashanti region, Ghana Rooms: 6 BedRooms / Store, 2 Service Rooms, 1 Sitting Area, 1 Courtyard Measure: L: 16,55m | W: 14,95m Bedrooms: L: 10,30m | W:4,60 m Service Area: L:4,05m | W: 4,55m Sitting Area: L:3,07 | W: 4,30m
Foundation: Reinforced concrete Plattform: Stones and cement Walls: Adobe Bricks | Roof Ring Beam Windows and Doors: Wood and Glas Roof: Wood Mono Truss | Sheet Metal
Rainwater for WC | Shower | Washing up
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 11:50:53 GMT -6
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 15:06:39 GMT -6
GHANA ATRIUM HOUSE
Created by Architecture and Culture team (interdisciplinary team by an architect and an anthropologist), the project presents a single family atrium house, sharing one master wall with a neighboring house. Nsa Ko. Na Na Aba. – Hand Go. Hand comes. Shared wall as a cooperation project. Spacious atrium in spite of limited costs.
Private garden, source of livelihood, source of main construction material is dividing two pavilions and creates intimacy and a safe space for a family. Entrance leads to a porch with double side oven, an archetypal symbol of home. Porch can serve as a semi-public space where food and products can be sold. Kitchen is on the other side of the oven and woman zone, it is followed by exterior roof-covered space for gatherings (works, singing, eating), dining, living space, men zone. Across the garden lies pavilion of bedrooms and bathroom accessible under a canvas. Moveable toilet is excluded from the main body of the house and is integrated towards the plants as an organic part of a garden.
The whole structure rests on concrete/earth foundations, walls and pillars are rammed earth, gaps above them are frames from local wood filled with textile material. The floors are from cement-adobe screed. The gaps and double roof allow for natural ventilation. Light wooden beams roof construction is covered by corrugated zinced sheets. Ropes stretched between beams from one pavilion to another are used for canvases, which provides shade for work or play without hindering breeze.
Fillings of doors and ventilation gaps (here traditional textile material), layout of the children bedroom, connection between social and sleeping pavilion and front porch shop can vary easily and adapt to each family, time and situation.
The total cost of the construction is 6000 USD.
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 17:06:06 GMT -6
ENTRY # 327127717
Our proposal has the implantation site Dadiasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana within, and presents itself as a type T2 developed around an open courtyard to the rear of the lot; This typology is common, since anywhere in the world, however, is presented as a more tropical construction. The steep roof, and something handmade gives you a more territorial image; Predominant use of sustainable materials in construction site reduces imports, energy saving and development of local image. From the point of view of energy efficiency, the whole project is designed in a sustainable way, with natural ventilation, passive solar energy, water management and domestic waste, with a view to reducing consumption.
Mention that aims to promote the local union, security and improve quality of life, in order to claim an increasingly emerging chana. Our project can be constructed by the owner himself or qualified housing worker. From the material point of view the whole construction made in moist earth placed in formwork, large windows with wooden rulers, and a cover made of wood and corrugated sheet metal.
From a budgetary perspective, and based on some information gathered in various areas of expertise inherent in the construction of our project, we esteem-the possibility of building rounds 10,000 / $ 12,000.
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Post by Nka on Sept 6, 2014 17:34:48 GMT -6
Concept
Beyond own program contest, featured on this project two main aspects. First, the heavy solid appearance of the earth as a building material. The physical characteristics of cohesion and strength under compression. Balanced traction tension under its own weight through elliptical arcs. Second, the hot and humid climate in Ghana. Wide ventilation and shading. Windows in blocks grid as solution to shade and ventilation. Same type of grids at the ends of the barrel vaults and interior doors eardrums. Combining openings and headroom enough to natural convection air by thermosiphon.
Space
Unified space as main entrance, living room, kitchen, and access to and coverage remaining. Other areas are the bathroom, bedrooms and stairs to the roof. The ladder has an integrated fixed part in own construction and a mobile part wooden build that can also use to access other high levels on home. Yard delimited according to specific land configuration.
Construction
Earth compressed cast in situ reinforced with dehydrated vegetable fibers.
Walls foundations, hard compaction in appropriate depth to subsoil strength.
Floor foundations, semi hard compaction, containing plumbing and electricity grids.
Parabolic arcs in roofs of vaults dome or cloister dome in case of corner compartments.
Windows compressed earth blocks, reinforced with dehydrated vegetable fibers.
Wooden doors, two sheets from exterior, one sheet on interiors.
Wall finishes in soft earth and hydraulic lime to paint.
Floor and roof finishes with cement mortar pigmented with iron oxide powder or hydraulic lime.
Infrastructures
Connection to public grids depending on specific conditions.
Possibility of a unit of harnessing rainwater.
Possibility of a unit of wastewater treatment.
Possibility of photovoltaic power plant unit.
Budget
As available free material on site, seeks to maximize the use of earth. It cost mainly hand labor and use some equipment.
Item % cost
Foundations and structure 58% $3.480
Finishes on walls 10% $600
Finishes on floors and roofs 5% $300
Woodworks 10% $600
Water supply 4% $240
Wastewater drainage 8% $480
Electricity grids 5% $300
Total 100% $6.000
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Post by Nka on Sept 7, 2014 14:35:59 GMT -6
The design of a durable mud prototype which can be easily understood by local labour is needed. The plot surface represents a rough 335 square meters. Primary material can be easily obtained, as and excellent, inexpensive and local alternative known as laterite, or red earth is available everywhere in Ghana. The building’s main shape is given by the 22 degree single pitched ground reaching roof. Made from corrugated sheets, its lower half is covered by grass which collects water rundown while offering good thermal and acoustic proprieties. The structure is accompanied by a circular external staircase formed around an internally accessed bathroom. Its thatched roof also collects water for the shower and toilet. The total effective interior surface measures around 65 square meters and includes a small kitchenette with a dining table, bathroom, an internal living room with fireplace, storage, a small ground floor bedroom and a larger double bedroom at the top floor.
Access inside the house is made from the south side if the shades are to be lifted. Another door on the east side opens up towards the external stairs which lead to the upper level. Top floor access is possible over a small bridge that ends underneath the door. This feature provides a relative amount of safety as the bridge can be removed at night to create a gap between the last stair step and the upper level external door. Cross ventilation is easily achieved both longitudinally and transversally. The upper level floor partition does not fully enclose itself against the roof allowing air to flow through. The top level shares the same mobile window shading system as the ground floor. Ground floor room height measures at 2.35m in the highest point. Stair step height measures at 150mm. Floor partitions are made of cross laid timber battens with a ground lifted floor for moisture protection and ventilation.
Foundations: The lower portion of the foundation is made of medium sized stones bound by a mixture of sand and cement. The upper portion is sand and cement mixed with wattle and daub. Two storey constructions typically need 14 inches of foundation thickness if sun dried mud bricks are used as bearing walls.
Mud walls: The ground floor structure is comprised of sun dried mud bricks of 150mm W x 250mm L and 50mm H size. They are laid on top of the bearing foundation. Linseed oil, turpentine and slurry is used for water proofing and enhanced structural durability.
Timber frame: The second most prevalent material within the construction is wood, namely the African mahogany and walnut variants. The roof is held by two main rafters stabilized using perpendicularly laid battens. Floor partitions are also made of wood with a ground lifted bottom floor.
Prior to European colonization, the Ashanti people developed a large cultural and influential empire in Eastern Africa. Some of the building elements and decorations were inspired by the large pool of wall painting and fabric patterns. The zigzag pattern, specific to Ashanti clothing can be found as coloured bricks laid inside the outer external staircase wall. The same pattern is applied inside the standard stretcher bond of the sun dried mud bricks. African symbol of knowledge can be found within the wooden doors and external windows of the house. The pattern allows for air circulation when doors and windows are closed while creating playful sun cast shadows inside. The pattern can also be found as painting on the inner wall of the external staircase.
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Post by Nka on Sept 8, 2014 23:02:43 GMT -6
ENTRY # 327071243
  
THE MOD HOUSE
modified _ modular _ mudA flexible interpretation of the historic courtyard house that provides a locally embedded solution based on local inspiration
The Urban Module The Ashanti compound house, an urban module represents an historic property system of the Asante Empire, and creates spatial and social framework where the townships are organised. The urban module also organises the space in-between such as streets and voids: the space for social interaction.
Positive/negative Our proposal uses this historic spatial language of the positive and negative dichotomy to organise the urban structure, as well the sequence of domestic spaces. Within the urban module, further domestic modules inform the spatial arrangement of the home. Key elements of the traditional courtyard house are extracted and re-configured: Four protective rectangular pavilions are arranged to form an open court - the focal point of domestic activity. These are raised on a solid podium, creating a defensible threshold, separating the private space from urban/wild life. The traditional thatched roof supported by a timber frame, is adapted to accommodate other roofing materials.
The Domestic Module Just as the courtyard module informs the urban grain, the domestic module representing the traditional mud hut organises a sequence of positive and negative spaces. The various rooms of the house are organised as pods. The space in-between forms the circulation space (negative space). These pods are arranged around a courtyard, rotated by the climatic conditions, such as the prevailing wind (south-west). This spatial movement rotates one of the pods, pushing through the external wall to engage with the community. In this case the pod forms the shop-front from which the family can sell their crafts, such as the local Kente cloth. The structure of the domestic module also allows longterm flexibility.
The organisation of spaces within the home is not only based on the traditional house arrangements, but also the Adrinka symbols, evoking the traditional way of life.
Local Sustainable Materials A simple matrix of local building materials and methods forms a toolkit with which each family can engage with the design of their home. The rammed earth walls are the ideal construction material for the climate. They are simple, affordable and require minimal skill. The tamping method of compressing the soil with a long pole is reminiscent of the method of making the local Fufu dish. The walls have a low embodied energy and are durable, non-combustible and provide good acoustic and thermal mass. The adobe bricks serve as decorative free-form ventilated openings and arranged to reflect the Ashanti craft tradition. The ceramic tiles and cow dung flooring are warm in the winter and cold in summer, with the added benefits of repelling insects and kill harmful bacteria. The pods are constructed in a range lightweight materials, determined by the occupants and use of the space. Woven bamboo/grass screens and Kente cloth bring colour, texture and tradition, creating warm and intimate spaces. A number of roof types could be accommodated within the design, such as mud/reed, thatched or green roof construction. Although a corrugated roof has thermal and acoustic issues, the well-ventilated design of the roof allows this currently widely used material to be used.
The estimated construction costs for 120sq.ft. would be: . foundations _ $550 . walls _ $1450 . fittings & miscellaneous _ $1100 . roofing _ $ 1700 . labour _ $1100
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Post by Nka on Sept 10, 2014 10:52:33 GMT -6
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Post by Nka on Sept 17, 2014 10:34:59 GMT -6
ENTRY # 328057811
  
The project is designed for a tailor's family composed of 5 persons. It is situated in Ejisu, close to Kumasi. The first and main goal is to propose a mud house that can resist and give a new vision of earth architecture. This proposal try to respect and give more importance to the Ashanti building tradition. At first it is inspired by several building shapes of the region. The goal is to mix the high and well decorated Ashanti traditional houses with the courtyard that is common today in the compound houses.
The earth construction method is inspired by what was already in use in the area as well. The Ashanti people built in wattle and daub. This light construction method is well adapted to warm and humid climate, where you don't need the thickness and the thermal inertia of heavier earth constructions. The temperature doesn't vary a lot so everything is about ventilation and thermal insulation.
The house is composed of a wooden structure and a light straw-clay panels skin. All the elements are repeated modules and follow a specific grid, easy to build and to extend. The house takes advantage of the main winds to ventilate the bedrooms during the night. The main living rooms are closed to the outside but open to the courtyard. It develop a way of life turned to the outdoor spaces and allow more usable private surface for the family. The courtyard refer to the Ashanti buildings aesthetic. One part of the house is dedicated to the business of the family. Open to the street, this room can host the tailor workshop for example.
To summarize, this mud house was designed for people who want to live in a modern and durable house without loosing the link to their traditions. The way of life is adapted to the climate, inspired by the old practices in the area, and try to give a local and comfortable alternative to the occidental modern pattern.
BUDGET
FOUNDATION : 610 $
Concrete foundation :
115 sq.ft. X 3 ft = 350 cu.ft.
10 bags of cement = 100 $
1 truck of sand = 60 $
Rammed earth slab : 231 cu.ft.
5 bags of cement = 50 $
Fired earth tiles : 230 sq.ft. = 150 $
Bathroom core :
Brick wall = 250 $
2 unskilled + 1 skilled laborers / 5 days = 120 $
WOODEN FLOOR : 414 $
Tali wooden floor : 650 sq.ft. = 360 $
1 unskilled + 2 skilled laborers / 2 days = 54 $
WOODEN FRAME : 3014 $
2'2' Ceiling lumber : 1166 ft = 388 $
6'3' Framing lumber : 1820 ft = 1820 $
4'6' Beam : 188 ft = 376 $
3 unskilled + 1 skilled laborers / 14 days = 430 $
PLUMBING AND CARPENTRY : 651 $
Plumbing = 150 $
8 Doors = 80 $
20 Sliding panels = 150 $
16 x 36'17' windows with 5 glass blades = 50 $
15 x 36'39' windows with wooden louver = 100 $
2 x 34'71' windows with folding wooden louver = 25 $
1 unskilled + 1 skilled laborers / 3 days = 51 $
ROOF : 1251 $
Corrugated zinc sheets :
1000 sq.ft . = 1200 $
1 unskilled + 1 skilled laborers / 3 days = 51 $
LIGHT EARTH PANELING COVERING : 700 $
250 Prefabricated straw-clay panels :
1'6' recycled palette wood + straw = 400$
3 unskilled laborers / 15 days = 300 $
TOTAL : 6600 $
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Post by Nka on Sept 19, 2014 8:35:39 GMT -6
Three+Two represents a change of perception. It represents an unconventional beauty in a material that is typically associated as outdated and primitive and brings it into the spotlight. Three+Two gives new purpose to contemporary African architecture by balancing and integrating culture and tradition with contemporary living. It highlights mud construction not only in its authenticity of material and craft but also in its interaction with space, wood tectonic, context, and its inhabitants.
Where: Our project is sited in the town of Konongo, located about 50 km southeast of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region in Ghana. Konongo is a gold mining community with a population of approximately 25,000, and it is not as dense as Kumasi but urban enough for a single family to thrive and an unconventional mudhouse to gain attention.
What: Three+Two is a balancing act. We aimed to create a contemporary earth architecture that is sensitive to surroundings – culturally and environmentally – but also invites change. Our proposal draws inspiration from traditional courtyard houses in the Ashanti Region – conceptually, voids within a mass – rather than the multi-story modern villas, which were essentially one mass within a void.
The proposal is arranged with three covered masses and two walled courtyards. These courtyards bring out the life of the household as it draws the family and loved ones together for various activities – cooking, playing, dancing, doing laundry, etc. They are encompassed by covered outdoor circulation to give a larger and more dynamic sense of space and a more fluid movement from outside to inside space. Environmentally, the courtyards are arranged allow the northwest summer wind to circulate in and out of the house. Trees and vegetation add further place-making within the courtyard and creates an additional filter of summer and winter winds.
An exterior mud wall of both rammed earth and perforated brick wall encompasses the entire property to act not only as security but also as a “bulletin” for mud architecture through simply the purity and beauty of the material and craft. The wall pushes in and out and varies in fenestration and construction between rammed earth and stabilized hand-pressed mud brick to express the spaces internally. The interior is lifted by a plinth – filled with gravel and mud and surfaced with stabilized hand-pressed clay tiles - to not only separate the interior and exterior but also ground the house both physically and culturally, as plinths are often used in traditional construction and acts socially as a place to rest on the exterior of the house.
The covered outdoor circulation is lined with columns that support the corrugated metal roof. These columns are 6 x 6” wood posts cladded halfway from the bottom with mud brick that act only for structural support but also conceptually, a movement from stereometric mud material to a lighter tectonic material. We’ve implemented a double roof system to allow wind to pass through the house with the ceiling of the rooms comprising of mud brick arranged in the same perforated pattern as the brick wall. The roof is pitched in a T formation and runs continuously over a dynamic arrangement of rooms keeps the house from appear broken up. It allows one to say “all of this under one roof.”
Why: Every design intent move is based on both a respect of Ghanaian tradition, culture, and lifestyle and a responsibility to the wellbeing of the inhabitants. Ultimately, we are proposing a home that is comfortable, spacious, and compositionally and aesthetically beautiful. By embracing earth architecture and contemporary design, we are creating balanced relationships that are specific and contextual between built form and nature, space and inhabitant, interior and exterior, mass and void, culture and modernity – all through the inspiration of mud.
BUDGET: Total $6,000
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