Low-Cost Tropical Housing
By Alin Kutan
About
This low-cost housing design embraces indigenous knowledge and locally sourced materials to create homes suited for Sierra Leone’s tropical climate. Featuring rammed earth walls, a thatched-bamboo canopy, and flexible layouts, the project promotes sustainable, community-oriented living spaces.
Project Insights
Community Layout
The community layout is designed to optimize space and encourage social interaction. The project features flexible living units arranged to promote both privacy and community engagement. Shared outdoor spaces blend seamlessly with the indoor areas, making the most of the tropical climate. The layout encourages interaction while maintaining the need for personal space. By integrating the local environment and materials, the design reduces construction costs and minimizes environmental impact, fostering a sustainable living solution for the community.
Living Unit
The living unit is designed for flexibility and space optimization, with a staircase that can be relocated to change the layout, adapting to different family needs. The unit features rammed earth walls for durability and thermal insulation, along with sliding doors that open completely, allowing natural airflow and creating a porous living space. Built-in furniture made from rammed earth maximizes space usage, making the unit both efficient and comfortable. The roof-terrace, protected by a thatched-bamboo canopy, provides natural ventilation and rain protection, ensuring the home remains comfortable year-round.
Prototype
The prototype showcases the core design principles, focusing on adaptability and sustainability. It demonstrates how the unit can be customized by moving the staircase to different positions, offering various layout options. The design incorporates the use of locally sourced materials such as rammed earth and bamboo, reflecting the community's vernacular architecture while promoting energy efficiency. This prototype also highlights the integration of outdoor space with the indoor living areas, ensuring that residents can enjoy the natural environment while maintaining a comfortable, low-cost living space.