Environmental performance and economic viability

The project responds to the peculiarities of the region: climate and natural environment are our key design parameters. Hence, instead of adapting design solutions to the site, the site itself becomes the solution. It allows us to conceive a bioclimatic model with a small footprint, based on the building’s configuration with respect to natural components, and the use of an efficient local, widely available material: clay. Thinking about sustainability and passive strategies from the early stages of design allowed to achieve not only social and environmental welfare, but also a significant economic benefit. The project’s design ensures an optimal consumption of energy and water, as well as a high thermal comfort. It also allows wider access to renewable energy by making it affordable.

Innovation, transferability and contextual impact

The project is an exploring and upgrading of local crafts, through introducing them into innovative production cycles and diverse fields, other than artisanal production. Elements of the project, such as sunshades and double skin facades, are the reinterpretation of local weaving of carpets, cane and tents, practiced by the women of the region. These elements illustrate the authentic local character, and beyond the cultural and aesthetic aspects, they have an excellent energy performance and contribute in income and activity generating. The power of this design concept is that it can be easily duplicated and reproduced in different regions, based on their own materials and crafts. It promotes transferability of old practices and their adaptation to current needs and future aspirations.

Ethical standards and social inclusion

The project contributes to enhancing a sense of belonging and community cohesion, through integrating the inhabitants in the planning process of their locality, and restoring their faith in the power of their own know-how and abilities. The project’s educational program, community-based design and participatory construction process will regenerate activity within the village and foster gender equity as they involve men, women and children. This is an illustration of how architecture can preserve a meaningful interaction between a given community and its environment, and ensure transferability of the singular aspects of its culture and social life, in order to lead it towards sustainable development.