Detailed building information model with all process and procurement information.

Left: First prototype was built on the Campus of the Addis Ababa University. Right: The second prototype is located in the sub-city Lideta, an informal settlement in the core of Addis Ababa. It is now used as a local office for the self-empowerment campaign.

Vibrant low income settlement, Lideta, with the second prototype of the SICU building in September 2013.

The SICU prototype is a compact double-story unit comprised of a prefabricated concrete lower structure and lightweight eucalyptus frames for the upper floor. After all parts have been prefabricated, the building was constructed in ten days by 35 students from three countries and now stands erect in a typical neighborhood of Addis Ababa, serving to demonstrate an alternative housing approach and to prompt further discussions between policy makers, industry and academia.

Presentation of the Holcim Awards Bronze 2014 for “Incremental Construction: Low-cost modular housing scheme, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia” (l-r): winners Asgedom Berhe, Dirk Donath, jury members Fasil Giorghis, Chair of Conservation of Urban and Architectural Heritage, Addis Ababa University and Howayda Al-Harithy (head of jury) Professor of Architecture, American University of Beirut; Bernard Fontana, CEO of Holcim Ltd; and winner Brook Haileselassie.

Winners of the Holcim Awards Bronze 2014 for “Incremental Construction: Low-cost modular housing scheme, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia” (l-r) Brook Haileselassie, Dirk Donath and Asgedom Berhe.

Dirk Donath of Bauhaus University, Germany winner of the Holcim Awards Bronze 2014 for “Incremental Construction: Low-cost modular housing scheme, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia”.

The project is situated in an area earmarked for total renewal in a typical neighborhood of Addis Ababa, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. New constructions in the city predominantly use concrete frame and cast in-situ construction; and the city has banned natural materials from being used in buildings since 2009, limiting the solutions available for house construction. It aimed to investigate possibilities for an alternative urban housing unit in this context.

SICU is situated in a compound of 150 inhabitants, most of whom have low incomes.

The local community was present at the launch event for the assembly of the prototype.

The prototype was also intended to initiate discussions between the different stakeholders.

The flooring of the upper story of the house is constructed with prefabricated plywood boards.

SICU is a semi-complete construction where the homeowners are able to finish the building themselves.

Metal connectors were used to secure the eucalyptus frames to the wooden beams.

Students from Ethiopia, Germany and South Sudan participated in the assembly of the prototype.

Students from Ethiopia, Germany and South Sudan participated in the assembly of the prototype.

Accolades for all Holcim Awards main prize winners (l-r): Brook Haileselassie, Dirk Donath and Asgedom Berhe (Bronze), Zeynep and Onat Öktem (Gold), and Raëd Abillama, Youssef Abillama, Yasmina Khalifé and Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine (Silver).

Dirk Donath, Brook Haileselassie, Asgedom Haile, Helawie Sewnet, Sarah Yusuf, Peter Dissel and Jakob Mettler.