African project Maasai Village – Tanzania
the direct result of this process and eventually agriculture will become close to impossible in the near future . With C-re-aid , we try to turn things around by doing research and informing the local community on the consequences of their actions for generations to come . The technique of earthbags offers local craftsmen an alternative for the burned bricks , since it uses only sand and soil . Not only does this way of building present a more sustainable material , it also offers additional comfort to the living conditions because of its thermal mass .
The family ’ s living condition was mainly defined by a lack of privacy . That is exactly why the design focuses on the notion of living-together-apart . The concept consists of three intertwining circles : one for the mother , one for the daughter , and a common area in between . Building with earthbags lends itself perfectly to the design of circular units , as no lateral support is required . Furniture was incorporated in the structure and glass bottles were used to add light to the interior . The labour intensive building method of earthbags wouldn ’ t have been an option if it wasn ’ t for the helping hands of 15 students and 4 teachers of a Belgian secondary school ( VTI Brugge ). This close collaboration between future craftsmen and architects turned design into reality in no time . AD