old tyres filled with compacted soil.
Where a more uniform texture was
needed, the tyres were cut into smaller
pieces and used to fill in the gaps.
Other innovative building materials
include the local invader prosopis
tree for shade and screens in front of
windows, overhang extensions and
walkway shading.
For the roof corrugated steel
sheeting was used for several reasons,
including its longer lifespan, lower initial
cost and potential for re-use.
Floors in a flash
28
Inside, wax-polished concrete was used
for office floors to control dust, and
clay bricks on sand for the exhibition
hall and lecture room. Both finishes are
hardwearing, relatively cheap and easy
to maintain.
Outside, waste mica stone was used
with a clay bedding layer for paving,
combined with gravel strips.
Finishing off
Where possible, surfaces were kept in
their natural state to show the different
construction methods. For weather
and corrosion protection, water-based
paints and sealants were used. The
soil-cement blocks were coated with a
water-based clear silicate sealant.
Walls inside were lime-washed white
to increase the day-lighting effect, while
white road marking paint was used on
the inside tyre walls.
Reeds from nearby riverbeds came
in handy and were used for ceiling walls
and cladding for cupboard units.
But to get a full sense of the centre
first hand, visit the HRDC in Claudius
Kandovazu Street (+ 264 61 268200).
Sources: architetureweek.com; HRDC;
allycad.com
desIgn Namibia October - December 2013