kéré architecture to protect sudanese ruins with clay and stone shelter

kéré architecture to protect sudanese ruins with clay and stone shelter
all images courtesy of kéré architecture

francis kéré’s berlin-based architecture studio has been chosen to design a protective shelter on the ancient UNESCO-protected island of meroe in sudan. in order to both preserve and celebrate the architectural heritage of the site, the scheme uses local materials such as clay and stone to construct an understated design, which offers long-term durability.

vaulted ceilings and internal courtyards help promote natural ventilation and humidity control

situated 200 kilometers (124 miles) north-east of khartoum (the sudanese capital), the ancient city of meroe sits on the eastern bank of the nile and is populated with temples, palaces and more than two hundred pyramids. first excavated in 1912, the royal baths are now the focus of a joint research project between the german archaeological institute and the national corporation for antiquities and museums. dating back to the first century AD, the complex is thought to have serviced two nearby palaces from the great african kingdom of kush in what is now modern-day sudan.

a series of partially-suspended walkways offer visitors the opportunity to experience the historic remains up-close

a mud brick wall, measuring 60 centimeters in thickness, not only offers protection against eroding winds and outside forces, but also ensures a stable internal climate. vaulted ceilings and open courtyards help to promote natural ventilation and humidity control, while a series of partially-suspended walkways offers visitors an opportunity to experience the historic remains up-close.

to minimize damage to the ruins, a carefully considered combination of foundations and structural systems will work together to support the new construction. once complete, the shelter will maintain its structural stability while allowing further research and excavation to continue on site.