louise braverman architect: village health works staff residence

'village health works staff residence' by louise braverman architect, kigutu, burundi, africa
all images courtesy of louise braverman architect


new york-based practice louise braverman architect has designed the 'village health works staff residence', a 6,000 square foot
residence in the hills of kigutu in burundi, africa. the first building to be implemented within a larger masterplan, this installment
will offer 20 beds which are sustained with off-the-grid resources including a solar farm. cutting into the terrain to reduce
excavation costs and accentuate the earth's natural insulation, the linear structure contains open porticos which allow transparency
through the vividly colored interior walls.

to facilitate the kigutu indigenous outdoor communal culture, the oversized porch doors seamlessly connect the inside and out,
welcoming all who enter into a series of public living spaces. similarly the ten double private sleeping rooms, each with its own
personal entry porch, echo this semi-permeability. the porosity of the exterior will encourage sociability, enhance air flow and
simultaneously frame unobstructed transverse views of the landscape beyond. deep roofs eaves will block direct daylight while
collecting rainwater for irrigation. materials for construction are sourced from the area and manually formed, eliminating the need
for machine and skill training of the community members.



view of the building from below



end porch



vividly colored porches line the facades



view of the landscape beyond



aerial view of site



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1



section



thermal insulation diagram



enhanced natural ventilation diagram