clay-pigmented monolithic villas emerge from ghana’s red earth landscape

local materiality and natural context shape Barnwood in Aburi

Located in Ghana’s Eastern Region, Barnwood in Gyankama is a residential project by Symbolic Spaces, led by Theo Obeng-Sackey. The development consists of clay-pigmented, monolithic villas currently under construction, emerging from the red earth landscape characteristic of the area. The project emphasizes form, material presence, and environmental response as primary architectural drivers.

all images courtesy of Symbolic Spaces

Symbolic Spaces’ design references housing typology in Ghana

Barnwood project is led by Ghanaian British architect Theo Obeng-Sackey and reflects a housing typology central to Symbolic Spaces’ ongoing research. Since 2017, the studio has explored the relationship between architectural form, materiality, and climate-responsive strategies within the humid conditions of Aburi, a context distinct from the drier and more intense climatic conditions of Accra. This setting provides a framework for testing construction approaches that balance expressive massing with economic efficiency, while positioning color and surface texture as integral components of regional architectural language.

the project aims to inspire the community but also to challenge prevailing narratives of modern African architecture

the design draws subtly from local building traditions entirely through local craftsmanship

Symbolic Spaces studio selects Laterite as the primary external skin

a red clay pigment was introduced to enrich the surface, referencing regional vernacular architecture

the facade’s texture resembles the contours of nearby anthills

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context

solar diagram

Laterite and clay

concrete frame, galvanised steel trusses and timber battens

pigmented clay render

strategically positioned skylights

handcrafted model

masterplan

plans

sections

construction

aerial view

project info:

name: Barnwood

architect: Symbolic Spaces | @symbolic.spaces

lead architect: Theo Obeng-Sackey

structural engineer: Richard Ofori Addo

facade contractor: Geointell

location: Aburi, Ghana

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom