shigeru ban: post tsunami housing for kirinda, sri lanka

recently shortlisted for the aga khan prize for architecture 2013 (see the entire shortlist on designboom here), shigeru ban‘s design for 100 houses and a mosque in a muslim fishing village in sri lanka seeks to alleviate a housing shortage after a 2004 tsunami ravaged the area. while the architect notably participates in disaster relief housing worldwide, the project in kirinda is highly specific to the regional climate and architectonic character. local labor and materials were used to stimulate the local economy and the program responds to both residential demands and municipal stipulations.

45 homes were created for a cost of 1 million USD
image courtesy of the aga khan development network

each of the two bedroom houses is organized by a roofed court and semi-open living space that provides shade and ventilation; however, respect for local culture and observed gender dynamics is manifested with an elegant system of folding partitions. distribution of space plays an important role in the life of the community on both a micro and macro scale, therefore the typology allows families room for sharing a meal, repairing their fishing equipment and continuing local customs.

exterior view of the homes
image courtesy of the aga khan development network

the previous failures of steel frame homes was avoided by using locally sourced rubber tree wood for partitions and fittings, while compressed earth blocks make up the walls of the prefabricated units. the building modules interlock and fit together in a LEGO-like fashion and can be assembles on site.

space is organized by a large central, open-air area
image courtesy of the aga khan development network

the courtyard becomes the main living space and hub of social activity in the home
image courtesy of the aga khan development network

site plan of the cluster of home
image courtesy of the aga khan development network