Sustainable Community Housing Design: Innovating with Tradition at Asase Yaa Village

Introduction to Asase Yaa Village

In the heart of Bolgatanga, Ghana, a revolutionary project, Asase Yaa Village, emerges as a beacon of sustainable community housing design. This project is not just a mere construction; it is a revival, an innovation, and a cultural homage. The Earth Made Housing Competition has brought forward a vision crafted by the collaborative genius of Tychelle Causey, Giovanni Montrel, and Jaisha Victorian, who have embedded three core values into the design: utilization of vernacular architecture, expansion of earth brick design, and creation of spaces for cultural traditions.

The Pillars of Design and Methodology

Vernacular Architecture and Cultural Traditions

The design of Asase Yaa Village by BWA draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of family life, culture, and traditions intrinsic to Bolgatanga. The architecture encloses the local community's traditions and culture, standing near a fair trade market akin to Bolga Fair Trade, aiming to alleviate poverty through crafts.

Innovating Earth Brick Design

Materiality plays a pivotal role, with the earth block design aiming for practical durability while allowing airflow and natural lighting. A unique combination of earth, water, and fibrous materials like sand, rose petals, coconut husk, and pine needles have been experimented with to enhance the brick's robustness.

Community-Centric Spaces

Site organization and building circulation are tailored for community engagement, featuring spaces for drum circles, weaving, and other traditional practices. The housing types—single, double, and family—are designed considering the extended family dynamics prevalent in Africa, contrasting modern Western homes.

A Focus on Sustainability and Practicality

Earth Fabrication Process

The fabrication process of the earth block is a testament to sustainable building techniques. It presents a multi-faceted application, from structural support to air fluidity and privacy levels dictated by brick porosity.

Assembly and Layout

The brick's design is cleverly integrated into the building's layout, ensuring that each apartment—be it a single unit, a double unit, or a multifamily unit—has its own distinct level of privacy and communal space, as depicted in the detailed renderings and drawings.

The Architectural Blueprint

Site Plans and Sections

The meticulous site plans and sectional drawings reveal the intricate details of the architectural vision, showcasing the strategic placement of buildings to optimize natural resources like sun and wind for lighting and ventilation.

Wall Assembly and Structural Integrity

Wall assembly strategies highlight the innovative approach to construction, ensuring that the structural integrity is maintained without compromising on the cultural aesthetic.

Asase Yaa Village is more than a housing complex; it's a model for future sustainable community housing design. It merges traditional practices with innovative construction techniques to create a living space that is both environmentally friendly and culturally rich. This project sets a precedent for architects, designers, and communities around the world to follow, showcasing that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand in modern architecture.