BASEhabitat Social Housing with Individuality, Ideas for Living in Botswana by BASEhabitat

basehabitat Social Housing with Individuality Ideas for Living in Botswana

“It is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody [...]. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart.” Matthew Desmond Sociologist

basehabitat Social Housing with Individuality Ideas for Living in Botswana

basehabitat Network Map

project enquiries realised projects participating students research

04 06 08

Introduction Values Proposals

social Sustainability

12 18

Community Dwelling under one roof

24 32

Tradition Ramotswa New Kgotla

economic Sustainability

40 44 50 54

Flexibility Flexible Homes

60 64

Densification shha+

environmental Sustainability

72 78

Design Principles Living with the sun

84 88

Materials Use your home’s potential

94 96

Acknowledgements Glossary / Bibliography / Imprint

Productive Homes Productive Homes

Introduction

figure 1.0: basehabitat master students in botswana

This publication showcases seven design proposals by architecture students of the basehabitat Masters course at the University of Art and Design Linz (Kunstuniversität Linz) in Austria. The proposals were developed following a research trip to Botswana in 2019. We were privileged to speak with many of the people leading the debate around Housing in Botswana, including the Botswana Housing Corporation, the Self Help Housing Agency (shha) and staff and students of the Architecture Department at the University of Botswana. In addition, we were graciously invited into many Tswana homes to witness how people of all income groups in Botswana live. Back in Austria we followed up our first-hand research with further desktop studies. The observations summarised in this book around issues of social, economic and environmental sustainability are the outcome of this primary and secondary research. Our design proposals build on and respond to these investigations. They consider ‘living’ in its wider sense - expanding the focus from the home itself to life in the community. The proposals aim to address sustainability holistically, grappling with issues as diverse as indoor climate, flexibility, densification, environmental impact, livelihoods and community cohesion. In response to these global challenges and the specific conditions in the South-East Region of Botswana, our group of students developed a range of design proposals for housing and community projects. These were presented to members of basehabitat, as well as visiting critics from the University of Botswana in January 2020. The publication before you is designed to be a resource for institutions involved in construction, architects and engineers, potential future clients and of course architecture and civil engineering students in Botswana. We had originally planned to author this booklet collaboratively with staff and students at the Architecture Department at the University of Botswana, as a means of testing and refining our ideas from the research trip and the resulting projects. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the resulting lock-down, this has unfortunately not been possible. Instead, we reached out to local contributors and where feasible, have included their feedback.

Values The way we design and build the spaces we live in is inextricably linked to ecological, economic and social factors. Above all, significant climatic changes and an eroding social fabric require a fundamental transformation of how we think and act. Our goal is that sustainable and socially responsible design naturally becomes a priority to future generations of architects. In our work, we focused on 3 main parameters: Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability.

Social (People)

Acceptable

Equitable

Sustainable

Environment (Planet)

Viable

Economic (Profit)

figure 1.1: three parameters of sustainability2

Here we briefly outline our understanding of these parameters, and how they have been addressed in our design proposals: 1. Social Sustainability Around the world, growing economic inequality is creating social tensions that negatively impact people’s livelihoods and threaten social cohesion. As a consequence, people are leaving places where they do not see a future for themselves: they migrate from the countryside to the cities, or from the global south to the global north.

In our proposals, we have searched for well considered designs and participatory processes that can contribute to a built environment that offers people a decent home without neglecting the community. Through lessons learned from the culture and tradition of rural settlements, we try to strengthen the social identity of neighbourhoods. The use of local materials and building techniques can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Both community and tradition help to ensure social sustainability. 2. Economic Sustainability Design strategies and building processes are essential tools for creating economic and social value for local communities. The usage of local and affordable building materials and the inclusion of local enterprises, crafts people and workers in building projects create small-scale economic circles and add value where people live. We have investigated future flexibility as a means of catering to a wide range of possible users with requirements that may change over time. Housing that allows people to work from home and higher density neighbourhoods can create more dynamic places and reduce pressure on transport systems. 3. Environmental Sustainability Climate change is our greatest ecological challenge. Related phenomena like rising temperatures and sea levels, droughts, storms, floods, but also the connected extinction of animal species and whole ecosystems destroy the livelihood of many people worldwide. Construction and buildings are responsible for more than a third of the global energy demand and are therefore main contributors to these radical changes. The production of cement alone accounts for about 8% of the global CO2 emissions. Architecture and building materials and technologies therefore have a decisive role to play in shaping the future of our world. We believe the use of local, renewable construction materials is the key to a sustainable building culture. In our proposals, we have tried to find simple but smart design principles and carefully chosen building materials that use resources wisely and are well adapted to local conditions.

Proposals Each of the seven design proposals presented in this publication addresses these three aspects of sustainability in a different way. This table shows which project focuses on which aspects of sustainability.

social Sustainability

Project Title

Dwelling under one roof

Ramotswa New Kgotla

Flexible Homes

Productive Homes

shha+

Living with the sun

Use your home’s potential

Community

Tradition

economic

environmental

Sustainability

Flexibility

Sustainability

Productive Homes

Densification

Design Principles

Materials

Social Sustainability Community Tradition

Community Community is defined as “[the] people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality.” Cambridge Dictionary, 20203

Strong communities create mutually supportive networks that form the backbone of active neighbourhoods. What particularly impressed us as visitors to Botswana were the strong family and community ties that underpin Tswana society. Before a growing population and increasing urbanisation made access to land scarce in Botswana, a low-density settlement pattern evolved, with families living on large plots surrounded by fences or walls. These large plots have been important for subsistence farming and to enable families to gather, especially on occasions such as weddings and funerals. However, both public and private spaces have a part to play in supporting community life and creating a sense of belonging to a larger family or group. The difference lies in the accessibility of these spaces. Access to a private garden or plot is controlled by its owner. This creates a power structure that can lead to social exclusion. Public community areas can counteract the dominance of private spaces and particular individuals. Ideally, anyone can use a public space or building. This is important for reinforcing a sense of social belonging.

In public spaces such as Main Mall in Gaborone, the city administration is responsible for waste management, maintenance, policing and urban design. In smaller and less dense suburban areas it is possible that public spaces become neglected and unusable if nobody feels responsible for their maintenance. Public authorities have to recognize the importance of public space and choose to maintain it in all scales and forms – from Main Mall to small neighbourhood community spaces – as a duty towards the communities they represent. A public space should support community cohesion, empowering individuals to strengthen that community and feel inspired to take care of this common area in return.4 Community Area Community Area

Available Plot with no Community Area Available Plot

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Available Plot with big Community Area Available Plot

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figure 2.0: cellular living vs. community area

Where plots are distributed in a grid pattern connected by roads, the resultant geometry often does not allow for public outdoor community spaces, unless these are deliberately provided for. Even if every plot and household has got a garden, these privately owned spaces do not alone sufficiently strengthen communities and neighbourhoods. As elsewhere in the world, this pattern of ‘cellular living’ is visible in Botswana, too, especially in middle- or highincome areas where it is a privilege to own a plot with sufficient space to give a family privacy from their neighbours.

This type of urban development is in conflict with what we have observed of Tswana societal structures. During our field research in Botswana, we found community life to be of central importance in Botswana culture. We started to wonder how urban spaces could support these community bonds. The first community every individual discovers is the family, and the family bond is the strongest link in a social structure. This aspect is also evident in urban terms. Particularly in low-income areas like Old Naledi it is common that the whole family lives on one plot and extends the existing house step by step as the family grows. Similarly, we observed this in suburban areas such as Ramotswa where the family bonds become visible in building structures: the big family house in the centre of a plot is often surrounded by several smaller buildings, which create individual rooms for grown-up children and other family members who need accommodation. The Architect Leta Mosienyane, whom we were privileged to meet during our research trip, has underlined the spiritual meaning of places:

“Living members of the community could [thus] draw spiritual strength from physical spaces which were designed to foster responsibility, care, commitment and continuity from one generation to another.” Leta Mosienyane, 20195 Alongside the family bond, the Kgosi system organises and strengthens community bonds in Tswana culture. This system runs parallel to the official government systems and holds significant influence within the society. Every community has one designated Kgosi. This is a person who leads their community and has certain responsibilities. The Kgosi resolves conflicts in his or her administrative region and oversees changes and improvements within a community.

The administrative centre of this system within each community is the Kgotla. Traditionally, the Kgotla was built out of local materials and was a place to celebrate, discuss and inform people within a community. Nowadays the Kgotla is still a place where people come together to discuss and socialise, always with the necessary respect for this special locus. Additionally, it is a place where the Kgosi addresses their community and where new initiatives for improving living conditions can be generated. There are different typologies of the Kgotla - for instance in Ramotswa or Old Naledi. Traditionally, Kgotlas were circular structures with low mud walls. Gum pole structures supported a thatched roof. The more modern Kgotlas are often rectangular buildings with fired clay brick walls. Gum poles are still used for the roof construction. The traditional grass thatching is replaced with a more modern and durable style of thatching that is common in South Africa and differs from the local reeds available in Botswana.6

figure 2.1: kgotla in old naledi

Co-living ideas are already deeply ingrained in traditional Tswana culture, where different family members, and often paying tenants, share a plot. This phenomenon is visible both in areas such as Old Naledi and in the suburban areas of Ramotswa. The idea of living together in communities on one piece of land is gaining traction in the western world, too. For instance in Germany or Austria communities join together to build shared residential buildings. They collaborate on the entire design and building process and develop new ideas for living based on their common interests. Communities, common spaces and co-housing are relevant global needs. From our observations in Botswana, we believe that the more formalised co-living ideas that have been tested in Europe could also be successful here, in a culture with much greater community cohesion. We also observed that there are few public playgrounds in residential areas. The playgrounds that do exist are sometimes built in places fully exposed to the hot sun. Playground equipment, which is often made out of metal, gets too hot to play on and therefore playgrounds remain unused.

Family

Kgosi System

Community

Co-Living figure 2.2: communities, common spaces and co-housing

Football for Hope Centre in Magope An example of a place for children and young adults that provides a variety of shaded spaces outside as well as pleasant indoor spaces is the South East Football for Hope Centre in Magope, Ramotswa (designed by Elisa Engel for Architecture for Humanity). Run by the South East-District Youth Empowerment Association (sedyea), it is a facility for children and young adults in a suburban growth area. The centre provides a variety of programs, all with a focus on hiv/aids prevention and girl empowerment. The new building is designed to encourage the type of informal interaction and exchange that is particularly suitable to children and young adults. A shaded external space, defined by low walls borrowed from traditional Tswana placemaking, invites newcomers to join the conversation. The walls are made of local stone (found on the site itself), while the shading structure is made of gum poles.

Other References: Cultural Centre for Young Artists, Toshiko Mori, Senegal Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, Peter Rich, South Africa Co-Housing in the Zamani Microcommunity or Memel, South Africa

figure 2.3: south east football for hope centre in magope, ramotswa

Dwelling Under One Roof basehabitat base habitat Proposal Exploring Co-Living

GSEduca��

figure 2.4: perspective inner courtyard

Botswana Housing// Semesterproject Vinzent Wallner. 18

A project with a particular focus on community cohesion is “Dwelling Under One Roof”, a co-living scheme for several families, arranged around a central courtyard. This creates a place for discussion, celebration and play, while helping to counteract the loneliness of living in single households. The social experience is enhanced by giving the community a place to gather and interact, while providing individual households with sufficient private space. Each household also benefits from some external covered space at roof level. Given Botswana’s climate, this promises to be a pleasant and useful addition. The project aims to develop a flexible and adaptive modular building system that allows the development to grow and meet the changing needs of its inhabitants. The target group is middle to high income families and young professionals. The proposal borrows from existing two-storey medium density Botswana Housing Corporation (bhc) schemes, and could be adapted by Self Help Housing Agency (shha) to meet the needs of low income communities. The project allows for street-facing commercial space to be integrated, making it easily adaptable to more urban situations and allowing residents to earn a living from home. The building consists of a gum pole and concrete frame structure and a corrugated iron roof, with adobe brick infill walls. This construction method is very economical because several dwellings share one frame and roof, as well as some internal walls, making it more efficient. This saving can be invested in each individual house having its own staircase, adding a second level. This is unusual in Botswana, where many private houses are single-storey dwellings.

the structure consists of columns and walls

the structure consisting of colums and walls.

the roofing providing a flexible covered space.

the structure consisting of colums and walls.

the roofing providing a flexible space. the roofingcovered provides a flexible covered space

the roofing providing a flexible covered space. the roofing providing a flexible covered space. the indoor spaces as volumes placed inside this covered space

the indoor spaces as volumes placed inside this covered space.

each volume placed provides a covered terrace.

the indoor spaces as volumes placed inside this covered space.

each volume placed provides a covered terrace.

Botswana Housing// Semesterproject Vinzent Wallner.

each volume placed provides a Botswana Housing// Semesterproject Vinzent Wallner. covered terrace

each volume placed provides a covered terrace. figure 2.5: 3D concept sketches

each volume placed provides a covered terrace.

Botswana Housing// Semesterproject Vinzent Wallner.

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figure 2.9: third step

Tradition “Tradition does not mean to look after the ash, but to keep the flame alive.“ Jean Jaures7

Tradition defines the present and the future of a nation through its past. History, customs, interactions, special rites and attitudes form part of a tradition and contribute to the identity of individuals and the community as a whole. The values passed on from generation to generation are not only embodied in intangible rules and behaviours, but materialise in the form of built tradition, such as the typical layout of settlements, the arrangement of households or the floor plan of a detached house. Built form bears witness to the social interaction of the past and shapes contemporary ways of living. The choice of location and materials for certain buildings or other architectural elements indicate a culture’s specific way of interacting with its environment. Adaptation to the surrounding climate is essential for human survival and finds expression in cultural heritage. Traditional ornaments are cultural markers, too. Art fosters engagement with one’s own culture and offers a possibility of expression and individuality. Therefore, the preservation of tradition, especially in architecture and art, can strengthen a nation’s identity. Especially in Botswana, where building structures and land ownership have traditionally been less durable than in cultures that

predominantly build in stone, art and design practices have been a way of passing cultural traditions on from generation to generation. This is evident in many different aspects of Tswana culture, most famously in its woven baskets and decorated homes. The focus is therefore less on the preservation of monuments and more on the continuation and thus the maintenance of traditional building methods. During our research trip to Botswana, our goal was primarily to observe and to learn from a culture that deals with climatic conditions, social interaction and art differently than we do. In the very open-minded Tswana society, people generously invited us into their homes, and we had the opportunity to study a variety of different lifestyles in the capital Gaborone as well as in Ramotswa. We were able to study housing typologies in all income groups and to observe how traditional design and placemaking found their way into the ways Botswana people live today. After a comprehensive analysis of the buildings we saw, we identified three areas in which this was particularly evident: in the field of tourism, in the homes of the poorest and those of the richest income groups.

figure 2.11: mokolodi backpackers

The tourism sector plays an important economic role in Botswana: it caters to visitors who are looking not just for a high level of comfort, but also for what feels like an authentic experience of Tswana culture (figure 2.11). Reed-covered roofs and a wooden construction are the simplest and most common means of recreating what appears to reflect the country’s typical flair. The emphasis is often on the outward appearance and tradition is frequently only preserved superficially. However, in higher-priced accommodation, natural materials are not only used to create an atmosphere, but efforts are also made to preserve cultural tradition and to consolidate it through original construction methods. While budget accommodation often creates a fictionalised version of pre-colonial Africa, luxury lodges sometimes pay attention not only to what appears to be authenticity, but also to technical and artistic originality. Although building materials such as clay and grass are considered by the majority of the Botswana population to be the building materials of the poor, luxury lodges attach importance to these references to tradition.

figure 2.12: house in old naledi

In addition to the building typologies of the tourism sector, Botswana’s residential architecture also refers to tradition. There appears to be a correlation between the income level of the home owner and the degree of reference that is made to tradition. Our research revealed a clear reference to tradition in the homes of very low income and very high income groups. Those who have few financial resources continue to use or return to traditional building methods out of necessity. During our two week research trip we observed traditional mud huts primarily in low-income areas like Old Naledi and in rural settlements. Most middle-income buildings seem to be made of materials such as corrugated iron, cement blocks and concrete, which are not rooted in the traditional construction methods. One reason for the preference for these modern materials is the negative image of the natural building materials, which to many signify poverty; traditional building materials also require more maintenance. Moreover, rectangular house typologies lend themselves to contemporary furnishings, and are seen as ‘more western’. However, these modern construction methods are less adapted to the local climatic conditions and distance themselves strongly from the traditional building culture.

figure 2.13: shaded forecourt in ramotswa

Traditional settlement patterns are evident in the arrangement of buildings on the plots. On one middle-income plot in Ramotswa that we visited, the residential buildings were arranged in a semicircle around a central space, forming a communal square. The importance attached to the forecourt (figure 2.13) can be compared to the important role played by the Lolwapa in the traditional floor plan of a household in Botswana. The situation is different in the highest income class. The original one-room floor plan of the traditional round hut is extended, subdivided and reinterpreted. It almost seems as if there are several huts under one organic roof. As is the case with buildings in the tourism sector, greater attention is often paid to the imitation of traditional materials and the construction and arrangement of architectural elements. The more financial means available, the greater the “connection” to tradition. A great example of a new vernacular tradition in housing are the following buildings (figure 2.14 - 2.15) created by Mma Mosadi Kerebotswe Letlole, the owner and designer.

figure 2.14: mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole townhouse

A clear reference to a cultural identity is created by adopting, adapting and changing traditional building forms. In addition, a sensitization to traditional art and ornamentation is evident. In her house near Gaborone, she not only adapts natural materials such as reed and gum poles, but also uses locally half-burnt ‘dam’ bricks. Although clay is not culturally anchored in the fired state, it is a locally available natural building material. In contrast to traditional practice, different levels within the house have been integrated, creating additional space under the roof, which due to its height and the choice of material, provides a comfortable indoor climate. In addition to this house, Mma Letlole also owns a farm in the countryside. The development includes a residential building, similar to the town house, built with the same materials (fired ‘dam’ bricks and a South African style thatched roof), as well as smaller traditional huts. The construction technique of a gabled roof spanning several rooms guarantees air circulation and creates a cooler climate.

figure 2.15: mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole farmhouse

The high roof reinforces this effect, as the warm air has sufficient space to rise to the top. Especially with a gable roof, the orientation of the building plays a major role in preventing the roof surface from being unduly exposed to solar gain. This is a lesson learned and adapted from traditional design principles: round huts are oriented to the south8, i.e. wall openings are traditionally located on the side facing away from the sun.Closed walls on the east and west side guarantee protection from the low sun.

figure 2.16: mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole traditional hut from farmhouse

The mud huts built by the owner are entirely based on traditional construction methods. Both round and square variants provide living space for farm workers. The walls are additionally decorated with coloured ornaments and show an individualisation that goes beyond the pure purpose of the building. These clay buildings require a higher degree of maintenance, as earth plasters and thatched roofs have to be renewed regularly. However, the extensive maintenance is not only necessary to keep the building in a functional condition. The maintenance of the house can also be interpreted as a way of keeping a cultural tradition alive. These buildings show that with the help of traditional, climateadapted, intelligent construction methods, local materials and conventional architecture can serve as a model for modern interpretations.

More projects: Otto Cottage, Paul Marais, Maun Hostel Mokolodi Backpackers, Botswana Planet Baobab on the Makgadigadi Pans near Gweta

Ramotswa New Kgotla basehabitat base habitat Proposal Fostering Tradition

figure 2.17: perspective drawing of ramotswa new kgotla

The project “Ramotswa New Kgotla” shows a successful conservation and reinterpretation of traditional architecture. Situated in the village Ramotswa, it salutes the culturally significant bonds between family, neighbourhood and community. Furthermore, it creates a space where community members can socialise, hold meetings and let their children play in a space protected from sun and rain. In Tswana traditional placemaking, the “Kgotla” is used as a space for public meetings, the community council and as a traditional court of law. This project reinterprets this archetype as a shared community space, housing a covered events space, a sunken play area, a stage, a shop, as well as areas of planting and storage. The building’s shape gives the impression of a series of dancing roofs, referencing but also questioning the traditional appearance of a Kgotla and illustrating a vision of contemporary Tswana society. The roof is not only a huge sunscreen, it is also part of a sophisticated water harvesting system. Run-off rainwater is collected in channels below, from where it flows into an underground water tank. It is used for the plants inside the Kgotla, but can also be collected by residents of the local neighbourhood for their own gardens. The proposal raises awareness of local materials and their sustainable usage. The excavated material is re-purposed for adobe bricks, whilst the roof structure is constructed with local gum poles and is thatched with grass. The “Ramotswa New Kgotla” combines the preservation of traditional architectural elements including place making and local materials, but also imagines innovative approaches like water collection and offering space for new activities in Ramotswa. The project is conceivable as an exemplar design for combining a modern lifestyle with tradition and as a shared space that helps build community in new neighbourhoods created by rapid urban growth.

reed imported from South Africa or locally collected dam bricks burnt bricks, locally sourced from manufacturers near the Gabarone dam

adobe bricks air dried bricks from excavated earth

wooden bars locally collected; for water pump cladding

gumpoles regional product; fixed with sisal strings

brick flooring with dam bricks tile mosaic recycled tiles for interior flooring

eucalyptus wood for construction, water tank and shading figure 2.18: exploded axonometric drawing

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selling communication/ garden

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conversion tuckshop storage figure 2.19: ground floor

figure 2.20: section

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underground water tank, 60 m³ capacity at 3.50 m depth 158 m² roof surface and 500 litres of rain per year and m² average consumption 50 litres per day

Economic Sustainability Flexibility Productive Homes Densification

values Environmental Sustainability Design Principles Materials Water Preservation Densification

Flexibility When it comes to homes, each person, each couple or family has its own requirements. But what if these requirements change over time?

Over recent decades, the concept of flexible housing has gained popularity. „Flexible homes“ are characterised by their ability to respond to changing conditions and user needs such as family growth, climate change and scarcity of resources. This is becoming increasingly important in a fast-moving and complex world. Flexibility can be divided into three categories: adaptation, transformation and convertibility (figure 3.0). Adaptation in architecture means that an architectural unchangeable „shell“ - in this case the building - has an adaptive „interior“. This can be intelligently modified and adapted to needs. Examples of this are moveable furnishings. The second category of flexibility is transformation: the ability to transform the structure of the building. In this category, the building „shell“ as well as the interior of the house are designed to be both movable and responsive. Examples include architectural elements that adapt to seasonal changes such as shutters or other sun protection measures, but also structures that can be moved and raised in case of flooding or bush fires.

Convertibility is the third category. This refers to a building envelope that can be modified according to changing circumstances. For example, when a family grows, additional space needed can be added or subdivided. These convertibility structures can be permanent or temporary. adaptation adaption

flexibility

transformation

convertibility

figure 3.0: three categories of flexibility

The Self Help Housing Agency (shha) During our research trip we observed that this is already a lived reality for many Batswana. Especially low- to middle-income families living in a 2 ½ room (shha) house with less than 50 m² ground floor space are constantly adapting to changing circumstances. shha, an organization that grants loans to low-income groups to finance the construction of their own homes, developed a concept for a relatively simple building layout consisting of two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. This “2 ½ house” plan offers a flexible core, based on which the building can be developed step by step by the users. If one applies the three categories already mentioned adaptability, transformation and convertibility - to the structure of the shha buildings in order to examine their flexible possibilities, it is striking that this modest structure has a similar flexibility to traditional mud huts. While a shha floor plan contains more possible rooms than the traditional one-room floor plan, both the modern and the traditional dwelling are flexible in their design. They allow for a wide range of usage concepts for a wide variety of living conditions.

As in traditional architecture, the two bedrooms, for example, can also be assigned different functions during the winter and summer months. In the traditional round hut the interior space was also used during the day in cooler months, while the rest of the time the inhabitants tended to stay outside.

AecDbWall (AecArchBase80)

The convertibility of the shha house allows homeowners to effectively design and amend their homes. They can add two more rooms to the framework with a government loan and thus respond to family life changes over time. By comparison, in traditional architecture, family growth was addressed by building another round hut in the immediate vicinity of the first building.

AecDbWall (AecArchBase80)

veranda living/ sleeping AecDbWall (AecArchBase80)

kitchen bathroom

living/ sleeping

figure 3.1: shha 2 ½ house floor plan

Regarding flexibility, there are opportunities for improving on the 2 ½ house to react temporarily or permanently to environmental changes. Similarly, the traditional round hut does not allow for a changeable building envelope.

The Table House In their project “The Table House”, Noero Architects from Cape Town have designed an expandable basic structure that serves as a framework for flexible design. “The Table House” was designed to provide township residents with a durable, cost-effective structure that can be extended laterally and vertically. The permanent structure serves as an infrastructure that allows the residents to gradually improve their homes and develop building skills. “The Table House” is an archetypal architecture - a minimal amount of posts and beams that provides a solid foundation from the start. It is the structural expression of precisely that stability that life in the informal settlements lacks9. In addition, the project offers not only stability, but also a variety of possibilities that can support changing life plans.

Other References: Prototype of a Low-Cost Modular School for Africa, Valentino Gareri Architectural Atelier From Territory to Inhabited Residential Complex, Taktik-a, Mexico

figure 3.2: the table house by noero architects

Flexible Homes basehabitat Proposal Fostering Flexibility

As you can see in the east and west view, the walls are additionally shaded. For this purpose, simple wooden frames were covered with Lauhala mats or fabric. This technique is also used in the gable to prevent animals from entering the cavity between the ceiling and roof.

figure 3.3: interior perspective drawing

Flexibility and self-sufficiency are key words for this project. The project re-imagines the Self-Help Housing Association’s (shha) iconic “2 ½ house” plan and aims to adapt the design to meet the ever-changing demands of contemporary living. It proposes a starter home with several adaptations designed for single people, couples and families. The floor plan is organised around a central entrance and two rooms on either side. From this starting position, several extensions are proposed that can be added to maximise the volume and allow the owners to adapt the house to their needs. This flexibility allows for several ways to form or reorganise your house. People’s requirements change over time: if you live alone or as a couple you might have more outdoor and office space. With the arrival of a new family member, you may need more space for sleeping. The house can be extended in every direction, depending on location and environment. To avoid overheating due to large amounts of sunlight hitting the walls, the floor plan has been aligned so that the narrow sides face west and east. Good cross-ventilation provides a comfortable indoor climate, especially in high temperatures. A covered outdoor area creates a range of possibilities, both in the dry or the wet season. Walls are constructed of dam bricks which can be plastered afterwards. A timber roof construction with straw insulation and reed matting protects the house from rain and heat.

Vectorworks Educational Version

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for horizontal plots: extension on the east and west sides of the building

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for vertical plots: extension on the north and south sides of the building large outdoor space/terrace

figure 3.4: ground floor extensions Vectorworks Educational Version

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single or couples without children: one bedroom + one living room medium-sized outdoor space

single or couples without children: one bedroom + one work space big outdoor terrace small kitchen no living room

family home: two bedrooms + one living room less outdoor space figure 3.5: variations on the floor plan Vectorworks Educational Version

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6 figure 3.6: ground floor

figure 3.7: exterior perspective outside

Productive Homes “Homes had to be part of communal trade and production that transcended the boundaries between living and working.” Dr. Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem10

Homes have always been places of work. But viewing the home as a place of formal income generation is changing the way people reflect on the traditional workplace. By working from home, employees no longer have to commute every day, sit in traffic jams, and attend unnecessary meetings. Working from home opens up opportunities for families with children or elderly people who need care. It can also counteract the increasing urbanisation in Botswana, illustrated by the graph opposite. Especially in times of Covid-19, the possibility of working and learning from home is more relevant than ever. This worldwide crisis will change our understanding of architecture, as we not only have to put this special and central need into a modern context, but also implement it structurally. In order to respond to changing circumstances in our increasingly individualized society, productive homes can support people in their daily lives.

Among triggers for poverty in Botswana, unemployment has been identified as the main determinant. In most families, both parents work to earn a sufficient living. Due to the frequently large distance between the city centre and residential areas, some have already moved their workplace into their own homes11. Some low- and middle- income homeowners visited during our research trip take advantage of the many opportunities to work from home. Traditionally, most Batswana practiced small-scale and subsistence farming - and this practice persists today.

50 45 40 35 30 25

- 10 - 15 - 20 - 25

BOTSWANA

Kgalagai North

Ghanzi Central Kalahari Game Reserve

- 05

Delta

Ngamiland East

South East

Francistown

15 Gabarone

[Increase from 2001 in percent]

- 30 - 35 - 40 - 45 - 50 - 55 - 60 - 65 - 70 figure 3.8: population increase in urban areas from 2001 to 201112

Tuck Shops Another common example of working from home are the so-called tuck shops (figure 3.09-3.10). They are available in a wide variety of designs, be it corrugated iron or a simple wooden construction with textile walls, and also reflect the great variety of goods and services on offer. While food, such as snacks, soft drinks or sweets increasingly dominate the range, vegetables, home-cooked dishes or services such as hair cutting broaden the spectrum. The shops are usually placed directly on the street-facing border of a property. An interesting example visited during our research is located in the village of Ramotswa near the capital city Gaborone. The operator is the owner of several tuck shops, all metal frame construction and clad with colourful painted corrugated iron. The street-facing side of the building contains a window that can be closed with a movable shutter. Opened, it also serves as sun protection for customers waiting in line. To protect her stock from theft, a metal construction is attached to the counter, which allows visual contact, but limits the opening to a minimum.

figure 3.09: tuck shop exterior

The interior, which can be entered through the property, is equipped with shelves, wall hangers and a freezer which displays the food for sale neatly and chilled. In addition to running a number of tuck shops, the owner works digitally from home as a freelance graphic designer and wedding planner. This kind of work is also common for middle-income groups provided there is access to the Internet and a computer. Difficult conditions on the labour market require creative solutions. An architectural solution that makes „productive homes“ possible could also contribute to a stronger and more independent middle and lower class. It would be great to improve the shha house with this addition of flexibility and help inhabitants maximize efficiency and achieve a better life-work balance. Other References: Philippi Sustainable Housing, Noero Architects, Cape Town, SA Home - Pastry Store - brownie, Uchida Architect Design, Japan

figure 3.09: tuck shop interior

Productive Homes basehabitat Proposal Fostering Productive Homes

figure 3.10: perspective backyard

The starting point for this project was the observation that in Botswana many people are entrepreneurs, who use their ingenuity and skills to run formal or informal businesses from within their own homes. It proposes a re-design of the traditional “2 ½ shha house” to provide three different types of live-work units - workshop, shop and home office. All three houses provide a private outdoor space and good external shading to prevent them from overheating. The house type “Handicraft” is aimed at people who run a small workshop from home and offers work space in its outdoor studio. In the house type “Shop”, a small retail area is provided facing the street. The house type “Home office” has less covered outdoor space, but it instead provides a small office inside the house. A separate entrance makes it possible to receive customers or employees in the house without having to go through the private living area. The project also acknowledges everyone’s individuality and wish to express this through their home. This desire has been evident in customer satisfaction surveys carried out by the Botswana Housing Corporation (bhc), where home owners expressed their appetite for more individual home designs. Currently, many houses look identical and are difficult to adapt to the individual requirements and imagination of their users and a changing society. The Productive Homes series provides a framework that allows owners to customise their homes using different locally available materials. The houses are load bearing masonry construction. A range of materials could be considered, including dam bricks, commercially fired clay bricks or, in places, adobe bricks. The roof consists of a wooden structure with a 5% gradient and a roof skin made of white painted sheet metal. The ceiling construction consists of wooden battens on which an earth fill is placed, to increase the thermal mass of this element. Both measures are designed to minimise overheating of the interior in summer months. Each of the houses is designed so that they can be connected in a modular series with each other. This could save space and money and aid community building during and after the construction phase.

roof white painted corrugated iron

battens

timber roof construction + reed mats for protection

compacted earth wooden formwork

wooden beams (15x10cm) inner walls cement bricks *clay bricks

exterior walls cement bricks *dam bricks

base plate concrete *concrete with recycled content strip foundation

figure 3.11: exploded axonometric drawing

*sustainable alternatives

office

figure 3.12: ground floor - office

studio

figure 3.13: ground floor - studio

6.5 m

figure 3.14: street front - modular series

cationalVersion

shop

figure 3.15: ground floor - shop

figure 3.16: perspective of street view

Densification Across the world, the human population is growing steadily, which leads to an increase in land consumption and habitat loss. With regard to climate change, it is becoming increasingly important to protect resources and land. For this reason, new housing concepts must be imagined.

In urban development, the term densification refers to the use of free space around existing buildings to increase the number of dwellings in a given area. A densification in cities and villages allows more people to live close to their workplace, shorter distances to educational institutions or shopping facilities and independence from cars. The following factors contribute to urban sprawl: lower land prices, improved infrastructure and accessibility, rising living standards, lack of urban planning, increase in population growth and consumer preferences such as a larger living space or garden13.

figure 3.17: horizontal densification

figure 3.18: vertical densification

In the following diagrams, different regions in Botswana were analysed and compared in terms of their built-up density. Granada, a city in the south of Spain, was chosen as an international benchmark for comparison. Granada has as many inhabitants as Gaborone, but has a much lower land consumption due to a medium density perimeter block development.

Granada

figure 3.19: gaborone - central residential area 82% outdoor space vs. 18% buildings

Gaborone

figure 3.20: old naledi district in gaborone 78% outdoor space vs. 22% buildings

figure 3.21: development area near ramotswa 97% outdoor space vs. 3% buildings

figure 3.22: map - locations

figure 3.23: block development in granada, spain 33% outdoor space vs. 67% buildings14

Gaborone 196 km2 1.200 inhabitants/km2

Granada 88 km2 2.600 inhabitants/km2

Gaborone

Granada

Density Footprint figure 3.24: comparison of gaborone and granada

During our research trip to Botswana we saw many examples of successful medium-density housing, many built by BHC. There are terraced houses in Gaborone with two or three floors, beautiful front gardens and private gardens at the back. When compared to a single-storey bungalow, these houses have the same living space, but require only half as much land area. Student residences also show a way of combining privacy and community. Corridors and common rooms become a meeting zone for social interaction. Many families in Botswana, as in the usa and many countries in Europe, aspire to living in detached houses. Income generation is another incentive for making plots bigger. The plots are often so large that additional residential units are built and then rented out. The rent serves as an additional source of income for the owner’s family. This also contributes positively to densification. The spaces in between create protected areas that are used differently and lead to interaction in the neighbourhood. This can create lively neighbourhoods where people take care of each other and the spaces they share. The houses can be used by the family as it grows and can be rented out again when the family is reduced. Vacancies are considered an enemy of sustainable development and should be avoided as far as possible. This gradual densification also prevents urban sprawl and the protection of undeveloped land. The housing shortage in fast growing cities results in informal settlements springing up around urban centres. Old Naledi is an early example of an unplanned settlement in Gaborone. Despite relatively low income levels and living standards, it benefits from a central

location and a high density. Urban planners no longer necessarily see settlements that arise unplanned and organise themselves as a problem, but rather as role models and as sources of inspiration. Empower Shack In Cape Town, the local ngo “Ikhayalami” worked together with students from the eth Zürich University in Switzerland. They were inspired by the simple construction of houses in the informal settlements. With the help of the local community, they first designed a prototype of a two-storey, space-saving housing unit. This prototype was so well received that the City of Cape Town ordered a second version with more durable materials. The result is a simple but robust wooden frame construction on stilts, which is covered with corrugated iron. The materials used are locally available and inexpensive. The construction is so simple that it can be built by the local community itself. The aim is to create flexible houses that grow or shrink with their residents according to budget and family size. Later, four more houses were built in the form of terraced houses. Urban planning with regard to public space, mobility and fire protection were also important.15 Other References: Tsholofelo 372 Housing Development, Botswana Housing Corporation (bhc), Botswana

figure 3.25: empower shack by urban think tank (eth zürich)

shha+ shha + basehabitat base habitat Proposal Fostering Densification

figure 3.26: perspective drawing of small house version

annette strack _ university of art & design Linz (AT) _ 202

The shha+ project investigates how densification can be achieved in residential neighbourhoods that consist of plots with single shha 2 ½ houses. If additional space is needed, either to accommodate growing families or to realise rental income, additional houses are usually added to the plot. This follows traditional Tswana placemaking strategies. While they can work well in areas where plots are generous and outdoor space is easily shared by members of the same family, in urban areas where plots are small and people from all walks of life are forced to share, this can lead to cramped, overcrowded conditions lacking in usable outdoor space and privacy. The shha+ project proposes additional housing space not at ground level, but as first floor extensions. Two prototypes have been developed: one smaller (figure 3.28-3.29), one larger (figure 3.303.31). Both versions share a number of common principles: the new homes are designed as framed structures that sit above the existing buildings without putting additional loads on the existing structure. This also means that the existing building can remain occupied while the new building is being constructed. The new building additions are placed so as to provide shading to the existing buildings below and thereby improving the indoor climate of these homes. At ground level, they also create additional internal and shaded veranda spaces. Care has been taken to design the site layout and positioning of the structure in relation to the existing home so that access to both units provides good levels of privacy. The new homes at first floor level benefit from generous verandas that provide their inhabitants with very useful private shaded outdoor space. The shha+ houses are designed as concrete frames with an infill of Kalahari sand blockwork. Lightweight shading is added in the form of timber screens with metal frames.

steps of construction 24

onstruction

optional: bricks can be left out or turned to create light openings

ption C:

analysis of the existing situation on the plot

ding an outdoor hut (for storage/as a work space) an outdoor kitchen brick walls of Kalahari Sand bricks

struction

shading

(24x11.5x10.5 cm)

brick walls

built in Flamisch bond

analyze the existing situation on the plotoptional:

add a ferroconcrete base plate and foundations

build a ferroconcrete bearing structure for the second living unit

add stiffening

bricks can be left out or turned to create light openings

addition of a ferro-concrete base plate and foundations brick walls

shading

Version

ation e plot

brick walls of Kalahari Sand bricks (24x11.5x10.5 cm)

built in Flamisch bond

add a ferroconcrete base plate and foundations

optional: bricks can be left out or turned to create light openings

ate ions

ng structure ond living unit

add stiffening brick walls

place the upper liv on top of the ferroconc

extension of a ferro-concrete load-bearing structure for the second living unit brick walls

build a ferroconcrete bearing structure for the second living unit

add stiffening brick walls

place the upper living unit on top of the ferroconcrete ﬂoor

add stairs and shading (and optional: verandah)

addition of brick walls

annette stiffening brick walls brick add walls

place the upper living unit on top of the ferroconcrete ﬂoor

add stairs and shading (and optional: verandah)

placement of the upper living unit on top of the new ferro-concrete floor

annette strack _ university of art & design Linz (AT) _ 202

brick walls

living unit oncrete ﬂoor

build a ferroconcrete bearing structure for the second living unit

place the upper living unit on top of the ferroconcrete ﬂoor

add stairs and shading (and optional: verandah)

addition of stairs and shading elements (optional: veranda) annette strack _ university of art & design Linz (AT) _ 2020

stairs and extension shading of the existing shha building figure 3.27:add step-by-step (and optional: verandah)

66 annette strack _ university of art & design Linz (AT) _ 2020

Vectorworks Educational Version

figure 3.28: shha+ small version - ground floor

ground ﬂoor 43 m2 + 15 m2(outside) + 14 m2(shop)

GSEducationalVersion

figure 3.29: shha+ small version - upper floor

67 upper ﬂoor 57 m2

+ ESUOH AHHS noisrev egral

SHHA HOUSE + large version Vectorworks Educational Version

figure 3.30: shha+ large version - ground floor

ground ﬂoor

upper ﬂoor

53 m2 + 14 m2(outside)

57 m2 + 19 m2(outside)

exis

Version

Vectorworks Educational Version

figure 3.32: perspective drawing of shha+ house - large version

wal

figure 3.31: shha+ large version - upper floor

upper ﬂoor 57 m2 + 19 m2(outside)

large version

M 1:50 existing SHHA building walls to be demolished

Environmental Sustainability Design Principles Materials

values Environmental Sustainability Design Principles Materials Water Preservation Densification

Design Principles “Sustainable construction means responsible supply, operation and maintenance of buildings that meet the needs of their owners and users over their lifespan, with minimal unfavourable environmental impacts, whilst encouraging economic, social and cultural process.” Fissema Tessema, Kaarin Taipale and Jan Bethge16

Key design considerations for achieving sustainability are the right orientation, shading and ventilation. In hot climates, cooling can be achieved through cross ventilation and external shading. During the winter months, the correct orientation to the sun can generate savings on energy costs, as the house can benefit from solar gain. These basic principles have a long tradition in Tswana architecture. Because traditional construction methods date back to times of scarcity, they have valuable lessons to teach us about using resources. Houses should be designed to take into account the site orientation to prevent large openings on the north and west façades that would cause excessive solar gain in the summer. East and west walls should preferably be shaded. Some rooms are more vulnerable to overheating.

For example, a preferable room arrangement could be the bathroom in the west, living room in the south and bedroom and kitchen in the east.

North

South

correct orientation

trees can be a good source for shading figure 4.0: design principles: orientation and shading

Roof overhangs should be planned in an early design stage for effective sun shading to prevent direct sun in summer and welcome sun in winter. External shading in the form of shade devices can be added to an existing building. Trees are another alternative to shade and improve indoor climate and living quality (figure 4.0). They shade both indoor and outdoor spaces depending on the sun path. Exterior spaces are often used in the Tswana culture as an extension to the house. The kitchen is sometimes moved to the outside, as the temperature outside is more pleasant than inside the house. Moreover a densely built-up area creates neighbouring houses that shade each other. If designed right, cross ventilation and a natural cooling chimney effect can develop between dense building structures. Due to the effects of climate change, such design principles are vital considering Botswana’s increasingly hot summers.

roof overhang > overhanging roof eaves for effective sun shading > protection from the direct sun in summer, while allowing the sun in during winter

densely built-up area > neighbouring houses shade each other > provides cross ventilation & natural cooling chimney effect figure 4.1: design principles - shading

Higher ceilings and lifted roofs can help hot air to rise and escape through ridge vents. Most roof constructions surveyed during our research trip were poorly adapted to the climate. By adding insulation to suspended ceilings, solar gain can be reduced and the interior protected from high summer and low winter temperatures. Another strategy is back ventilating the roof space, to help cool the house and prevent heat build-up under the roof.

insulated roof/ceiling > protects the interior from outside temperatures (keeps the summer heat/ winter cold out)

high ceiling > hot air can rise to the top > larger space needs longer to warm up, easier to keep the house cool for longer periods

lift the roof > for unrestricted air movement > to increase cross ventilation > the heat is rising to the ceiling openings under the roof ensure that hot air can escape

back-ventilated roof > ventilated roof space helps to cool the house > stops heat from getting trapped on the top side > large openings ensure proper ventilation and there is no heat build-up under the roof

ventilation at ridge level > heat transfer > it provides cross ventilation & natural cooling (stack effect) > hot air escapes though a roof vent/opening and draws cool air in by convection figure 4.2: design principles - insulation and ventilation

Besides orientation, shading and ventilation, a good indoor climate can also be achieved with increased thermal mass in the walls. Building elements with high thermal mass are less responsive to temperature changes. They effectively store cold from the night for the day and heat from the day for the night. For better insulation a double skin can be added to the wall. It reduces the transmission of heat from the external side to the internal one and protects the interior from outside temperature.

thick walls > well insulated thermal mass for heat storage > stores the cold from the night for the day > stores the heat from the day for the night > sun-dried earth bricks have high thermal mass

double-layer wall > for better insulation > reduces the transmission of heat from the external to the internal side. > protects the interior from outside temperature > cheaper than a solid wall with the same overall thickness and material figure 4.3: design principles - thermal mass & insulation

Measures to protect drinking water as well as measures to protect against water scarcity have become increasingly important in Botswana in recent years. The relationship with water has always been complex, as Botswana is located in a semi-arid region where droughts are a recurring phenomenon and rainfall is unpredictable. Increasingly, climate change is causing both flooding and drought in Botswana. As fresh water only makes up 1% of the world’s water supply, water preservation is essential. In terms of housing in Botswana, this calls for improved provisions for water storage, as water distribution remains a challenge. This needs to be considered during the early design stages to ensure it is fully integrated into the design. Rainwater collection and storage in high volume tanks can facilitate planting through much of the dry season (figure 4.4).

It is essential to prevent stored water from being exposed to direct sunlight to avoid the development of bacteria. Concrete water tanks are the most resistant ones in this sector. The most commonly used technique to store water is in plastic tanks. Although cost effective, they provide poor water quality as they are not sufficiently insulated. One potential solution might be a return to earthenware containers, reinterpreted in a larger scale and modernised to securely store water underground, using natural and locally available materials. Another aspect of sustainable design is waste reduction. What happens to buildings at the end of their life cycle? Can materials be easily demounted and reused? The avoidance of a large amount of waste is an important consideration both in the design of a building and while planning for its eventual demolition.

drainage system collects rain

tank below ground level

figure 4.4: design principles - water preservation

Traditional home A traditional Tswana house consists of a cylindrical earthen wall covered by a cone shaped roof. The roof covering is reed, supported by a gum pole timber structure. Handmade mud bricks form the walls and are covered with an earth plaster. The last layer of the plastering is a thin mixture of cow dung, soil and water, which protects the building from being eroded by rain water. All the materials can be locally sourced, so the construction costs for the house are very low. Good cross ventilation is provided through a gap between the top of the walls and the eaves of the roof. The openings are often located so as to avoid direct north and west sunlight. Family and friends participate actively in the construction process - building a house is a communal project.17

Other References: Habitat Resource and Development Centre, Nina Maritz Architects, Windhoek Namibia House Brodie, Eco Design Architects, Findhorn South Africa Okavango Safari Lodge, Nicolas Plewman Architects, Botswana pelip Housing, Noero Wolff Architects, Cape-Town South Africa

figure 4.5: mosadi kerebotswe letlole - farm

With the Sun basehabitat Proposal Showcasing Traditional Design Principles

figure 4.6: collage inside

The key to creating a contemporary vernacular architecture is to ensure that it truly meets the requirements of today’s society. Design principles included at the early design stages can have a long-term impact on the sustainability and durability of the built environment. The project “with the sun”, proposed as a home for high-income families, blends modern comforts with tradition. The design is inspired by the traditional Botswana housing typologies and construction techniques and perfectly suits the local climate and communal ways of living. The materials are mainly clay, wood and thatch. These are complemented by the careful use of cement and metal where they can add value. The layout of the house is based on the traditional Tswana compound, where life takes place in individual huts and in the shared Lolwapa, a clearly defined and often beautifully presented area just outside the home. The Lolwapa has been translated into a central living room and open plan kitchen. The bedrooms open up into this space - they represent the individual family members’ so-called huts. External covered spaces between these ‘huts’ provided additional living space for use during the warmer months. During the short winter months, family life is concentrated in the core of the house - the ‘Lolwapa’ and the ‘huts’. Botswana is famous for its richly decorated Lolwapa floors and painted homesteads. This tradition is reflected in the use of decorative metal screens that provide security when needed and can be customised to create personalised and frequently changing ornamentation. The screens also provide adjustable protection from the sun, improving the indoor climate. The shadows cast by them create slowly moving decorative patterns on the floors and walls. The local natural materials used are low in embodied energy. Their use also strengthens the local construction and artisan industries and helps to keep traditional building crafts alive. The design creates beautiful living spaces with a comfortable indoor climate.

traditional housing

traditional tswana household with lolwapa

traditional appearance

ornaments

figure 4.7: sketches of traditional tswana houses

translation into modern housing

translating huts into rooms

all huts under one roof

All Huts under one Roof

Outdoor space as extension of the living room (lolwapa)

outdoor space as extension of the living room (Lolwapa) TRANSLATION

figure 4.8: sketches translation of tradition Outdoor space as extension of the living room (lolwapa)

5,55 m

4,95 m

figure 4.9: ground floor

figure 4.10: section

Materials The choice of the materials is essential when designing and constructing a home, especially when considering sustainability principles.

In light of the climate emergency, it is the responsibility of architects, engineers and designers to choose building materials responsibly. The production and transport of some materials requires a lot of energy, and this leads to an increasing amount of carbon emissions. Wherever possible, low-carbon, locally produced materials should be selected to minimise the impact on the environment. Furthermore, materials can directly affect the indoor climate, influencing factors such as humidity and room temperature. The durability of materials is another important aspect. Generally speaking, the longer the life cycle of a building, the less waste is produced. There is a wide range of different materials available, some of which are shown in the following section. This selection tries to give a good comparative overview on several important characteristics.

A cement block is a widely used rectangular block made of cement, sand, gravel and water. A standard cement block is 15 cm wide, 23 cm high and has a length of 45 cm. Currently, it is one of the cheapest building materials. They are durable and easy to lay, but there is a high energy consumption in their production.

Kalahari sand blocks are developed by bitri (Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation). The product meets masonry standards and can be adapted to different requirements. Local materials like fly ash, sand and water are used, stabilised with a small amount of cement.

Burnt bricks are bricks that have been fired in a kiln at a high temperature to ensure mechanical strength and improve its resistance to moisture. They are made of locally available clay and water. A house built with burnt bricks has good heat storage, but a lot of energy is used for the high temperature combustion process. Locally produced ‘dam’ bricks are a type of burnt brick that is fired at a lower temperature. Vectorworks Educational Version

Adobe bricks (mud bricks) are made of earth and (if necessary) sand and straw. The earth mix is cast in open moulds on the ground and then left out to dry. It is an ecological material, which generates a very good indoor climate. Adobe bricks are not water resistant and, depending on the earth mix, might have a lower level of stability than burnt bricks. A compressed earth block is made from compressed earth at high pressure. Compressed earth blocks use a mechanical press to form blocks out of an appropriate mix of fairly dry inorganic subsoil, clay and aggregates. Compressed earth blocks can be stabilised by adding cement, but this increases their carbon footprint. figure 4.11: pictograms building materials

85 Vectorworks Educational Version

Rammed earth is a technique used for foundations, floors and walls using natural raw earth. The mixture has to have a suitable proportion of sand, gravel, clay and water. Stabilizers, such as lime or cement, can also be added, but are not necessary. The mixture is poured into a strong form work and compressed. Walls must be protected from heavy rain.

Eucalyptus wood is a locally available resource. It is renewable and stores carbon dioxide. The wood should be protected against termites and humidity. Vectorworks Educational Version

Vectorworks Educational Version

Gum poles are poles that are made from the gum tree, a subspecies of the Eucalyptus globulus. It is a type of wood that is very easy to work with and can be used in various forms. It grows quickly and is adaptable to different climates.

Corrugated aluminium is inexpensive, easy to find and easy to install. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. The aluminium sheets are robust. The manufacturing process has a high embodied energy and the waste disposal is difficult. Aluminium roofing is imported.

pvc panels are light transmitting plastic roof panels which are resistant and easy to install. The ingredients are very toxic, the used materials are not local and the manufacturing process is difficult and time consuming.

Vectorworks Educational Ver

figure 4.12: pictograms building materials

Vectorworks Educational Ver

Corrugated iron is inexpensive, easy to find and easy to install. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. The insulation properties of iron sheets are very poor, the manufacturing process is laborious and has a high embodied energy. Iron sheets are largely imported.

A thatched roof is a traditional way to cover the roof. It uses local materials and has good thermal properties. Straw, reed and grass can be used. The roof should be maintained and renewed regularly, the frequency depends on the type of thatching. Protection against termites is important. Left untreated or unprotected, thatched roofs present a fire risk.

Clay plaster is a mixture of clay, sand and water that makes an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plaster. It is non-toxic, durable and helps to balance humidity levels in indoor spaces. It can also contribute to better indoor air quality and acoustics.

Cement plaster is a mixture of sand, cement and water used to cover walls. It is water resistant, but as with other cement based materials, it has a high energy consumption for production.

rks Educational Version

Lime plaster is a mixture of sand, lime and water to cover walls. It is water resistant and absorbs carbon dioxide.

figure 4.13: pictograms building materials

Use Your Home‘s Potential basehabitat base habitat Proposal Using Sustainable Materials

figure 4.14: booklet

“Use your Home‘s Potential” is an illustrated guide designed to help the owners of the classic “2 ½ house” improve their own homes. The booklet addresses issues that can typically affect these buildings over time. It is structured in such a way that it first describes a specific problem and then explains how to achieve improvements step by step, including which materials are needed. These measures have an effect on the indoor climate as well as on the external appearance of the building. It addresses the following topics: facade, roof, interior walls, ceiling and veranda. For example, the chapter “Roof” describes how metal roofs can be painted white to prevent overheating. Small changes such as this can have a significant impact. Each chapter contains a checklist and a designated space for your own notes. Mainly naturally occurring, sustainable, locally available materials are used. The book is intended to motivate and inspire people to improve their homes, to feel even more comfortable in them and to strengthen the owners’ self-confidence. It is aimed primarily at low income homeowners, but many improvement measures can also be applied to other houses in Botswana. Currently the booklet is only available in English, but a translation into Setswana would be necessary in order to reach more people. The costs of distribution are relatively low, because pdf files can be passed on free of charge. If there was a demand, the booklet could be converted into a mobile phone app that could take users through a series of questions and guide them to possible solutions. Videos could be added to demonstrate the suggested methods.

figure 4.15: pages in the booklet

GSEducationalVersion

4 figure 4.16: example ground floor

figure 4.17: booklet

Acknowledgements Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the individuals and organisations that generously supported our work with their time and expertise: Mosadi Kerebotswe Letlole Kebafilwe Ethel Kex Moikabinyana and family Matshediso Moseki Ntebaleng Modise (Old Naledi) Kgosi Oaeng Mosole (Old Naledi) Kgosi Mosadi Seboko (Ramotswa) Lady Gabana Janaki Ranpura Lütkens Family University of Botswana, Architecture Department Dr Lapologang Magole Moemedi Gabana Petunia G. Gaoalafe Lesego D. Rankwaila Prof. Predrag Milosevic Green Building Council Botswana Jobek Self Help Housing Agency Mosienyane & Partners International Dr. Lekwalo Leta Mosienyane Stranger Monareng Pinagare Architects Goitsemodimo Manowe

Sanitas Plant Nursery Kent Nilsson Kille and Dannhauser Sasitharan Arumugam Paul Bante Brian Davey Botswana Housing Corporation Tebogo Mmokele Botswana Innovation Hub Dr. Budzanani Tacheba Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (bitri) Tebogo Kemmifhele Sebusang E.M. Sebusang South East District Youth Empowerment Association (sedyea) Ketso Masi Builders World Robert Temalo

Glossary Batswana: The people from or living in Botswana. bhc: The Botswana Housing Corporation deals with housing provision. bitri: Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation is an innovative office for green building in Gaborone. Dam Bricks: Local half-burnt bricks produced near Gaborone dam. Gabarone: Capital of Botswana Gumpoles: Eucalyptus wood poles Kalahari Sand Blocks: Ecological alternative to cement bricks developed by bitri. Kgosi System: Traditional system, which runs parallel to the government. Every Kgosi is the leader of a certain neighborhood or tribe. The Kgosi informs the community, leads discussions or mediates conflicts. Kgotla: The Kgotla is a traditional place where people of a community come together. It is the central platform for the Kgosi. Lolwapa: Traditionally, the Lolwapa is a domestic courtyard and outdoor living space. Old Naledi: Low income residential area in Gabarone with great community bonds and a relatively high density. Ramotswa: Village in the South Eastern Region, near Gabarone, with large plots. shha: Self Help Housing Agency is an organization that grants loans to low-income families to finance the construction of their own homes. Tswana: A member of the Tswana tribe, also used to describe all residents of Botswana. Tuck shop: Small neighborhood shops, which are mostly integrated in the plot of the owner.

Bibliography list of figures 1.0 basehabitat master students in botswana 1.1 three parameters of sustainability

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13 2.0 cellular living vs. community area 2.1 kgotla in old naledi 15 2.2 communities, common spaces and co-housing 16 2.3 south east football for hope centre in magope, ramotswa 17 2.4 perspective of inner courtyard 18 2.5 3d concept sketches 20 2.6 ground floor 21 2.7 first step 22 2.8 second step 22 2.9 third step 23 2.10 3d section 22 2.11 mokolodi backpackers 25 2.12 house old naledi 26 2.13 shaded forecourt in ramotswa 27 2.14 mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole townhouse 28 2.15 mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole farmhouse 29 2.16 mma mosadi kerebotswe letlole traditional hut 30 2.17 perspective drawing of ramotswa new kgotla 32 2.18 exploded axonometric drawing 34 2.19 ground floor 35 2.20 section 36 3.0 three categories of flexibility 41 3.1 shha 2 ½ hose ground plan 42 3.2 the table house 43 3.3 interior perspective drawing 44 3.4 extended ground floor 46

3.5 variations from the floor plan 46 3.6 ground floor 47 3.7 perspective drawing of the outside 48 3.8 population increase in urban areas 2001 to 2011 51 3.9 tuck shop exterior and interior (© Janaki Ranpura) 52 3.10 perspective drawing of the backyard 54 3.11 exploded drawing 56 3.12 productive homes - office 57 3.13 productive homes - studio 57 3.14 connected to modular series 58 3.15 productive homes - shop 59 3.16 perspective drawing of street view 60 3.17 horizontal densification 60 3.18 vertical densification 60 3.19 central residential area in gabarone, 82% space 18% buildings 61 3.20 old naledi - working class district in gabarone, 78% space 22% buildings 61 3.21 development area near ramotswa, 97% space 3% buildings 61 3.22 map - locations 61 3.23 perimeter block development in granada I spain, 33% space 67% buildings 61 62 3.24 comparison of gabarone and granada 3.25 empower shack 63 3.26 perspective drawing of the smaller version 64 3.27 steps to extend the existing building 66 3.28 small version ground floor 67 3.29 small version upper floor 67 3.30 large version ground floor 68 3.31 large version upper floor 69 3.32 perspective drawing of large version 69

4.0 design principles orientation and shading 73 4.1 design principles shading 73 4.2 design principles insulation and ventilation 74 4.3 design principles insulation 75 4.4 design principle water preservation 76 4.5 mosadi kerebotswe letlole - farm 77 4.6 collage inside 78 4.7 sketches of traditional houses 80 4.8 sketches translation of tradition 80 4.9 ground floor 81 4.10 section 84 4.11 pictograms material 85 4.12 pictograms material 86 4.13 pictograms material 87 4.14 booklet 88 4.15 pages in the booklet 90 4.16 example ground floor 91 4.17 open booklet 92 Note: unless otherwise stated, the copyright for all illustrations rests with basehabitat

sources 1: basehabitat.org 4 2: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-three pillars-of-sustainability-Based-on-sustainable development-from_fig1_280935357 10 3: Definition by the Cambridge Dictionary https://dictionary.cambridge.org/de/worterbuch/ englisch/community 14 4: Public and Private Space in Urban Areas: House, Neighborhood, and City; Birch, Eugenie L. 2008 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-0-387- 32933-8_8 5: Leta Mosienyane: Setswana Use of Space, Oct. 2019 16 6: Research Botswana Typologies 2019, basehabitat, Daniela Lockowandt, Anette Strack, Stefanie Hüber, Adnane Korouache 17 7: Jean Jaures 26 8: Anita Larsson, Viera Larsson, 1984, traditional tswana housing; a study in four villages in eastern botswana, p. 148-162 32 9: https://www.noeroarchitects.com/project/the-table house/ 45 10: Dr Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem 52 11: Botswana Multi-Topic Household Survey Report 2015/16 - Statistics Botswana Private Bag 0024, Gaborone 53 12: Population and housing census 2011 analytical report - Statistics Botswana P/ BAG 0024 Gaborone 53 13: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and -effects-of-urban-spraw 62 14: https://google/maps/KjT698jfn7qKCanS6 63

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15: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/12/28/empower shack-urban-think-tank-low-cost-housing-khayelitsha -south-africa/, https://arcspace.com/feature/empower -shack/ 65 16: Fissema Tessema, Kaarin Taipale and Jan Bethge, 2009, Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conserva tion and Nuclear Safety. Sustainable buildings and constructions in Africa. p. 11 74 17: Zoran Markovic, 2013, Traditional Cultural Elements in Built Environment Design in Botswana. Zoran Markovic. University of Botswana, p. 3 79

basehabitat design proposals Dwelling under one roof : Vinzent Wallner Ramotswa New Kgotla: Julia Treitinger Flexible Homes: Franziska Brandenstein Productive Homes: Lena Lisbeth Teufl shha+ : Annette Strack Living with the sun: Daniela Lockowandt Use your home‘s potential: Jamie Wagner

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Imprint Copyright ©2020 Published by basehabitat. Printed with the support of the University of Art and Design, Linz. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise. basehabitat University of Art and Design Linz Kunstuniversität Linz die architektur

Hauptplatz 6, 4020 Linz, Austria Phone +43 732 78 98 2293 Mobile +43 676 847 898 293 E-Mail basehabitat@ufg.at www.basehabitat.org

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Editing Elisa Engel Flavia Matei Elisabeth Judmaier Ulrike Schwantner Natalie Thompson Design Supervision Sigi Atteneder Elisa Engel Flavia Matei Text / Drawings Franziska Brandenstein Flora Kirnbauer Daniela Lockowandt Pascal Simon Annette Strack Lena Lisbeth Teufl Julia Treitinger Jamie Wagner Vinzent Wallner

Typeface Questa Sans designed by Jos Buivenga & Martin Majoor Paper Offsetpaper white, 250 g/m² Offsetpaper white, 120 g/m² Printing gugler* print 1st edition 200 copies, May 2021 ISBN: 978-3-901112-93-5

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BASEhabitat is a design studio at the University of Art and Design Linz’ department of architecture. Founded in 2004, it is concerned with sustainable architecture and a development of buildings, settlements, cities and regions that follow eco-social principles. A particular focus is on local, natural and affordable construction materials, the participation of users and of those directly affected by planning and construction processes, and to make these attributes integral parts of the training of young architects. BASEhabitat works in designing and building projects, as well as in research on an academic level. Outside academia, BASEhabitat offers workshops, on-site hands-on practice, organises an international summer school in Austria and displays its work in international exhibitions. This publication showcases research and seven housing design proposals by architecture students at the BASEhabitat Masters course at the Kunstuniversität Linz in Austria: Franziska Brandenstein, Stefanie Hueber, Annika Hock, Adnane Karouach, Flora Kirnbauer, Daniela Lockowandt, Pascal Simon, Annette Strack, Lena Lisbeth Teufl, Julia Treitinger, Jamie Wagner, Vinzent Wallner. The design proposals were developed following a research trip to Botswana in 2019. Supervision by: Univ.Prof. Mag. Dr. Sigi Atteneder, Elisa Engel and Flavia Matei.