The Amphibian House. a design of a low budget african house
seminar > African architecture and urbanism teacher > Marie-Alphonse Liwata university > Tamperen University of Technology year > 2013 student > Julien Lengefeld - Bauhaus University Weimar, Germany
Republic of the Congo
CONGO
mossaka
The Republic of the Congo is a country located in central Africa. Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. Its population of over 4 million is concentrated in the southwestern part of the country, leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north nearly uninhabited. Therefore, it is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with 85% of its total population living in urban areas, namely in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire. Since the country is located on the Equator, the climate is consistent year-round, with the average day temperature of 24 째C . This project focuses on a small village called Mossaka, which is located in the east, right at the congo river. The Congo River The Congo River is the deepest and the third largest river in the world. The river plays an important role for the countries culture. It is used for fishing, trade and transportation. Due to heavy rainfalls from march to june every year the Congo river floods on a regular basis. Villages close to the river have been dealing with this problem over centuries.
Disadvantages
above-normal flooding normal flooding
Conventional african housing, “ flooding proof “
> not flood protected when event of above-normal flooding >in occasion of non flooding, the contact to the groundlevel is difficult - lack of social interaction >big efforts of reparation work after every flooding
Disadvantages
above-normal flooding normal flooding
> not flood protected when event of above-normal flooding >in occasion of non flooding, the contact to the groundlevel is difficult - lack of social interaction >no usage of raised ground in non-flooding event
Local housing technology in Mossaka, “ flooding proof “
Advantages
? New technology, Amphibian house
above-normal flooding normal flooding
> moves up as high as the flooding occurs >goes down to ground level in occasion of non flooding - good social interaction >little efforts of raparation needed
Amphibian House
Recycled Oil Barrels In order for the house to be able to flood, 52 recycled 200 Liter Oil Barrels are placed underneath the floor-construction.
Amphibian House
Steel piles & floor-construction The steel piles ensure the house to stay in place in case of flooding. Parts of the wood construction are extended, therefore the house is fixed to the steel piles, yet still allows it to slide upwards.
Amphibian House
Wood construction & floor panels The chosen wood contruction has several multi-functions, which will be explained in the further context. The floor is divided into two different living-units.
Amphibian House
Second floor Each living-unit has a second floor for storage space and sleeping area. It is acessed with a ladder at the entrance area.
Amphibian House
Wall construction The living units are seperated with fixed wooden planks. In between the planks there are small gaps to ensure air circulation during summer time.
Amphibian House
Shading system / outer walls The shading system of the house it made from bamboo wood. Every outer wall can be fully opened or closed. The functionality of this system will be further illustrated in this booklet.
Amphibian House
Roof construction The roof construction has two small openings to bring sunlight in the second level of the house. Nevertheless it is rain proof.
Amphibian House
Rain drain The rain drain is integrated in the wooden structure, which ensures to collect the rain water for daily usage.
Amphibian House
Tin roof A tin roof is fixed to the roof construction. Tin roofs are often used in Mossaka, therefore the building integrates itself in its environment.
Amphibian House
Case of flooding When the Congo floods the oil barrels underneath the construction lift the building and keep it unharmed. The steel piles keep the house in place.
.21
1.10 m .21
3
1.10 m
.21
4
.21
5
1.10 m
2
1st Level floor plan, 1:50
.21
5.37 m
1.10 m
1
.21
0.93 m
.21
0.93 m
.21
4. 78 m
0.93 m
.21
0.93 m
1 > Living unit A 2 > Living unit B 3 > Entrance area 4 > Water storage 5 > Ladder to second level
B
6 8
A
7
2nd Level floor plan, 1:50 6 > Storage space + sleeping area A 7 > Storage space + sleeping area B 8 > Shading system
Section A
Section B
A
Shading system
A B
C
B
C
Rain drain The rain drain is integrated in the wooden construction (detail section). It collects the rainwater and stores it for each living unit in a recycled oil barrel.