peek inside a solar–powered home

HOUSING GREAT GREEN IDEAS

A TEAM OF RECENT GRADUATES AND YOUNG AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS DESIGNED AN AWARD-WINNING ‘CLEAN GREEN HOME’ FOR UNDER R180 000. HERE’S HOW THEY DID IT.

By: Zakiyah Ebrahim

Ahighly energy efficient house designed by a team of innovative individuals from Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town incorporates solar power, passive cooling, rainwater harvesting and a food garden – all at an affordable price – and that could help reduce the nation's carbon footprint.

The 40sqm house, which has a net zero carbon footprint (in other words, it produces no carbon emissions), utilises renewable energy and recyclable materials for construction such as timber pallets and recycled shipping containers. It contains a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and an office nook, which are centred around a cosy, open-space social area – reminiscent of a ‘kraal’.

According to Ranald Boydell, a lecturer in sustainable development who wrote an article for the Conversation, houses currently account for about 28% of all carbon emissions worldwide. Half of this comes from energy used for heating and air-conditioning. But it is possible for houses to be built to zero-carbon standards in a cost-effective way, he said.

The ‘Mahali Hub’, as it’s known, is the perfect example of this. We chatted to the group about their journey to creating this 100% habitable, self-sufficient and sustainable home.

On the name ‘Team Mahali’

Mahali means ‘place’ in Swahili, founder of the team, Sharné Bloem told Science Stars. She explained that the name speaks to their passion and commitment towards a socially inclusive and environmentally regenerative future, as well as to a resilient habitat in a sustainable urban form – and within the African context.

The team was formed in 2018 and comprises individuals from South Africa, the DRC, Kenya, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Nigeria. The team members, who have diverse professional and educational backgrounds, include Sharné Bloem (architecture & project management); Shawn Alimohammadi (social entrepreneurship); Vikash Parbhoo (architecture); Wimbayi Kadzere (architecture); Ilyaas Ravat (construction); Natheera Ravat (electrical engineering); Argon Poorun (energy consulting); Yumna Parker (urban systems); and Abiola Kehinde (mechanical engineering).

On coming up with the idea

“Our inspiration was drawn from a nature-inspired idea, the workings of a tree,” says Bloem. “If you consider a tree, it generates energy through its leaves; it channels rainwater to its root system; it provides shade; and it is the perfect place to gather under – especially in a sunny continent like Africa.” The same concept was considered for Mahali Hub, as it was inspired by the key elements of a tree, she added.

How it works

The solar photovoltaic (PV) over generates the electricity for the house, while the rainwater is harvested in storage bladders to be used in the food system, explains Bloem. The structure over and around creates passive protection from the African sun, which, in turn, creates the best indoor-outdoor living area by utilising a courtyard typology. The design took a few weeks to populate and the construction process was a tight 10 days, she says.

Winning an award

The team’s concept recently won first prize in the City of Cape Town and the Green Building Council South Africa's (GBCSA) design competition.

The competition challenged entrants to design a net zero carbon home for under R180 000. Team Mahali achieved this by sourcing materials locally, making use of temporary foundations and upcycling many items. The home was displayed in March 2021 at Green Point Urban Park in Cape Town and the City of Cape Town’s website offers an incredible virtual tour of the space.

Bloem explains that the team sought to design a creative space that was conducive for tackling the current social, environmental and economic challenges of our time, within our African context. “And we are keen to play our role in the industry going forward,” she added.

In late 2020, the team also claimed second place in the architecture category of the Solar Decathlon Africa in Morocco, an international design competition that challenged students to design and build sustainable houses powered solely by the sun. Their solar-powered modular home was erected in a solar village in Benguerir, north of Marrakesh.

Looking ahead

Team Mahali remains intact and has a drive to tackle other projects within the sustainability space, demonstrating what a futuristic post-fossil fuel community could look like. They are currently involved in some residential, eco-tourism and bespoke upcycled furniture projects, Bloem says. Ultimately, their collective vision remains the same: to address intergenerational issues of social inequality and environmental destruction, while driving for sustainable futures.

“We hope to take on whatever projects the world presents us, whether it is residential housing, commercial developments, entrepreneurial hubs, or social-ecological education centres for schools,” she says.

To read more about the team and keep up with the work they’re doing, visit mahali.org.za or follow them on Facebook or Instagram (@teammahali).

From the team

Some of the Mahali Hub members expressed what it felt like to win the competition.

"I felt confident going in that we had good chances given our track record and diversity of expertise on the team. Still, when the news broke I was elated because it was really competitive and surreal to take part in an event of this nature in my hometown. There was an immense pride at seeing the house up in the park and for us, this is no doubt just the beginning."

– Argon Poorun

"It felt amazing to win and be recognised for all the efforts we have been striving towards with the sustainability field. Additionally, getting the opportunity to build it and showcase our story was in itself a great achievement. While responding to the tight budget was the challenge, we enjoyed coming up with upcycling ideas to reduce the cost – something we encourage people to explore within construction." – Wimbayi Kadzere

“I was extremely proud and impressed by the achievement. It was an incredible feeling knowing that all the hard work put into a short time frame paid off so much.” – Yumna Parker

“For me, winning the competition made my prayers come true. Being a student, finishing my studies in sustainable development, I was looking for a way to apply my knowledge. The team has been working hard and this moment signified a turning point.” – Shawn Alimohammadi

Did you know?

Times Live reported that four South African cities – eThekwini, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Cape Town – have recently joined the C40 cities net zero carbon by 2050 initiative. The aim is to reach net zero carbon for all new buildings by 2030 and all buildings by 2050.