Open design: Limited resources make for crafty building

Commissioned by ODEDIM, a local NGO, the architects turned to Openstructures.net to find a template of an old temple and then redesigned elements to make it fit the purpose of a library. They then sourced local materials such as compressed earth blocks and baked clay roof tiles to build the structure, referencing traditional Burundi architecture.

‘The challenge of limited resources for this project became an opportunity,’ say the architects. ‘We managed to respect a short supply chain of building materials and labour force, supporting the local economy and installing pride in the construction of a library with the poor people’s material – earth.’

The use of local resources is not only for the hip and in-crowds, but is also a sustainable design solution. For more, read our Crafted Locale design direction.