Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
As in all slums throughout the developing world, the key challenge to life in Mukuru Kwa Njenga is basic sanitation. With clean water a scarce resource, this proposal passively collects filtered rainwater for use in the community. In addition to the clean water collected from the roof, grey water is stored in underground tanks from run-off on the sports pitches.

The roofscape is arranged as a network of 10 splayed funnels, providing an area of 470sqm, double the area of the building footprint, for the collection of rainwater. The oversailing roof gives shade to the deck area below and protects the wattle and daub walls from the elements.

Column structures conceal pipes which distribute rainwater into 20 tanks, where it is filtered and stored, with a capacity of 58,620 litres (15.5% of the annual rainfall on the roof).

Once the clean water is contained, it is available for collection by residents within the community of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, where it can be used for washing, cooking and drinking.

Within a timber framework, the walls to the building are composed of locally available materials and built using traditional methods. Wall panels are made from wattle and daub, in areas integrated with recycled glass bottles.