Léo Doctors’ Housing
Completed
2016 - 2018
Léo, Burkina Faso
950 sqm
Operieren in Afrika e.V.
Since its initial opening in 2014, the Léo Surgical Clinic and Health Centre has been operating at full capacity under the direction of the non-profit organisation Operieren in Afrika e.V. The mission of the project was not only to provide much-needed facilities for surgery and medical assistance, but also to establish an exchange of knowledge and expertise between visiting medical specialists and local doctors. The Léo Doctors’ Housing is part of this vision, providing accommodation for the clinic’s volunteer and resident staff.
It consists of five separate apartments arranged along a communal courtyard that provides a number of shared amenities. Each of the en-suite single-bedroom apartments is fitted with its own private living room, garden and outdoor terrace.
The design follows a modular system. The construction consists of a double-layer wall of concrete block and compressed stabilised earth blocks (CEB). The dual layers add structural integrity, while increasing thermal mass to help keep the interiors cool. A coating of coloured plaster both lends the façade an articulated effect and protects the exterior walls against weathering. The interior ceiling is designed as a singular vault made of CEB with the ends left open for ventilation and to allow daylight to penetrate. A roof of corrugated metal sheeting is elevated above the ceiling, protecting the interiors from excessive heat while sheltering them from rain and sun. The slope of the roof directs rainfall into an onsite water reservoir, which is used for irrigation.
A perimeter wall of concrete blocks protects the privacy and security of the housing complex and the landscaping within creates a sanctuary for the inhabitants. A cooling system of drainage ponds absorbs and retains rainwater. These are planted with water lilies to limit evaporation, while fish eat the larvae of mosquitos and other disease-transmitting insects. An interplay of functions and provision of quality of life.
Since its initial opening in 2014, the Léo Surgical Clinic and Health Centre has been operating at full capacity under the direction of the non-profit organisation Operieren in Afrika e.V. The mission of the project was not only to provide much-needed facilities for surgery and medical assistance, but also to establish an exchange of knowledge and expertise between visiting medical specialists and local doctors. The Léo Doctors’ Housing is part of this vision, providing accommodation for the clinic’s volunteer and resident staff.
It consists of five separate apartments arranged along a communal courtyard that provides a number of shared amenities. Each of the en-suite single-bedroom apartments is fitted with its own private living room, garden and outdoor terrace.
The design follows a modular system. The construction consists of a double-layer wall of concrete block and compressed stabilised earth blocks (CEB). The dual layers add structural integrity, while increasing thermal mass to help keep the interiors cool. A coating of coloured plaster both lends the façade an articulated effect and protects the exterior walls against weathering. The interior ceiling is designed as a singular vault made of CEB with the ends left open for ventilation and to allow daylight to penetrate. A roof of corrugated metal sheeting is elevated above the ceiling, protecting the interiors from excessive heat while sheltering them from rain and sun. The slope of the roof directs rainfall into an onsite water reservoir, which is used for irrigation.
A perimeter wall of concrete blocks protects the privacy and security of the housing complex and the landscaping within creates a sanctuary for the inhabitants. A cooling system of drainage ponds absorbs and retains rainwater. These are planted with water lilies to limit evaporation, while fish eat the larvae of mosquitos and other disease-transmitting insects. An interplay of functions and provision of quality of life.
