A HOUSE IN LUANDA
Angola
FLEX TUBE is a competition entry for the international architectural design competition for a House in Luanda, Angola.
The design of the pavilion and patio for a family of 9 is based on the following priorities:
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A simple, cost effective construction method based on a modular system of readily available industrial elements.
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The security and privacy of each family;
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A porous neighborhood layout that allows movement in both directions while providing a clear hierarchy between community areas and service streets;
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The accommodation of and the ability to grow and retract in accordance with different family sizes within the same plot through the employment of a modular system;
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The possible combination of two or more plots to larger family units, if and when required;
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The combination of low- and high-tech features that enable natural ventilation, the collection of rain- and grey-water as well the production of compost and the planting of vegetables;
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Maximization of self construction with low-tech, no expertise requiring materials and construction methods.
Second Floor Plan
Ground Floor Plan
THE CONCEPT:
The main idea of the design is to use large, stacked concrete sanitary tubes as individual living quarters for the members of the family. The tubes form modular elements that can be arranged in multiple configurations depending on the family’s requirements. To provide safety and security for the families a 3 metre high wall surrounds each plot. Within that wall, the necessities of daily life are arranged on two levels in order to maximise the patio area. The patio as an integral part of the living space connects the various functions of the house while leaving enough space for flexibility in use. Living areas, kitchen, storage, bathroom and the sleeping quarters for parents and grandparents are located at the ground floor while the older children are sleeping at the upper floor. Each room has cross ventilation and light from two sides.
At the upper, over the roof of the ground floor, a layer of soil affords the planting of vegetable pads for the consumption of the family. A grey- and rainwater storage tank is sunken into the patio floor in to provide ample non-potable water for the irrigation of the vegetable pads. A composting toilet with alternating double pits and urine separation provides compost and fresh soil for planting at patio and roof levels. A cool storage room is designed after the principle of evaporation cooling after the model of a “zeer pot”: The inner concrete ring is surrounded by a layer of sand which in turn is surrounded by a layer of mud bags. By irrigating the sand between the two layers, the cooling effect of the evaporation keeps the room cool enough to store food and other perishable goods for a reasonable length of time.
THE CONSTRUCTION:
The main construction of the living quarters is based on a series of stacked large sanitary concrete tubes of 3.25 meters diameter. Those tubes have several advantages: They are structurally sound, relatively inexpensive and earthquake proof. They come in modules of 3 meters and can be easily fitted together. They do not require any expensive foundation if laid into shallow beds in the ground stacked on top of each other and bolted together. They provide excellent space for living and ample openings for ventilation and light. They can easily be made water proof as there will never be any standing puddles on their round surface. The concrete provides enough thermal mass to mitigate temperature differences between day and night. Lastly, due to their modular nature and loose construction, these pipes are ideal for the evolutionary development of the family. They can easily be added on or removed as it may be required by the changing family size or aspirations. Furniture and build outs could be pre installed prior to delivery to the site.
The two openings of the pipes will be enclosed in a manner that allows ample ventilation and light penetration. Generally, one of the sides will be constructed with clay bricks and small glass elements. The other side will be enclosed by a woven or canvas covered circular double door element.
The patio walls and the walls containing the vegetable pads are conceived as a series of interlocking burlap bags filled with mud and sand and held together by double strings of barbed wire. This method was developed by Nader Khalili in California and has been widely tested throughout the developing world. This construction method does not require expensive materials or special skills and can therefore be performed by the residents. Furthermore, these mud walls are relatively soft and can therefore easily be changed to fit each family’s changing requirements.
