In 2009 Rwanda Aid launched a competition to design sustainable low cost housing in Rwanda.
The brief asks the contestants to target eight key areas:
• Sustainable technology
• Environmental awareness
• Improved health
• Improved living conditions
• Low cost / cost effectiveness
• Durability
• Community Involvement
• Health and hygiene
The challenge is to not only address the shortage of housing but also tackle the legacy of such investment. Its main three objectives can be summarised as follows:
1. Economy. Ensure a financial framework that will sustain continued construction of houses now and in the future.
2. Safety. Increase the access to safe and adequate housing, with sufficient transfer knowledge to sustain continued development.
3. Improve the current environment to promote physical and mental
wellbeing.
Nkombo's location in an earthquake zone provides a significant challenge in meeting these goals. The current house design although noted to be a significant improvements (strong termite resistant foundations, water harvesting, fuel efficient ramed earth stove with chimney, and organic toilets) has problems which have been pointed out: the houses flood in wet weather, cold at night, no cooking toilet facilities, and timbers infested with termites. In addition there is no provision for water filtration and ways to mitigate against heat loss. The ambition is there not only to design and develop a house that can be built safety and economically, but to provide sustainable high quality living environments which are sensitive to social and environmental factors.
