The client for this project had an engineered plan for the site which had few positive features. The central “green space was a government requirement for new development. The road grid passed every building lot. No natural features of the site were acknowledged.

Research determined that there was a potential for encouraging a local small scale economy. This led to looking at ways to configure the buildings to encourage that possibility. The concept was to create spaces where many potential activities could occur.

Alternative configurations were studied to provide a variety of spaces on the site. It was important to keep lot line as the potential was for individuals to buy a lot or an extended family to purchase a group of lots.

The final design for sustainability included the same number of units but had extra open space that was distributed throughout the development. Biological wetland treatment systems treated the graywater. Composting toilets were incorporated to reduce the
possibility of groundwater contamination. Spaces for community buildings and a small shopping center were also added. While each lot has a vehicle access, a one way system makes walking a more viable option for short journeys. A small local industrial area was identified.

Construction materials were selected for local availability and acceptability. The walls are constructed with rammed blocks which use a manual hydraulic ramming process. The manufacture of these blocks from local earth could become a local small industry.

The building plan was kept simple to allow for owner building. The main structural walls are the exterior walls allowing the owner to position interior walls to meet their own needs. The open porch can be used for sleeping or can be enclosed to create another room at a later date.

The materials reflect acceptable local materials and the building form echoes indigenous buildings. The color indicates the kind of vibrant paints that are used on local buildings. In a hot humid climate cross ventilation is
achieved by opening shutters that also provide night time security. High and low small vents also allow cross ventilation when the
large windows are open.