Access to clean water is something that a lot of people in developed countries probably take for granted. But there are some places that this can be a challenge and has affected people’s quality of life and can also mean a matter of life and death. A design for a house with a water catchment feature using local materials and traditional weaving techniques has won an award and can be used to improve water sustainability in Africa and other countries with water problems.
Designer: Hong-En Lin
The main character in this house design is the roof which has a wooden structure and a weaving device to be able to collect the dew that passes through it and then turn this moisture into actual drinkable water. It is also able to harvest rainwater and as it passes through the same filtration system that the dew collection uses, it turns all the water into something that can be used for taking a bath, cooking food, and even drinking.
The materials used for this housing design is all locally available in Africa to keep it sustainable and cost-effective. It has also been able to integrate local weaving culture to add an aesthetic feel to the roof of the house but also creates a sense of community for the locals who will be involved in the creation of the materials and also the construction process. Plus, you also get a unique looking and picturesque house that can be a conversation starter.
This has of course garnered the attention of design award-giving bodies as it is able to incorporate green design into helping solve a major issue for a community. Hopefully this is a model that can be used not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world where access to clean water is a major issue.
