Low cost

H E U C

Project idea

Remove un functional spaces

In order to minimize the cost the idea behind the project is cut out of Un functional spaces and provide tiny structures without affecting the aesthetics and the spatial qualities of the form.

The triangular form conception hits the target of the project. And it is the best approach to apply other techniques which makes the design cheapest and affordable. Those techniques are focuses on the form itself, material selection, space and structure relationships and sustainability of the design.

Project description

The project is located in a historical village of Addis Abeba which is piassa in front of Cinema empire. The action area covers 3050 square meters. The site is characterized by a steep slope which is challengeable for construction. There are 35 triangular Residential and 9 commercial housing units. The units besides to the collector streets are living pluses. There are four residential housing typologies. Those typologies are created by transforming, subtracting and adding the triangular form with different ground and loft area with a height of 4 meters.

The aim of the proposed site design is to reflect the existing scenario of those societies beliefs, culture and social lifestyles. The courtyard located on the central part of the housing units is used for different cultural social activities. Most of the societies are living to fulfill their daily basic needs. They get their food by selling a coffee, washing cloths and informal markets besides to the local streets. During the night time young prostitute ladies try to make money besides to the collector streets.

Technical information

The techniques behind the design processes are very supportive to target the project goal. As mentioned on the project idea those techniques were focuses on the Design, Topography, Construction material, structure and space usage.

Technique in terms of Design
this technique is the main conception of the whole project. Cutting out the rectangular form and create A shaped triangular structure is the best approach

Technique In terms of material usage
Due to the slope difference of the site the construction may challenge & expensive. But try to use those challenges as an advantage is important. The staircases which used to access in to the site are made by cut and fill soils and aggregates from the steep surface. The retaining walls on each of the risers are also constructed with the stones which are collected when the site excavates. This technique it highly minimizes the cost of this mass low-cost housing project.

The shipping units are also kept on the site when the soil is cut from the surface. the selected construction materials for the superstructure are recyclable and dual usages. the material selected for roof coverage is tire which is very cheap and locally available. due to the shape of the form the roof and exterior wall material can be the same and also the ceiling and interior wall finishes can be the same. no need of interior and exterior wall materials.

Technique In terms of space and structure relationship
Dual usage is much reflect here. in addition to structural support the structural elements are also used as a storage for different goods and to fill those negative spaces at the corners of the superstructure.

Techniques in terms of sustainability
one superstructure typology has two identical units. those units are installed on a specific site by shipping them. the owners can access those units easily from one place to another. and also due to those solar panels installed on each superstructures no need of electrical energy. when the owners want to left from their specific village. they can ship those units in to other locations with out loosing any services of the superstructure.


The proposed site design is Compatible with the societies life style. in addition to their meal purpose the roof gardens plays a vital role for indoor environmental quality and ventilation . the roof coverage material tire is also recyclable and locally available which responses to the environment.