Hope Floats Initiative
The amphibious dwellings concept received much exposure after the Holcim Awards competition. With the support of his friends and colleagues project architect Akin Afolayan successfully launched the first prototype for an amphibious dwelling in mid-2010, which is now a functioning medical clinic/community center. A medical team volunteered to provide free medical services.
The design uses a modular construction to enable further expansion and environmental enhancements in the future. The project concept generated the now fully-functional not-for-profit organization Hope Floats Initiative, which is dedicated to delivering innovative design solutions to informal settlements. The implementation phase has started sooner than was first anticipated, particularly due to the support of partner organizations: Architecture for Humanity, Community Development Center of Atlanta and Niles Bolton Associates.
Prototype construction
The prototype was constructed by members of the Atlanta Chapter of Architecture for Humanity and a group of volunteer local architects including Project Managers Akin Afolayan and Andy Beckham joined by Trevor Walker and Joe Sinclair of Niles Bolton Associates, Leon Williams of Collins Cooper Carusi, Natasha Afolayan, Jamie Francis, Andrew Telker, Luther Lotz and Paulita Bennet of Community Design Center of Atlanta.
The team received a great deal of information and field reports by PJ Carew Consulting based in South Africa on types of composting toilets and portable photovoltaic systems. The team members continually refined the original design as availability of materials and funding inevitably impacted upon the build. The initial design consists of three 4m x 4m modules joined together to form a floating platform 4m wide and 16m long. The modularity allows for easy disassembly and shipping to the site, located in Lagos, Nigeria. The design also allows for addition of future modules as need and financial resources allow. The easy replication of the design using local materials and labor creates opportunities for employment and cottage industries as the prototype moves into production to service other areas with a need for health care.
The amphibious clinic is an optimal response to the utilization of non-usable space. The design incorporates a strong ecological stance through the environmental add-ons including rainwater catchment, solar still, portable PV panels, composting toilets, natural ventilation, day-lighting and the use of local materials. The appealing aesthetics and high performance design can act as a catalyst for local pride and inspiration in the community. The types of materials and components in the floating clinic encourage opportunities for cottage industries to replicate, innovate, and create markets in floating assemblies and structures.