“Fresh and simple approach to a globally-present problem in urban areas” – Holcim Awards Jury
The innovative and striking idea of this project envisages moving the inhabitants of the traditional, neglected squatter settlements at the borders of the cities to floating homes on unused coastal areas. Such amphibious dwellings shall be erected on floating platforms and built with low- or no-cost available materials usually considered as trash, such as recycled wood from construction sites, plastic foils, used sheet metal, reeds and thatch. In order to assure minimum sanitation, the dwellings will be equipped with rainwater catchment, purification units, and dry compost toilets.
Last updated: June 19, 2008 Johannesburg, South Africa
These dwellings on the otherwise abandoned and contaminated coastal strips will be legal, cheap and easy to maintain. Since the dwellings are not too far away from the city center, they provide multiple opportunities for day labor and small businesses. This project has been commended due to its fresh and simple approach to a globally-present problem in urban areas.