A number of elements of the project are now constructed. Local labor was supported by a professional project manager and training mentor who played a critical role in bringing things together on-site. The camping facilities, natural pool and gate house building were completed. 

Following five regional competitions, 15 Award-winning projects will now compete in the first global Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction projects. The global phase of the competition showcases the best entries from more than 1500 submissions from 118 countries, and encourages innovative, future-oriented and tangible approaches within the building and construction industry.

USD 220,000 in prize money was presented to the best submissions from Africa Middle East in the Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction projects. The competition run by the Swiss Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction in collaboration with five of the world’s leading technical universities aims to promote sustainable approaches to the built environment.

The work is highly commended for its systematic approach to addressing the “target issues” in a non-invasive manner that respects the context in which it is situated. In order to ensure the requisite natural conservation standards necessary for such a site, the authors apply a well-considered balance between a selection of locally available materials and construction technology – with straw bale walls, timber structure and sod-roof as key elements – and new technologies that optimize renewable energy – vacuum-tube collectors for solar water heating as well as PV for low-level appliances and lighting.

This scheme takes us to South Africa, specifically to a small community that is rigorously engaged in the making of its own physical environment. The work proceeds by means of bottom-up decision-making processes at the political level, as well as through the participation of the community in construction. A catalogue of low-technology building components was devised and tested – pertaining mostly to energy, sewage treatment, water collection, and material management. These components and methods will be applied to a camp site, providing a source of income for the local population.