CREATIVE ASSEMBLAGES

Located on a privileged plot at Kololo’s foothill, the site had a few pre-existing eclectic constructions and mature trees. It presented a great opportunity to create a much-needed open square for food, drinks, and entertainment in the area. 
 
The project consisted of the refurbishment of the pre-existing small constructions and the erection of a new building to accommodate various commercial uses and a big coffee roasting facility. Refurbishing each of the small constructions created cosy corners, interesting pathways, and seating areas under the shade. The new building took an L shape to create an enclosed central lively square and separate that from the parking area and the street. 

With sustainability at the core of the project, we projected the use of a structure in steel assembled on site, mortarless Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks for the infill and the enclosures, finished by pointing them with an earth mortar and no plaster, reducing the amount of cement to the light slabs for the two mezzanines made of corrugated iron sheets and light RC. The slab gets embedded within the I beam. All the windows and doors were fabricated on-site with mild steel, and we added shading devices and natural cross-ventilation to ensure indoor comfort.
 
We pushed to maintain all the mature pre-existing trees, and we added indigenous plants throughout the project in planters and terracotta pots, bringing greenery and life to the square.