# Self-Sustaining Maternity Units HKS Architects Increases the Capacity of Uganda's Maternity Ward By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-08-23 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maternity-unit References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/08/23/maternity-facility-hks-architects-self-sustaining-kachumbala-uganda-architecture/) & [hksinc](http://www.hksinc.com/) In conjunction with Engineers for Overseas Development, HKS Architects update the maternity unit in Kachumbala, Uganda to be more self-efficient and functional. For the structure, the firm uses [locally sourced materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaushala) and embraces new tech advancements in the sphere of sustainability. The new facility can "accommodate up to six births a day" and is largely self-sustaining. Kachumbala has a hot and dry climate. Hence, figuring out a way to build a maternity unit that will suit this environment was a top priority for HKS Architects. The hospital is, thus, "entirely passive and self-sufficient, able to generate its own power [with solar panels], collect its own water [from the roof], and keep rooms comfortably cool without air conditioning." In building the maternity unit, the architects were mindful of the local limitations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Passive Architecture:** Incorporate locally sourced materials and new tech advancements to create sustainable and self-sufficient structures, reducing environmental impact and increasing energy efficiency. - **Renewable Energy:** Implement renewable energy sources like solar panels to generate electricity and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. - **Water Collection:** Collect water from roofs or other sources to increase water self-sufficiency, decrease reliance on municipal water, and support conservation efforts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architectural firms can explore sustainable design and construction techniques that utilize locally sourced materials and incorporate renewable energy sources, decreasing environmental impact, and increasing energy efficiency. - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy industries can develop new technologies and integrate them with structures to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. - **Healthcare:** Hospitals and clinics can explore sustainable building options and incorporate renewable energy sources to create self-sufficient healthcare facilities, improving access to essential medical services while reducing environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Large Winter Garden Hospitals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midland-metropolitan-university-hospital.md) - [Design-Conscious Baby Incubators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-incubator.md) - [Therapeutic Architecture Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartland-whole-health-institute.md) - [Earthy Community Arts Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/32-east-arts-centre.md) - [Open-Air Kenyan Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-house-1.md) - [Communal Cancer Care Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warm-nest.md) - [Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture.md) - [3D-Printed Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hope-village.md) - [Maternal Mortality-Reducing Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mommas-kit.md)