St. Jerome's orphanage, developed by humanitarian design organization Orkidstudio, provides orphaned Kenyan children with a safe and fun environment. The orphanage was built using soil-filled bags and recycled timber, and is equipped with a rainwater-harvesting system that makes for an independent source of water.
In addition to providing orphans with a safe and stimulating environment, Orkidstudio ensured that the project benefited the community in other ways. Local men and women were employed to help in the construction process, with many since being commissioned to help build more earthbag structures in the area using the skills they learned while helping put together St. Jerome's orphanage.
The orphanage was constructed in just eight weeks at a cost of $78,315. It offers a total floorpsace of 396 square meters split over two two-storey buildings.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Recycled Materials
- Opportunity for businesses to embrace sustainable practices by using recycled materials in construction projects.
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Potential for businesses to adopt rainwater-harvesting systems as an independent and eco-friendly source of water.
- Earthbag Structures
- Emerging trend in construction that utilizes soil-filled bags for building, providing an affordable and sustainable solution.
Where This Applies
- Construction
- Disruptive opportunity for the construction industry to adopt sustainable practices and utilize recycled materials in their projects.
- Water Management
- Innovation opportunity for the water management industry to develop and implement rainwater-harvesting systems for independent water sources.
- Architecture
- Emerging trend creating opportunities for architects to explore and specialize in designing earthbag structures.
