Refugium – Community HallRealized

The refugee camp of Kakuma and the integrated settlement of Kalobeyei in Northern Kenya – in theory places for temporary settlements for humans fleeing from war and catastrophes. Over the years these places have evolved into permanent cities, where the average inhabitant spends over a decade. The unintended transformation of these places have left a great need for long term planning and public places. Together with our friends att Arvet, we have designed an addition in the form of a meeting place for the women of the area – an inviting place for conversation, meeting and being. The project was conceived as gift to UN habitat and forms a central node in a larger, planned public area.

The building envelope, with its triangular cross-section allows for an efficient structure and creates a generous spatiality. On the ground floor level, there is an open room with openings in both directions, a space for meeting and connecting. A loft with higher windows creates a more intimate and introvert spatial experiences, with possibilities for rest and contemplation.

The project was designed as a building kit, with each CLT member customized, and with the requirement that it could be assembled by a team of local carpenters with hand tools only.
Both the visible structure of the building as well as windows and doors are made out of solid wood.

Team: Emil Bäckström, Petra Gipp, Jonas Hesse