As specialists in affordable, sustainable housing, the Akanoma practice sought to engage with the rural community when building its own premises. In addition to the architectural office/studio, a kitchen, and accommodation for unmarried architects, the project includes a ground-floor multifunctional social space and library, both for villagers’ use. For cost and ecological reasons, most of the construction materials are local, natural and/or recycled. The first-floor office space is a modified ‘joglo’ - a traditional Javanese house - with bamboo walls allowing natural ventilation. These are treated with used cooking oil. Reclaimed plywood is used for louvered windows, and car windscreens form one wall. Rainwater tanks are planned to irrigate the organic garden and farm.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture