AFRICAN APARTMENTS
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Residential Architecture | INTERIOR DESIGN / Residential Interior | Honorable Mention 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Sustainable & Energy Saving Building
Company Name:Abule Sowo
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Chadrac (Omon Abule sowo) AGBODJOGBE
Architecture Firm:ABULE SOWO
Project Location:Greater Accra, Ghana
Design Status:Concept
Website: View
Project Description:
In most apartment buildings today, we see one massive block filled with units all competing for light, air, and space to rent. Instead of one large block, we divided the land into four smaller buildings, each with its own private garden and vegetable patch . This way, we preserved natural ventilation and daylight throughout the site. Each apartment includes: • 3 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom) • A visitor’s toilet • A kitchen with a small service door to easily move waste outside ,no need to carry it across long distances • Two living rooms , one for parents, one for children • A private office space To protect from dust and heat, we set the buildings back from the road, planted local flowers like bougainvillea, and designed the garage roofs as pergolas covered with climbing plants a natural solution to prevent cars from overheating during the dry season.
In most apartment buildings today, we see one massive block filled with units all competing for light, air, and space to rent. Instead of one large block, we divided the land into four smaller buildings, each with its own private garden and vegetable patch . This way, we preserved natural ventilation and daylight throughout the site. Each apartment includes: • 3 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom) • A visitor’s toilet • A kitchen with a small service door to easily move waste outside ,no need to carry it across long distances • Two living rooms , one for parents, one for children • A private office space To protect from dust and heat, we set the buildings back from the road, planted local flowers like bougainvillea, and designed the garage roofs as pergolas covered with climbing plants a natural solution to prevent cars from overheating during the dry season.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Imagine a home that can actually help you live longer, a place where sleeping becomes a real pleasure. Beyond the natural thermal and sound insulation that earthen walls and roofs provide, this house was designed with special attention to everyday comfort and function. It includes an African-style kitchen, made to make cooking our traditional meals easier and more enjoyable. A vegetable garden lets you grow essential, healthy produce right at home. The living and dining areas are designed to bring people together , spaces that celebrate our human nature of sharing and spending quality time. We designed the slabs for the project with Nubian vaults, which significantly reduces the use of iron bars in the building's structure.
Imagine a home that can actually help you live longer, a place where sleeping becomes a real pleasure. Beyond the natural thermal and sound insulation that earthen walls and roofs provide, this house was designed with special attention to everyday comfort and function. It includes an African-style kitchen, made to make cooking our traditional meals easier and more enjoyable. A vegetable garden lets you grow essential, healthy produce right at home. The living and dining areas are designed to bring people together , spaces that celebrate our human nature of sharing and spending quality time. We designed the slabs for the project with Nubian vaults, which significantly reduces the use of iron bars in the building's structure.
Project Sustainability Approach:
We reimagined what an African apartment could be not just a place to live, but a space to breathe, grow, and connect with nature. Our design decisions were guided by three key analyses: 1️⃣ Climate and environmental analysis map 2️⃣ Water slope analysis 3️⃣ Contextual mapping of the site These studies helped us shape the land and position each building according to the natural flow of air, light, and water.
We reimagined what an African apartment could be not just a place to live, but a space to breathe, grow, and connect with nature. Our design decisions were guided by three key analyses: 1️⃣ Climate and environmental analysis map 2️⃣ Water slope analysis 3️⃣ Contextual mapping of the site These studies helped us shape the land and position each building according to the natural flow of air, light, and water.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The aim of this project is to showcase the capabilities of local materials and labour. The integration of African cultural practices is changing the current image that some people have of homes in Africa. Our goal is to show that a good home can enhance our experience of life.
The aim of this project is to showcase the capabilities of local materials and labour. The integration of African cultural practices is changing the current image that some people have of homes in Africa. Our goal is to show that a good home can enhance our experience of life.
Company Name:Abule Sowo
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Chadrac (Omon Abule sowo) AGBODJOGBE
