[ 01 ]
Rammed Earth
Built from local soil with minimal cement. The walls store the day's heat and re-radiate it after dark, moderating the diurnal swing without active cooling.
Practice · Case Study 01
Singida Residence
A single-storey family residence designed for passive cooling
in the dry, hot continental climate of central Tanzania.
- [ TYPE ]
- Private residential
- [ LOCATION ]
- Mwembeni, Singida · Tanzania
- [ AREA ]
- 822 sqm
- [ STATUS ]
- In design
02 · Context
The site set the brief — climate, orientation, prevailing wind.
Singida sits inland on Tanzania's central plateau, roughly 1,500 m above sea level. The climate is semi-arid: long dry seasons, intense afternoon sun on the west elevation, and consistent breezes off the open plain to the south-east.
These conditions set the brief. A single-storey volume oriented to take prevailing wind across the living spaces, deep overhangs to shade the west, and walled outdoor rooms to give the family habitable shade through the hottest hours of the day.
Orientation
Long axis east–west to minimise west-facing surface area
Ventilation
Cross-flow drawn through paired veranda openings
Massing
Single-storey enclosure around a walled garden
Overhangs
Deep eaves over the west and north elevations
03 · Evolution
Sketch through render — resolving the building.
Phase 01
Conceptual studies
Early site sketches set the building's relationship to the plot edge, the carport, and the garden volumes. The walled enclosure and the twin-veranda arrangement were resolved at this stage.
Aerial study · site relationships Phase 02
Technical resolution
The full drawing package developed at 1:50–1:100 — foundation, ground floor, roof, and section. Room proportions, ceiling heights, and the structural module were locked in. Verandas, garden, and carport tied into a single continuous parti.
Foundation plan · 1:100 @ A3 
Ground floor plan · 1:70 @ A3 
Roof plan · 1:100 @ A3 
Cross section · 1:50 @ A3 Phase 03
Final visualisation
Photoreal renders confirm the entry sequence, material palette, and the relationship of the building to the garden under late-afternoon light. These guide material approvals and family sign-off before construction.
Front elevation · entry sequence 
Garden facade · veranda study
04 · Elevations
Each side of the house — resolved on paper.
Four elevations resolve the building from each side. Window heads align, eaves run at a consistent datum, and the verandas read as a continuous frame around the family rooms.
05 · Materials
Local materials, chosen for what the climate demands.
A short, deliberate palette — each element doing a specific job against heat, dust, and the long dry season.
[ 02 ]
Local Hardwood
Iroko and mvule used for joinery and brise-soleil. Locally sourced, low-embodied-energy, and naturally resistant to dry conditions and insects.
[ 03 ]
Coursed Stone
Locally quarried stone for the foundation course — durable against the moisture gradient at ground level and visually anchoring the volume to the site.
[ 04 ]
Lime Wash
Breathable, alkaline finish that reflects rather than absorbs. The walls stay light, cool to the touch, and able to dry through after rare rains.
06 · Currently
On the board
Continuing studies on Singida — and briefs in early conversation.
Carport & garden detail
Detail studies for the covered carport, walled garden, and external paving — currently in resolution.
Door & window schedule
Joinery register, opening sizes, and operation logged for procurement and contractor briefing.