Research and Insight in Housing Improvement in Poor Coastal Communities

our mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents in impoverished coastal communities through innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Our deep-rooted expertise in this field is backed by rigorous research and a genuine commitment to creating lasting positive change.

ᴄᴀᴍᴇʀᴏᴏɴ ᴄᴏᴀꜱᴛᴀʟ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛɪᴇꜱ

Most coastal communities in Cameroon lives in unfavorable condition. they are plague with poverty, rising sea levels, and diseases. These people often live in locally crafted hut built with native materials and in most case, are in very poor condition as wind, rainfall, storms, ocean flooding attack these communities on a regular. 237 Architectural Design Studio in collaboration with Light for Nature (LINAT), are carrying out research and projects on ways to use these native materials with community engagement, to design and improve on the housing conditions of these people. LINAT is working on restoring and conservation the rich mangrove species in these area that help in preserving the environment and act as natures shield against many natural and man made disasters, Mangrove forests capture massive amounts of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and then trap and store them in their carbon-rich flooded soils for millennia. Mangroves protect against extreme weather and disasters. Mangroves are a haven for threatened animals. Mangroves boost food security. These are important ecosystem service as we face climate change. These mangrove species are being degraded by these local communities for housing and industrial use. Also, there exist different plant species that threaten these mangrove area like the raffia palm. We are working on means to stop the natives from cutting down mangrove trees and instead use these raffia palm threes with its components for housing industrial use.

ᴏᴜʀ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴀᴄʜ

Holistic Analysis: We begin by conducting comprehensive assessments of the socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors that influence housing needs in coastal areas. This thorough understanding enables us to develop tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by these communities. Innovative Design: Our designs are driven by a blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation. We incorporate resilient building techniques and sustainable materials to create homes that are not only durable but also adaptable to the dynamic coastal environment. Community-Centric Development: We prioritize the involvement of local communities in the planning and execution of our projects. By engaging residents in the design and construction process, we ensure that the solutions we implement are practical, culturally appropriate, and widely accepted. Sustainability Focus: We are committed to promoting environmental stewardship through our housing initiatives. Our designs integrate energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and the use of renewable resources to create homes that are both eco-friendly and economically viable.