a.gor.a architects: temporary dormitories for mae tao clinic

a.gor.a architects: temporary dormitories for mae tao clinic
all images courtesy of a.gor.a architects

built using as many recycled materials as possible, thailand-based architecture firm a.gor.a architects have designed these temporary, low-cost dormitories and training classrooms. the project arose from a lack of accommodation space for new students at the mae tao clinic’s training center, which currently hosts more than 500 students. located in mae sot, thailand just a few kilometres from the burmese border, the site receives a daily flow of refugees and immigrants due to the persisting armed conflict in the karen state of myanmar. the construction of four dormitories was funded by the embassy of luxembourg in bangkok, with each building allowing for a capacity of 25 students.

easily built within four weeks, the temporary structures fit into the local environment – the materials are readily available and well known to the users, allowing for easy restoration and low maintenance costs. made primarily from recycled timber that is stripped from old buildings in the town and put aside by a demolition crew – it is then polished, de-nailed and sawn down to size. each timber frame is easy to disassemble and assemble in a new location with seasonal bamboo and thatch applied to the walls, floors, and roofs. the interior layout of the 72 m2 hut ensures an open and airy space, that is semi-private and even includes storage space for the students. the recycling of timber has become popular among the local people as it is an environmentally efficient approach to building and also allows each dormitory to be built for $2,178 (1700 €). the project not only provides the center with the needed accommodation spaces, it helps raise awareness towards deforestation and promote local and sustainable building practices.

a front and side view of two temporary dormitories at mae tao clinic’s new training center campus in mae sot, thailand

entrance view of a temporary dormitory, each roof is made using either thatch or eucalyptus leaves

the structure is made from recycled teak timber with bamboo for the exterior and interior walls

temporary dormitories illuminated at night

the interior layout of the 72 m2 hut ensures an open and airy space

each building allows for a capacity of 25 students

front view of a completed dormitory and a one under construction

within two months a total of five dormitories have been built

the roof decking is made out of eucalyptus leaves and the lattice is made of small strips of untreated bamboo

developing the structure with local workers in the timber shop

a model showing the structure of a typical temporary dormitory for the mae tao clinic in thailand

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.