studio TOTALE builds a sustainable medical center in tanzania

florence-based studio TOTALE in collaboration with belgian ONG c-re-aid (change research architecture innovation design), has completed a doctor’s house for the maji moto village in tanzania. dubbed ‘brick by brick’, the project sees a structure that houses an operative medical center, granting access to basic healthcare to the population and allowing dwelling for those who will work in the dispensary.

all images by studio TOTALE (marco nucifora, alessio orrico); maria chiara gatti

built as a prototype for both sustainable technology and space distribution, ‘brick by brick: a doctor’s house for maji moto’ by studio TOTALE creates a common ground for the community. the design takes into consideration the main winds and climate conditions resulting in specific elements that respond to nature. for example, the north façade is shaded by a porch which gives shelter from the sun and creates ventilation. opposite to it, the south façade is massive in order protect it from sandstorms.

comprised of 30 square meters, the total surface is divided into four equal modules: three indoor spaces featuring two bedrooms and a living room; and an outdoor space hosting the cooking area. this space helps to avoid smoke intoxication caused by the common habit of indoor cooking. partially covered, this area helps to create a dialogue with the surrounding buildings and the environment. consequently, the porch acts as a filter between public and private, and allows for villagers to get the chance to interact with the doctor and his family.

brick by brick was completely built using local materials: soil, stone and gravel. the walls are made in compressed stabilized earth blocks which is a more sustainable choice compared to common bricks. the use of wood was kept to the minimum and different low-cost technologies were applied for a quick and easy build. overall, the project blends tradition with contemporary standards to promote small yet effective innovations.

project info:

project name: brick by brick: a doctor’s house for maji moto
architect’s firm: studio TOTALE
project location: maji moto village, arusha, tanzania
completion year: 2018
gross built area: 55 m2
lead architects: studio TOTALE (arch. marco nucifora; arch. claudia cavallo; arch. elena pazzaglia; arch. andrea pazzaglia; arch. alessio orrico)
team: alessandro pieroni; andrea testi; cassandra calugi; cecilia sgammini; costanza la greca; jacopo bardi; jacopo naldi; lavinia antichi; margherita franchi; maria vittoria genovesi; marta gironi; martina calcinai; michela gessani; michele franzone; stefano ottaviani.
collaborators: c-re-a.i.d. (n.g.o.).
clients: maji moto village, arusha government
photo credits: studio totale (marco nucifora, alessio orrico); maria chiara gatti