Poverty + Self Sufficient Housing

Malawi - Sub-Saharan Africa:
Yes, poverty is determined by access to clean water, food, health care....death rates, illiteracy...and the list can go on. And what of shelter? Access to shelter verses architecture?

















Throughout the countryside of rural Malawi, people have access and the knowledge for creating their own shelter. Is it architecture? Does it matter?

As detailed below, the simple construction component of mud brick are procured, formed, cured, stacked, plastered and dwelled, all within or within walking distance of ones land.

How does agency to one's own housing solution help transform a community out of poverty? What preconceived notions of a nations "architecture" prevent it to sustain its local vernacular? (instead of resorting to concrete block, tile, heavy timber?)
What other elements of "poverty" could be re-considered in terms of self sufficiency and culture?

(All in perspective: Mud brick homes in Santa Fe, NM rarely sell for less than a million $US...hand plastered mud walls?... make it 1.5 mill)
















Mud/clay procured from surrounding land in varying degrees of consistencies. Mud rarely mixed with a cellulose like straw for strength. How could these new mined out holes serve the community? water catchment? fish pond? subterranean cold storage/housing?

















One of the only things purchased is the wood form used for casting the mud bricks


















raw bricks are stacked on site into (rather ceremonial looking) mini ziggurats.
















The stack becomes its own kiln, as it is covered in mud and fired by inserting wood into the bottom chambers. The villagers tells me they start the fire at 6pm and keep it roaring till the heat gets to the top of the mound. They estimate approx 12 hours of burning time. Issues of deforestation, quality of brick can't be forgotten.

















From "kiln" to home, bricks are mortered with mud or if able, cement is purchased. Bricks can also be sold for approx. 2 Mk each (approx. 1.5 cents each). A house costs about 10,000 Mk (or about 80 USD).
































Utilizing local sources of clays and muds of varying degrees of mineral content, personalized color and figurative pattens are adhered to the exterior and interior dwellings. The mud plasters help protect the structures (must be reapplied annually).