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Marc Thorpe Designs Earth Brick Houses For Makers Of A Furniture Brand In Senegal

teaserf-40-.jpg Architecture News - Mar 23, 2020 - 11:29   2654 views

New York-based architecture practice Marc Thorpe Design has revealed design for the workers of Italian furniture brand Moroso, the brand aims to promote its M'Afrique furniture collection through the craft skills of Dakar region.

Named Dakar Houses, the houses, currently under a planning review, are situated on the outskirts of Dakar Senegal in West Africa. 

The houses, made of earth brick, will house the makers of the furniture brand as well as various parts of manufacturing process of M'Afrique furniture, such as the handcraft work of welding and weaving. 

Marc Thorpe designs earth brick houses for makers of a furniture brand in Senegal

"The intention was to create a work-based community allowing village to develop around a central economic constituent," said the architects. 

"The construction of the houses are produced from earth brick. Earth brick is common building material in Senegal."

The architects take inspiration for these multipurpose units from the local vernacular architecture. The big advantage of the brick is its thermal mass and isothermal properties which allow the brick to retain the cool nightime temperatures, keeping interior temperatures comfortable throughout the day. 

Marc Thorpe designs earth brick houses for makers of a furniture brand in Senegal

"The bricks are cured for several weeks," added the firm. "They are soaked in water each morning and then bake in the sun throughout the day, under a tarp."

"The earth bricks are a locally sourced, sustainable and economic building material for the region," the firm explained.

The Dakar Houses comprise two apartments with a central workshop for manufacturing the brand's handcrafted furnitures. Each unit have three volumes — two apartments and a central workspace — that are attached each other, while creating favorable solar shading conditions. 

Marc Thorpe designs earth brick houses for makers of a furniture brand in Senegal

The architects used steeply pitched roofs to have the minimalist units, each of them is aimed to emphasize the earth bricks. The housing will comprise 8 units in total which are scattered in long distances for each other. 

Marc Thorpe designs earth brick houses for makers of a furniture brand in Senegal

Marc Thorpe designs earth brick houses for makers of a furniture brand in Senegal

Marc Thorpe Design was established in 2010 by architect and industrial designer Marc Thorpe. Thorpe is known internationally for his innovative and dynamic work, taking rigorous approach to the integration of architecture, design and technology. 

All images © Truetopia, courtesy of Marc Thorpe Design

All drawings © Marc Thorpe Design

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