Sustainable Incremental Construction Unit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

SICU is a 1:1 experimental building prototype implemented in a typical low-income neighbourhood that is half-ready, affordable and fast to construct. Homeowners can finish the construction themselves, installing building components, such as enclosure walls, windows, internal partitions, and finishes in less than two weeks. The system involves prefabricated concrete elements (foundation and columns) on the ground floor and lightweight timber frames and readymade wall panels with integrated windows and doors in the upper floor. Horizontally, both storeys have a spatial buffer zone, and vertically, the stairs and the ground space act as an intermediate space before entry to the private upper storey.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture