Residential project in North East Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
individual project | 4 weeks | term 7, aut. 2021
An affordable and adaptable housing concept in Kawe, Dar es Salaam, designed to physically and socially connect two contrasting neighborhoods, a middle-class villa area and an informal settlement, fostering integration, accessibility, and a sense of shared community.
Kawe is located in northeastern Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on a site between two major arteries, Old Bagamoyo Road and Mwai Kibaki Road, which historically shaped the city’s growth and still connect Kawe to the wider urban context. The site sits between the middle-class villas of Kawe Beach to the east and an informal settlement to the southwest. This residential project acts as a physical and symbolic bridge between these contrasting neighborhoods, promoting social integration through shared public spaces and accessible design.
The proposal provides affordable, adaptable housing for households of varying sizes and incomes. Key priorities include natural ventilation, shaded outdoor areas, generous communal spaces, opportunities for urban agriculture and the use of local sustainable materials. The goal is to create homes that improve daily life while embracing the Tanzanian way of living.
My role:
As the sole designer, I worked through the full process, from site analysis and concept development to drawings and visualizations. Since the project took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, I was unable to visit the site in person. Instead, I relied on dialogue and interviews with residents of Dar es Salaam, as well as photos and maps, to build an understanding of the context. This limitation made the work more challenging, but also sharpened my focus on social and cultural sensitivity. The result was a design that sought to translate a complex urban condition into a functional, cohesive and socially responsive proposal.
Site Conditions
Sun & Light
Near the equator, the sun stays high year-round, with minimal seasonal variation. This consistent overhead light shapes building orientation, shading, and material choices.
May - October
December - March
Wind & Ventilation
Seasonal winds alternate: cool, dry southeasterlies from May–October and warm, humid northeasterlies from December–March. Harnessing these flows ensures natural ventilation and indoor comfort.
Urban Connections
The site sits between major city roads, Kawe Beach villas, and an informal settlement. This position makes it both a physical and social bridge within the urban fabric.
Kawe
Siteplan
Site Strategy
Shaded pergola walkways and communal outdoor areas foster social life and climate adaptation. Balconies face the ocean to capture breezes, while diverse apartment sizes ensure inclusivity and flexibility.
Living Units
42 apartments across two buildings use five modular layouts (20–47 sqm). Trapezoidal balconies maximize airflow and views, balancing private, semi-private and public spaces for outdoor living.
Three Room Modul, 47 + 7 sqm
Studio Modul, 20 + 7 sqm
One Room Modul, 26 + 7 sqm
Two Room Modul, 32 + 7 sqm
Two Room Corner Modul, 36 + 7 sqm
Structure & Materiality
Concrete, wood and metal form a durable yet warm palette. Roof drainage handles heavy rain, while wooden and metal shading devices control sun exposure. The design blends modern efficiency with traditional influences, rooted in the coastal setting.
Section B-B
Section A-A
East Facade
North Facade
South Facade
West Facade
Living Bridge
The overview reveals the project as more than housing, it is a bridge between communities, climates and ways of living. From shaded courtyards to ocean-facing balconies, the design embraces airflow, light and shared space, creating a resilient and inclusive home rooted in Kawe’s unique urban fabric.