Bush cottage
Sector
Residential
Location
Arusha, Tanzania
Year
2019
Project Size
245 sqm
Project Cost
USD 120,000
James Wilfred l Eric Moshi
Architect
Private
Client
Status
Completed
The bush cottage is a tiny residence designed for a free-spirited and creative client.
The decision was to design a warm and cozy home which would not feel overwhelming or empty even when occupied by only one person. The size of the house was in part also dictated by her budget.
All rooms were made smaller than average, the ceiling was lowered to 2.4 meters and a number of nooks were introduced. The theme carries through to details such as the staircase, corridors and bathrooms. Extreme low guard rails are designed to reflect her "living on the edge" philosophy.
Concrete blocks, reinforced concrete and eucalyptus poles make up the main structure of the building. The floor slabs are supported by the horizontal eucalyptus beams (a typical construction method used at the coast of East Africa). The concrete floors are finished with a white cement screed. The windows and doors are steel casement with in-built security bars. Decorative broken mirror pieces are cast into the floors and walls.
The home feels very warm and inviting, and at the same time very practical. The plans and material choices were very simple and compliment well with the client's interior design taste.
