Empower Shack

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Urban Think Tank (UTT) in partnership with Ikhayalami

Manufacturing/Building Method

The houses are self-built by the residents. The framework is developed using computational tools that maximize the user's input and transparency. It generates layouts according to individual and community preferences, and municipal frameworks.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

The units are facilitated through Ikhayalami. The organization also negotiates the loan terms and repayments, depending on each household.

Distributions to Date Status

The first prototype was made in 2013, followed by four units in 2014, and sixteen in 2017.

Design Specifications

The design is a two-storey building with a sanitation core, balcony, living area, kitchen and bedrooms.  The designers are experimenting with alternative configurations to adapt to the needs of different households.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Ikhayalami coordinates the process and provides assitance during construction.

Replacement Components

A rusted iron sheet could be replaced.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The units should be affordable, easy to transport, simple and quick to build, and an upgrade to living conditions. The project also aims to improve the community infrastructure so that it is easier to provide power, sanitation, clean water and access to emergency vehicles, as well as reducing the risk of fires.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

The user will be subjected to all the risks associated with a construction site: heights, tools, power tools, heavy objects, etc.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown, though the project is being done in cooperation with the government.

Other Information

The design was nominated for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Prize. The City of Cape Town signed a memorandum of understanding with Ikhayalami where the former would oversee the installation of water, sanitation, and road infrastructure while the latter was responsible for organizing the community, facilitation, and involvement of all stakeholders in the project.