GAC has been focused on expanding access to durable, sustainable, and efficient housing to East Africa’s growing population. The United Nations has predicted that Africa’s population will double in population by 2100. The Gerner & Mugisha Lofts was conceived of as one of the first housing projects which addresses short-term, high-efficiency forms of living. The project is built on one of the many sites in Kigali which has been left over by traditional housing development because of it’s severe topography and difficult access. We saw these as advantages in that they provide natural separation of loft units and allowed for incredible views. By employing a terraced massing and a split plan we were able to mitigate this terrain. The building utilizes locally sourced brick, site sourced stone foundations, and local built-ins and furniture.

The Loft

Project Team

General Architecture Collaborative:

  • James Setzler

  • Patrice Ndababonye

  • Nicolas Kalimba Rugamba

  • Marie Claire Musengayire

  • Cynthia Twagirayezu

  • Marie Rose Ukwizabigira

  • Yutaka Sho

  • Leighton Beaman

Construction:

  • General Architecture Collaborative (planning, design, programming, construction, operation management)

  • SKAT (ModernBricks training)

Photos:

  • SKAT

  • General Architecture Collaborative

Project Data

Location :

  • Kigali City , Rwanda 

Cost:

  • undisclosed

Size:

  • Site: .24 hectares 

  • Building: 150 square meters


Project Partners

Collaboration:

  • Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development - SKAT

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