AROS assisted an NGO [En Avant Les Enfants] to develop a better quality locally manufactured housing solution at lower cost [1200$US / unit] than current NGO solutions.

After a devastating volcano and lava flow in 2002, residents of Goma [Democratic Republic of Congo] are struggling to gain a toe hold back in civilization. Current shelter housing solutions range from UN handout polythene shelters to barrack-style housing provided by local NGO's. Lawlessness and marauding local militia following the Rwanda genocide have left security and protection of personal property as primary unsolved issues.

This solution uses pre-fabricated eucalyptus timber construction - the only locally plentiful material. The kits are cost certain, and reduce site build time by 70%. A central manufacturing workshops for the kits and training of local workforce was also undertaken during the project. With a two phase 60 bed pilot phase successfully complete, the long term ambition is to provide housing units to other NGO's / UN operations across Central Africa.

The project was shortlisted in RIBA London's Sustainable Communities Competition.