Gimme shelter. Best of social sustainable architecture.

TYIN tegnestue architectural studio, winner of the 2012 Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, has attracted international attention for its work in collaboration with communities in difficulty, with a particular focus on the needs of children. This ethical attitude to design was demonstrated in the studio’s first project in Thailand, the “Butterfly Houses” for orphans of the Karen tribe.

Buildings with a strong visual impact created through collaboration with the local population at every stage from design to construction, with the involvement of local craftspeople, using locally obtained materials, whether recycled or new.

The Eco-Cabanas by American architect Kristoffer Nonn in Venezuela offer an example of how a small act can make a big difference, creating a hut out of reclaimed materials in place of the classic sheet metal and thereby offering a healthier living environment.

Another commendable project is the Sra Pou Vocational School in Cambodia by two young Finnish architects, Hilla Rudanko and Anssi Kankkunen, designed and built in partnership with the local people. They wanted to set an example of how simple, locally available resources can be used to build welcoming, dignified buildings, encouraging people to do the same in their own homes.

Projects:
TYIN, Soer Ker Tie Houses (Photos 1 and 2): http://www.floornature.com/blog/soe-ker-tie-house-by-tyin-tegnestue-an-orphanage-in-thailand--7648/
Eco-Cabanas by Kristoffer Nonn (Photos 4 and 5): http://www.floornature.com/blog/eco-cabanas-project---how-to-build-with-low-environmental-impact-7455/
Sra Pou Vocational School by Rudanko&Kankkunen (Photos 6 and 7): http://www.floornature.com/blog/improving-living-conditions-with-a-sustainable-project-7571/

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GALLERY