Project
Zuɣu Living: A Framework for Collective Housing & Belonging
Category
Best Project of Residential or Mixed-Use Estate
About the project (provided by the applicant)
Zuɣu Living is a visionary housing project in Tamale, Ghana, designed to provide sustainable and community-oriented residences for students and young professionals. The development emphasizes environmental responsibility through the use of rammed earth construction, which offers natural insulation and reduces the building's carbon footprint. The design features passive cooling strategies, including open north facades for enhanced ventilation and south-facing overhangs to minimize solar heat gain, ensuring comfortable indoor environments without reliance on mechanical systems.
Central to Zuɣu Living's ethos is the integration of communal amenities that foster a sense of belonging among residents. The project includes shaded courtyards and green spaces planted with native species, promoting social interaction and ecological sustainability. It has a rooftop hydroponic farming system, which enhances food security and water conservation. This balances affordability and sustainability.
Location
Tamale, Ghana
Project design
2025
Applicant
Ohene Twum
Ohene Twum is a distinguished architect and founder of Ohene Twum Architecture, a multi-award-winning firm known for blending cultural sensitivity, innovation, and sustainability. His work spans residential, commercial, and cultural projects, earning global recognition. Committed to social impact, he leads heritage and community initiatives and educates future designers through Architecture 101 on Channel MOE.
Author of the project
Ohene Twum Architecture
Visualization
Ohene Twum Architecture
Customer
Northern Regional Ministry (Republic of Ghana)
Other participants
The project will engage experienced rammed earth contractors to ensure sustainable and durable construction. Locally sourced materials will be prioritized, supporting environmental sustainability and regional craftsmanship. Skilled labor from Tamale will be employed, fostering community involvement and economic growth. The project will also collaborate with local artisans, engineers, and sustainability experts to create a structure that reflects cultural heritage while embracing modern methods.
Status of the project
Working drawings
