Transition unit

Pretoria, South Africa

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Transition unit

Pretoria, South Africa

Firm

Architecture for a Change (A4AC Architects)

Type

Residential › Apartment

YEAR

2013

The initiative of the transition unit was sparked by issues that exist within informal settlements. A great amount of people live in inhumane living conditions. Homes built from waste generated by urban culture don’t provide an efficient built environment. The transition unit aims to assist people to live in a better home (while waiting for government subsidy housing) .
The 1st unit replaced an existing zinc shack in an informal settlement. The structure is prefabricated and was transported to site on a trailer. The assembly took less than a day. The structure can also be transported on a flatbed truck or 4 in one container.
Due to the angle of the unit, it is self shading in the summer, thus reducing the amount of heat build up. Cross ventilation also keeps the unit cool. There is heat build-up on the Northern facade during winter, whilst solar panels charge the electrical supply unit. The solar energy supplies the unit with lighting and a cell phone charging facility. The unit has a small rainwater catchment tank. The surrounding context doesn’t have water supply or electricity.
The unit has a 4 layer composite wall that has better performance than a 220mm masonry wall. The zinc exterior presents itself as a normal shack, although its comfort levels compare to formal housing.
The top hung door has a double function as a shading device for the exterior space.