HOUSE OF WOMEN'S CRAFT OUM EL GARDANE, PROVINCE OF TATA | salima naji

This project is part of a set of social constructions intended to promote an eco-design approach that reactivates the logic of vernacular architecture. Today, our studio has built about thirty building of this type in this area. However, it is not easy to fit into immemorial building traditions. There are many barriers, and they come primarily from the administration, through regulations. Here the framework in concrete was imposed. Technics unlearned, had to be re-conquered. The project use local mud (adobe stabilised) and stone of sufficient insulating thickness, but above all it incorporates a thermal regulation system that helps to ventilate the spaces while protecting them from direct light radiation: oculi and a bioclimatic gallery.      

Reinvesting in ancestral techniques rather than generalised standard models, where concrete is used for ease rather than as the result of any real reflection on the choice of from, this project of community value uses stone and mud for its walls, ennobling this forgotten technique. And contrary to received ideas, this works out less costly than in an urban situation because of the abundance of local stone. Developing  positive benefits by limiting external contribution creates real economies of scale in sustainable development. Making reference to the rich heritage of communal grain stone or stone mosques reactivates carefully considered ancestral skills rather than the sorry breeze-block constructions that are invading the village on its mountain slopes, as well as the ancient oasis below. Convincing administrations to change the law…