FIELD NOTES · TOPIC

Sustainable & Off-grid Design

Malapa builds for places with no grid, limited water and fragile ground, so every project is designed to tread lightly and run on its own systems.

How do you build with minimal impact on a site?

Structures sit on raised frames and adjustable steel feet instead of concrete slabs, so the ground underneath is barely disturbed and the site can recover if the camp moves.

How do remote camps get power and water?

Each project is designed around what the site can supply, typically solar power and local water treatment, planned at the same time as the buildings rather than added afterwards.

What materials suit sensitive environments?

Lightweight, durable materials that travel efficiently and can be maintained locally: galvanised steel, treated timber, marine plywood and technical canvas.

Related projects

Lekkerwater · Liuwa Plains Camp · African Parks Mobile Camp

Articles on this topic

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