Cob mud and bamboo crafted Anandaloy Community Centre

Cob mud and locally sourced bamboo were used to build this curvaceous community centre in Bangladesh. The Anandaloy building was constructed from only local materials using local craftsmanship. It has fired brick foundations, cob mud walls, bamboo pillars, ceilings and roof structure, the lower roof is covered with straw and metal sheeting is used on the upper roof.

Designed by Studio Anna Heringeer, the building houses a centre for people with disabilities which provides therapy and the opportunity to learn and work, combined with a studio for the production of fair trade textile manufacturing workshop for local women.

People with disabilities are often hidden away in Bangladesh and places for physical therapy are rare so the building sought to help integrate these people into their communities and to celebrate diversity.

The building explores the construction abilities of bamboo and cob mud resulting in gentle curves and warm, inviting textures and it differs quite purposely from other buildings in the area which are typically rectangular. A large, winding ramp encourages discussions amongst the communities about inclusion and to celebrate diversity.

Sustainability specs:
– Made from locally sourced bamboo and rammed earth
– Local tradesman were used
– Won the 2020 Obel Award for it’s ability to interweave sustainability, social impact and architectural design

Architecture is a tool to improve lives. The strategy of all of the projects no matter if in European, Asian or African context is the use of local materials + local sources of energy (including manual labor) + global know-how. Because the Anandaloy project is mainly built out of mud and bamboo from local farmers, the biggest part of the budget was invested in local crafts(wo)men. Thus, the building is much more than just a structure, it became a real catalyst for local development.