Nina Maritz Architects sustainable architecture and design
TSUMKE CRAFTS CENTRE
LOCATION:
Tsumke, Otjozondjupa Region
PROJECT STATUS:
Completed 2003
CLIENT:
Rössing Foundation
Nyae-Nyae Conservancy
Built by unskilled Raleigh volunteers in 2003, this tiny building houses a small showroom, store and workroom for the wholesale buying and collecting of San craft, providing a link in an important chain of income for the local community. Circular puncture windows to the showroom refer to the popular traditional ‘Owl-Eyes’ beadwork motif, which also appear in the logo. The showroom wall curves in to the entrance, towards a small veranda with seating where producers can wait and gather.
The single Acacia galpinni (monkey-thorn) tree planted at completion now dwarfs the building, providing much-needed shade. A clerestory window lights up the store and workrooms, while maximising wall space for storage.