Sustainable Staff Housing in a Remote Forest Landscape
Bwindi House
Situated in the hills surrounding Bwindi in south-western Uganda, this project demonstrateshow sustainable construction can be delivered at scale in one of East Africa's most remoteand logistically challenging environments. Commissioned by safari operator Asilia Africa, the development consists of fifteen buildingsproviding twenty-one staff accommodation units together with essential operationalfacilities, including a kitchen, canteen and laundry.
The steep terrain, remote location and limited access to conventionalconstruction materials made local sourcing and efficient construction methods essential. CoolBricks therefore worked to maximise the use of locally available materials and labour, reducing transportation impacts while supporting the regional economy. The buildings combine CoolBricks earth masonry with climate-responsive design principlesto create naturally comfortable indoor environments.
Passive cooling, durable low-carbonmaterials and thoughtful detailing help improve thermal comfort while significantly reducingthe environmental footprint of the development. The project demonstrates how sustainable constructioncan be applied to large-scale hospitality infrastructure. By delivering an entire staff villageand operational support facilities in a remote forest landscape, Bwindi shows that climate-resilient, locally rooted construction can meet the practical demands of commercial projects while contributing to long-term environmental and social value.
