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New Jerusalem Orphanage is a Vibrant Shipping Container Home for South African Kids
Posted By
Tafline Laylin
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Architecture,Design,Innovations |
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Two sisters established the orphanage in 2000 in order to care for children in the Midrand who have been either abandoned or orphaned because of poverty, HIV or other social problems. Due to expansion, New Jerusalem orphanage commissioned 4D and A to build new houses for the children, whose ages range from infancy to 16. Recycled shipping containers were chosen as the main building material because they are 25 percent cheaper than conventional brick and mortar homes.
Each unit contains enough space for twelve children and a house mother, and two houses share a communal kitchen, dining and lounge area. These are all vibrant, inspiring spaces that not only make the orphans feel loved and special, but also help to stimulate their stunted development.
Of course, funding for the project is hard to come by. Whilst a host of private donors, NGOs, businesses and the Department of Social Development have lent a hand, New Jerusalem Orphanage is actively seeking more funding so they can continue the most important work of nourishing the bodies and minds of these fortunate children.
+ 4D and A Architects
Images by Dennis Guichard commissioned by Safintra Roofing and Steel
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We love recycled shipping containers, but we especially love to see them used in a humanitarian context that literally saves lives. The New Jerusalem Orphanage is a sanctuary for up to 80 orphans in South Africa. Designed by 4D and A Architects, this is
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4D and A Architects designed this vibrant new shipping container home for South African orphans
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This is the first of four double houses
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Each double house provides rooms for 24 children and two house mothers
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Dining, kitchen and lounge areas are shared between two houses
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Recycled shipping containers were used as the main building material
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Using the shipping containers allowed the design team to cut costs by a quarter
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The interior brims with daylight
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The idea was to create an inspiring space that would make the children feel loved again
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There are about 80 orphans at the New Jerusalem Orphanage
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Eventually the founders hope to incorporate advanced learning tools for the children whose development has been stunted by their circumstances
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Circular cutouts create a portal to the outside world
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The bright colors are an inspired choice
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Funding for the orphanage comes from various sources
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NGOs, private donors, businesses and the Office of Social Development have helped to keep the orphanage afloat
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Great care has been taken with all details, which helps to make the kids feel special
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Mosaic detailing on the wall is a nice touch
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In time, an additional three units like this will be constructed
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Cantilevering containers create shade below
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Openings on all ends ensure that the entire facility is both well lit and ventilated
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Dennis Guichard is the photographer responsible for these gorgeous images
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