The BT House integrates contemporary, sustainable design with traditional elements more commonly found in Ghanaian family homes. The site for this project is located in the Bortinor, Greater Accra area. With a very standard and flat site, we determined the optimal design was rectangular with a cutout in the middle of the western side that forms a traditional Ghanaian-style courtyard.

Like in a traditional Ghanaian family home, the courtyard is the heart of the design, with all functional spaces surrounding it. The courtyard gives residents the ability to be at one with nature and appreciate shade under the tree, have a clear view of the sky, and come together to socialize as a family. The spaces are divided into private and shared functions linked by a hallway located to the far east of the courtyard. This ensures the entire home is open to a view of nature, activity, and natural light. By connecting the private spaces to the courtyard, there is still a sense of community and a connection to nature.

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In terms of sustainability, there are 3 main factors. First, the optimization of natural light from the courtyard and other windows around the home ensures it is bright. Second, with the courtyard at the center, more rooms can have windows that allow for more cross ventilation throughout the design. The third sustainable feature is the incorporation of windcatchers for bedrooms one, two, and three. The windcatchers allow prevailing winds from the southwest in and force the warmer air out the windows located to the east. The design prevents rain from getting in, and there is a dust collector to stop dust from entering.

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At ThirstyArchitects, we believe a family home should be flexible. The BT House is a combination of sustainable spaces that allow family members to naturally spend time together and traditional elements of Ghanaian architecture that have been overlooked in many new designs.

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