For its 7th building prototype, Arthaus frames a system inspired by the shack, a common feature for trade alongside traffic routes as an alternative model for energy-efficient and affordable construction. The space is a showcase of an alternative and sustainable architecture suited to local production in Ghana.

Arthaus is a creative space which facilitates the meeting of artists in Ghana, Africa and the world. It affords the artist the opportunity to work in an environment of giving, sharing, dialogue and creativity, thus bridging the gap between knowledge and practice to create a new way of living. It hopes to break the boundaries which exists in the sub regions of West Africa by holding workshops, “Transfer of Technology”, seminars, general upgrading of knowledge in art and to establish an artist's residency centres in the West African Sub – Region through partnership.
The goal is to experiment with the existing traditional art forms and to come up with new ways of expression.
ArtHAUS brings this to fusion by working with professional artists and master crafts people.

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The studio is surrounded by blooms, fruit trees and a leafy backyard farm on grounds elevated above street level; a way paves through the fertile grounds unfurling two ramps which lead up to the building’s landing where a massive door – made of wooden planks framed in steel – opens into the interior, into the studio’s lobby which faces onto the bar. Facing the counter, the first activity space recedes to the north end while the second activity space is placed at the south end, after the door that leads to the outdoor workshop. The area behind the bar holds the kitchen, a storage area and a sanitary space.

 

The architecture draws on circular and passive sensibilities that deepen the building’s experience. Cues that guise it includes the position of mature trees on site – enhancing shading, an optimal orientation for thermal advantage, and fenestration poised for cross-ventilation and stack-effect reinforcing natural ventilation. 

The fabric’s low energy build is constructed of materials and labour sourced within 20-minutes of the site. A majority of the aluminium sheets for the roof were salvaged and repaired, – installed in a double decker system to render any remaining pinholes inconsequential. The space is finished in a plain plaster inscribed with concentric doodles.

 

Offcuts preserved from construction were used to make complementary objects such as the outdoor light fixtures from steel and glass sections, the rafter ceiling at the bar from wood sections, and the material based installations on the grounds from remaining leftovers, diminishing the waste from the building process. 

 

The studio is designed, and built by artist-designer Kofi Setordji, alongside mason Franky, his apprentice Gunshot, and carpenter Pinto. Dubbed ‘shack architecture’ the scheme is sampled as a custom set for ‘Locale go’, a flexible design and building kit by Cult Meraki.