In the heart of Accra's concrete jungle, an architect's bold residential masterpiece stands tall.
Black Magic on the Ghanaian Landscape
Stepping off the beaten path in Accra's Tse Addo neighborhood, you'll find a sight that's far from ordinary — a black building that demands attention. dubbed the "Compact House," it's the brainchild of architect Alice Asafu-Adjaye, who's unfazed by the buzz it generates.
"Black buildings, let alone houses, are pretty much unheard of in Ghana," Asafu-Adjaye explains. "People rarely dress all in black, unless in mourning." Yet, here's a structure that breaks the mold, offering a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of colorful houses.
Growing up amidst extended family, the traditional domestic compounds in Ghana are built around an open-air courtyard. As lifestyles change, Asafu-Adjaye presents an opportunity to introduce a more design-led, customized approach to single-family living. "What I wanted to do here is create a mini version of the courtyard compound typology that reflects both our environment and culture," she says.
Built on a narrow, 40ft x 80ft plot, Compact House packs a punch with its impressive features, such as a 2.5m x 15.5m lap pool, courtyard garden, and parking—elements typically associated with larger houses. The house is set in a gated community, with other homes often sold with ready-made designs. However, Asafu-Adjaye purchased just the land to construct her vision.
One of the most striking features of Compact House is its minimalist, black exterior. The building is clad in black galvanized steel at the top and black porcelain tiles below, set on a concrete block construction, a common building method in the region. Asafu-Adjaye hopes to install solar panels on the roof in the near future to reduce the house's reliance on the national grid, which often faces power outages.
Stepping inside, you're greeted with a crisp grey color palette that serves as a backdrop for Asafu-Adjaye's collection of furniture and objects, merging contemporary design with vintage elements, such as Asante stools and a chief's customary staff and chair.
Compact House stands as a testament to Alice Asafu-Adjaye's innovative approach to urban living and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of residential design in Ghana.
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[1] Enrichment: By incorporating a swimming pool, compact garden, and parking on a small urban plot, Compact House demonstrates the efficient use of limited space, offering a viable solution for those seeking smaller homes with big impact. The building's black exterior breaks traditional architectural conventions in Ghana, serving as a striking example of modern, design-led housing and sparking curiosity among the local community.
[2] Enrichment: The color black in Ghanaian culture is often associated with death, melancholy, and harshness. However, its use in Compact House challenges these associations, offering a bold, eye-catching alternative to the bright, cheerful hues commonly found in the region. The building's striking appearance has earned it a unique status among Ghanaian architecture.
[1] The black exterior and compact design of Compact House, complete with a pool, garden, and parking, prove an innovative approach to urban living, demonstrating that smaller homes can still pack a punch. This unique architectural marvel breaks traditional Ghanaian conventions, setting a new standard for modern, design-led housing.
[2] Contrary to its ominous connotations in Ghanaian culture, the striking black exterior of Compact House serves as a refreshing alternative to the usual bright, cheerful hues, earning a unique status in the realm of Ghanaian architecture.
