Bernardo Horta designs houses for quilombola community

Near the popular Canoa Quebrada beach is the Cumbe community in Aracati, Ceará, which is home to over 100 families who are still living in quilombos. It was with this group in mind that the architect Bernardo Horta from Minas Gerais created housing modules that aim to help with local development, in addition to recovering the traditions and cultural values of a historically marginalized population. According to the architect, "the proposal's premise is to contribute to the development of the Cumbe community and rescue the characteristics and traditions of these people."

The structure is prefabricated in order to reduce construction costs, in addition to avoiding problems caused by soil moisture. "The flexibility of the proposed design contributes to the reduced cost of possible renovations and encompasses a diversity of uses and appropriations of the space without the need for major interventions." For the foundation, recycled tires and concrete are used to insulate moisture. And for the enclosure, the traditional wattle and daub method (a mixture of clay, sand and straw) was revived. The front and back walls were designed with options such as mashrabiya, woven straw, wooden shutters or slats, straw screen, labyrinth, etc. The bungalow (20 m²) consists of a porch for access and relaxation, a large bedroom with a TV area, closet and/or study table, service area or small kitchen and bathroom with shower. The large doors and windows ensure cross ventilation and create a bright hallway. “Another important concept for the project was to encourage community life; the idea of open architecture allows for various appropriations of public and semi-public space, ensuring socialization among residents and increasing neighborhood ties through the large balcony areas,” reveals the architect.[newsletter]