In central Kenya, Architecture for Humanity (AfH) is creating a covered basketball court for the new Mahiga Hope High School. This isn’t just any basketball court we’re talking about, it’s a net-positive Rainwater Court: the roof will have integrated rainwater collection and UV purification systems, along with solar panels to power the school. Although the project will serve primarily as a basketball court, assembly space, dining area and outdoor classroom for students, the entire community will also be able to attend farmers markets, local music and arts performances, movies and meetings in the only large, sheltered gathering place in the area.
Though the concept is complex, the design by Greg Elsner is elegant. Solar panels on the metal roof of the court will power lights for the entire school complex, while gutters will collect enough rainwater to meet the school’s complete H20 needs (an estimated 90,000 liters per year with 30,000 liters of storage), and a UV purifier will make water drinkable for thirsty post-game students.
To achieve their off-the-grid vision, AfH will use 100 percent local, sustainable and recycled materials during construction, such as Nike Regrind (a forgiving surface made of used tennis shoe soles) for the court floor. In keeping with their standard procedure, AfH will hire local construction workers and continue collaborating with community members to perfect the plan. To learn more about the project, watch this video of a planning meeting.
Read the rest of this excellent article HERE.
Thanks for reading
~ John
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This is indeed amazing! Really environment friendly. I enjoyed reading this article. Wish more people invent environment-friendly things. We should learn to love mother Earth as how we love ourselves. Great article sharing!
We should really give importance to our Mother Earth. It’s good to read about Kenya’s project, their first “Net Positive” basketball court is something we should look up to and follow. Great project. Two thumbs up for Kenya!