A Sustainable Site

The design of ECONEF's new Children's Center was initiated in 2012 by architects Pilvi Vanamo, Carolina Wikström, and Frida Öster, plus volunteers from Architects Without Borders Sweden.

The goal of the design was to reduce the orphanage’s dependence on private donations and eventually reach complete self-sufficiency. The Baobab House, the first prototype building, was finished in February 2014. Rainwater is harvested, solar panels generate electricity and heat water, biogas create biofuels, and buildings are optimized for natural ventilation.