Inbetween : a modular, climate-responsive community hub for social cohesion and environmental resilience in Hotazel, South Africa

Abstract

InBetween is an architectural project designed to create a space for children, youth, and the broader community of Hotazel, a secluded mining town located in the Kalahari's Kathu Bushveld. The town’s remote location and harsh climate, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and scarce local resources, present unique challenges that the design seeks to address. The project primarily caters to children who rely on a limited shuttle service to travel from nearby villages and farms, leaving them with no opportunity to participate in afterschool or weekend activities. Additionally, the lack of adequate waiting areas and public recreation spaces exacerbates the social isolation of these youth. In response to these challenges, the design integrates four key programmatic elements: a bus stop and waiting area, an educational facility with study and tutoring spaces, short-term rotational residential units, and public recreational spaces. The project’s inclusive approach ensures accessibility for all members of the community, allowing children and families to use the space for various activities and fostering social cohesion across age groups. The design concept is anchored in the theme of "InBetween," aiming to create a space for people during the transitions between daily activities, while exploring the relationship between built and natural environments, public and private areas, and activity and rest. The architecture is composed of layered spaces that encourage movement through a series of transitions—shaded pergolas, open courtyards, permeable walkways, and reestablished natural landscapes—blurring the boundaries between nature and structure, and allowing users to move fluidly between function, circulation, and recreation. The project’s construction employs modularity, utilizing a "kit of parts" system with materials like Ferrock, timber, and steel. These materials are chosen for their sustainability, prefabrication potential, and capacity for deconstruction, minimizing environmental impact in a remote setting where resources are scarce. The use of passive rock-store cooling, thermal massing, and water collection systems further addresses the harsh local climate while ensuring energy efficiency. The modularity also facilitates community involvement in the construction process, promoting a sense of ownership and long-term adaptability. By focusing on adaptability and circularity, InBetween aims to provide a sustainable, functional, and integrated space that meets the diverse needs of Hotazel’s community, offering a vital and inclusive location for functional, educational, and recreational activities.