Atelier Bois: Celebrating Local Craftsmanship in Senegal
The Atelier Bois is a carpentry workshop located in Thionck Essyl, a town in the Casamance region of Senegal. This innovative project blends tradition and sustainability by seamlessly integrating local materials, techniques, and natural surroundings. The design creates a multifunctional space where craftsmanship and community thrive.
Key Features:
Sustainability: The project uses materials sourced directly from the site, minimizing ecological impact and celebrating local resources.
Innovative Design: The boundary fence becomes part of the building’s structure, creating a harmonious flow between interior and exterior spaces.
Cultural Integration: An existing tree is preserved and incorporated into the layout, emphasizing a deep respect for the environment and community heritage.
Project Details:
Location: Thionck Essyl, Casamance, Senegal
Project Year: 2017-2018
Construction Year: 2018-2019
Area: 177 m²
Cost: €35,000
External Partners:
Structure and MEP: CVC Enginyers
Signage: SIGNES
Photography: Jara Varela
Team: DAW Office (David Garcia, Violeta Linares, Pablo Navas, Ana Fernández, Jesus Amengual)
Design Highlights:
The project balances functionality with innovation:
Sustainable Construction: Soil from the site was transformed into compressed earth blocks (BTC) for the façade-fence.
Creative Spaces: The design features a spacious area for a wood-planing machine, furniture assembly tables, and a small office separated by shelves.
Thoughtful Drainage: The surrounding patio, finished with local palm bark, ensures proper water flow during rainy seasons.
Striking Roof: A corrugated metal roof supported by local redwood adds character and durability to the structure.
About DAWOFFICE Founded in 2010 by David García, DAWOFFICE is a design studio dedicated to creating urban and architectural solutions that integrate seamlessly with their context. Their approach emphasizes sustainability, respect for the environment, and collaboration to deliver projects that enhance their surroundings. The studio’s work ranges from conceptual ideas to completed buildings, always rooted in thoughtful analysis and innovation.
For more information, visit dawoffice.com.