Centre spirituel au Togo

It is characterized by its bioclimatic architecture which makes it fully engaged in the dynamics of sustainable development.
This retreat center is designed to house a permanent congregation of Cenacle Sisters, who are fully recognized by the Togolese government.
They will be able to host retreat guests seeking a spiritual environment, youth groups attending seminars, or novice nuns who will integrate the community little by little. All in all the project will be able to hold 150 guests, for a total of 900 persons , who will be able to benefit from the comfort of the premises : a library, a reading room, a media room, a dining hall, chapels, meeting rooms, an infirmary.

Architectural Focus :

Our thought process determined first and foremost to respect the building site and adapt to the contingencies tied to a complex economic context. During our very first trip to Togo, we determined it was necessary to use local competences. We found a rich database in the existing buildings which we used both as a source of inspiration and a means to answer our contractor’s demands…
This translated into the use of an ancient building technique : adobe, or compressed clay bricks, which became a key element in the design of our patterned railings, arches, posts, and can be found as well in the building’s elevations.

Due to harsh climactic conditions and a pretty hostile natural environment, the project was required to be as self reliant as possible in its use of natural resources and as frugal as possible in its energy consumption. Therefore we had to find answers to each of the following issues:

=Very intense heat and sun require shade and ventilation : we conceived very large roof overhangs and raised slants in the roofs to both shield living spaces from the sun and create natural ventilation.
Natural environment with few and often polluted sources of water => We drillled down to the water table in order to bring clean water to the building. We chose to capture rainwater and treat waste water to be reused, and use windpumps to drain the tanks.
Making the best possible use of local know-how and on site building materials => Transport cost reduction for raw materials.

In order to control costs, we are circumspect and spread them out according to need. By precisely defining the programme, we finalised a cost efficient architecture, respectful of our customer’s requirements.
The construction of the retreat center will also be an opportunity for the population to both work and get professional training.