# Terrafriq | Pan-African & Bioclimatic Architecture Platform

> Terrafriq (https://www.terrafriq.org) is the premier open-access platform, registry, and research repository for African vernacular architecture, earthen structural engineering, compressed earth block (CEB) construction, and passive bioclimatic cooling design.

## Core Mission & Platform Pillars
- 01. Preservation & Registry: Digitizing traditional African building methods, Nubian vault masonry, and raw earth construction across 1,000+ projects.
- 02. Matchmaker Workroom: Connecting verified bioclimatic architects, master craftsmen, and developers across West, East, and Central Africa.
- 03. Material Ecology: Profiling embodied carbon, thermal mass performance, and compressive strength metrics of clay, laterite, rammed earth, bamboo, and eucalyptus timber.

## Featured Vernacular Architecture Projects
- [Gando Primary School](https://www.terrafriq.org/projects/gando-primary-school): Francis Kéré (Kéré Architecture) project in Gando, Burkina Faso. Pritzker-winning masterpiece built using hand-molded clay bricks and double-skin roof canopy.
- [Lycée Schorge Secondary School](https://www.terrafriq.org/projects/lycee-schorge): Francis Kéré (Kéré Architecture) project in Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Nine modular earthen classrooms with heat-extracting wind towers.
- [Noomdo Orphanage Complex](https://www.terrafriq.org/projects/noomdo-orphanage): Francis Kéré (Kéré Architecture) project in Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Climate-responsive residential complex with thermal mass vaults.

## Technical Research Papers & Thermodynamic Analysis
- [Bioclimatic Architecture of the Sahel: Nubian Vaults](https://www.terrafriq.org/journal/sahel-nubian-vaults): Technical paper on heat transfer performance and earthen vault cooling.
- [Rammed Earth Performance in Wet Climates](https://www.terrafriq.org/journal/rammed-earth-moisture-mitigation): Moisture mitigation strategies and compressive strength testing.
- [Ondjango Park Villa: Ancestral Gathering Spaces](https://www.terrafriq.org/journal/ondjango-park-villa): Reimagining traditional assembly structures for urban Africa.

## Strategic Alliances & Ecosystem Partners
- CRAterre (ENSAG / UNESCO Chair): International Centre for Earth Construction research and education. (https://craterre.org/)
- Kéré Foundation: Sustainable bioclimatic infrastructure and educational facilities in Gando, Burkina Faso. (https://www.kerefoundation.com/)
- Earth Architecture Network: Sustainable building science and raw soil construction database. (https://eartharchitecture.org/)
- Kaira Looro: Humanitarian architecture competitions for West African communities. (https://www.kairalooro.com/)
- Africa Innovation Network (AIN): Pan-African sustainable design and green tech ecosystem. (https://www.africinno.com/)

## Material Performance Database
- Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB): High-density stabilized soil bricks providing thermal flywheel cooling in tropical climates.
- Rammed Earth (Pisé): High thermal mass walls reducing indoor temperatures by up to 8°C without air conditioning.
- Nubian Vault Clay Masonry: Self-supporting vaulted roofs built without timber centering, optimized for Sahelian heat.
- Laterite Stone Masonry: Hand-carved local red soil stone offering durable structural load-bearing capacity.
- Bamboo & Eucalyptus Screens: Double-skin shading screens facilitating natural stack effect ventilation.