Jennifer Margell

Makao is a modular shelter designed for the slums and made of recycled materials. It can be assembled in a number of configurations depending on user need. It collects and filters gray water from the roof, the roof panes open to release heat, it is affordable, it has an optional bathroom and kitchen module, and the hollow plastic walls are filled with mud on site for insulation.

The roof panels open on a hinge to release rising heat and keep the living spaces comfortable in high temperatures. It includes walls of recycled frosted panels and hollow plastic panels. The hollow panels are designed to be filled with mud and debree, which make them lighter to ship and better for the environment.

Sanitation is also a huge concern and insufficient disposal of human waste is the main contributor. Makao has a composting toilette which is designed to be used by 6-8 people, has a final product of 10% the mass, and is easily emptied from a door outside the bathroom.

Makao has an optional bathroom and kitchen. It is designed to be space efficient by having the bathroom on the inside space with an open kitchen wrapping around the outter wall. Behind the bathroom is the water storage tank, The water storage tank is placed behind the bathroom, and keeps the utilities in one efficient area. The kitchen has open shelves for food storage, a large food preparation surface, stove, and a sink. The bathroom includes a shower, sink and composting toilet.

In Nairobi, a great deal of time and energy is spend collecting water. Makao addresses water needs by collecting gray water from the roof. A system of pipes funnel the water through a carbon filter and to the storage tank. Additional drinking water can be filtered and added to the tanks, or piped in from a community water system.

The modular pieces are shipped in standard shipping containers and assembled on site. The versatile floor plan can be adapted to user needs and available space.

Makao can be assembled in endless configurations. Nairobi is extremely crowded, and being able to create a floor plan based on available space is invaluable.

Makao means home in Swahili. It is a modular shelter designed to help raise the standard of living for the 600,000 residence in Nairobi Kenya.

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