Star Homes

Can science-driven design create healthier homes?

The aim of the Star Homes project is to demonstrate the effect that a well-designed house can have on improving family health in hot, tropical climate zones, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. 110 improved houses with separate latrines are being constructed in 60 villages throughout the Mtwara region in Tanzania, and the health of the residents will be compared to those living in 440 control homes over a three-year period.

Rather than targeting a single issue, the project innovates across multiple categories including screening out vectors; healthier cooking; cleaner water; fly-proof latrine and climatic design. A spectrum of health interventions from the interdisciplinary, science-driven consultancy team were created by the architecture team, who also ensured that the house and latrine remained costeffective, robust and could be constructed locally.