Intaaya Project – Bamboo Architecture
Erebero Hills – Uganda
Philosophy
Erebero Hills was shaped by listening to the natural rhythms of the Bwindi Forest.
Through a deep understanding of its topography, ecology, climate, and the wisdom of the local communities that have lived alongside it for generations, the project seeks to become a natural extension of its surroundings. Its intention is to heighten our awareness of the landscape, allowing architecture to quietly frame the sounds, textures, light, and rhythms of the forest while fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
Core Values
At Erebero Hills, architecture became a shared act of learning. By working alongside the local community, Asilia Africa, Studio Akeka, craftsmen, and environmental stewards, the project grew through dialogue, trust, and a shared commitment to the future of the Bwindi Forest. The result is not simply a collection of buildings, but an ecosystem of relationships rooted in care, collaboration, and respect for place.
Every design decision begins with a deep study of the Land. By elevating structures above the natural slope, we minimize excavation, protect fragile root systems, and allow natural water currents to flow uninterrupted. This suspended design utilizes passive strategies across the master plan maximizing natural light, employing cross ventilation, and implementing a meticulous stormwater drainage system to prevent erosion.
Every design decision begins with a deep study of the Land. By elevating structures above the natural slope, we minimize excavation, protect fragile root systems, and allow natural water currents to flow uninterrupted. This suspended design utilizes passive strategies across the master plan maximizing natural light, employing cross ventilation, and implementing a meticulous stormwater drainage system to prevent erosion.
Core Values
Batwa community
As one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes, the Batwa people lived in perfect harmony within this ancient ecosystem for thousands of years. As the original guardians of the forest, they relied on the land for food, medicine, and spiritual connection living deeply rooted in the earth without ever leaving a trace.
Batwa community
As one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes, the Batwa people lived in perfect harmony within this ancient ecosystem for thousands of years. As the original guardians of the forest, they relied on the land for food, medicine, and spiritual connection living deeply rooted in the earth without ever leaving a trace.
Materiality
The materials and techniques utilized integrate the physical properties of the land with national ecological conservation goals and the enhancement of cultural heritage.
Columns Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow Dendrocalamus Giganteus
Natural structural resilience, soft tactility, and high resistance.
Wall Rammed Earth
Provides natural thermal insulation and creates a physical connection to the earth.
Wall and Floor Eucalyptus
Weather resilience with an organic warmth that endures over time.
Exposed Ceiling Weaving
Living texture : handcrafted with interwoven split bamboo.
Columns Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow Dendrocalamus Giganteus
Wall Rammed Earth
Wall and Floor Eucalyptus
Exposed Ceiling Weaving
Materiality
The materials and techniques utilized integrate the physical properties of the land with national ecological conservation goals and the enhancement of cultural heritage.
Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow
Dendrocalamus Giganteus
Natural structural resilience, soft tactility, and high resistance.
Rammed Earth
Provide natural thermal insulation and creates a physical connection to the earth.
Eucalyptus
Weather resilience with an organic warmth that endures over time.
Weaving
Living texture: handcrafted with interwoven split bamboo.
Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow
Dendrocalamus Giganteus
Rammed Earth
Eucalyptus
Weaving
Bambusa Vulgaris Yellow
Dendrocalamus Giganteus
Rammed Earth
Eucalyptus
Weaving
On site
In early 2024, we first stepped onto the sacred land of Bwindi and contemplated this ancient forest as a living ecosystem. Being present in this place, the beauty of the land and the warmth of its people inspired us to learn, listen, and walk a collective path of co-creation.
Shared vision
Born from a shared vision and a deep reverence for the sacred ecosystem of Bwindi, Erebero Hills is the beautiful result of a profound co-creation between our client, Asilia Africa, Pablo Luna Studio, and Studio Akēka.
We united under a collective sensibility the understanding that architecture here must serve both the land and its community, together crafting a sustainable haven where design, conservation, and community are seamlessly intertwined.
