$150 homes revive ancient techniques to fight climate crisis

Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 1551 GMT (2351 HKT) January 3, 2018

Deforestation and climate change has drastically reduced the supply of wood and straw in the Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa.<br /><br />Among the damaging effects of this is a shortage of material to build and maintain homes, and millions now suffer in sub-standard housing.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Desert storm – Deforestation and climate change has drastically reduced the supply of wood and straw in the Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the damaging effects of this is a shortage of material to build and maintain homes, and millions now suffer in sub-standard housing.
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Many families have been forced to use corrugated iron instead, which is far more expensive and ill-suited to the climate, making homes that boil in summer and freeze in winter.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Out of place – Many families have been forced to use corrugated iron instead, which is far more expensive and ill-suited to the climate, making homes that boil in summer and freeze in winter.
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A novel solution from NGO La Voute Nubienne (Nubian Vault) is to revive the architectural techniques practiced by the ancient Nubian civilization over 3,000 years ago. <br /><br />The method uses earth-based bricks and mortar to construct superior homes at minimal expense.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Dirt cheap – A novel solution from NGO La Voute Nubienne (Nubian Vault) is to revive the architectural techniques practiced by the ancient Nubian civilization over 3,000 years ago.

The method uses earth-based bricks and mortar to construct superior homes at minimal expense.
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The homes are based on a foundation of rocks but require no imported materials. They can be constructed in 15 days for as little as $150.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Rapid response – The homes are based on a foundation of rocks but require no imported materials. They can be constructed in 15 days for as little as $150.
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The NGO has a market-based approach to proliferating the Nubian vault homes. It has trained over 500 masons and hundreds more apprentices who can respond to public demand and train a new generation.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Work force – The NGO has a market-based approach to proliferating the Nubian vault homes. It has trained over 500 masons and hundreds more apprentices who can respond to public demand and train a new generation.
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Around 20,000 people now live in Nubian vaults across five countries where the program is being implemented; Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Benin and Ghana, with plans to expand into new countries.
Photos: Nubian vaults
Spreading the word – Around 20,000 people now live in Nubian vaults across five countries where the program is being implemented; Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Benin and Ghana, with plans to expand into new countries.
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