AENKI ARCHITECTURE PLC
BERLIN + ADDIS ABABA
GOETHE INSTITUTE - UPGRADE
ADDIS ABABA, 2017-2022
The Goethe Institute in Addis Ababa is a vibrant place where people are introduced to the German culture and language. In order to accommodate the expanding need , we coordinated and supervised construction works over several years: Classrooms, staff rooms, a newly equipped library, a sound recording studio for radio and other recordings, teacher and admin rooms and a new staff kitchen as well as the central Café and exterior works.
Supervision team: Julia Mauser, Maraki Getachew
Photography: Michael Tsegaye
SHEKA COFFEE FARM UPGRADE
SHEKA, SOUTH-EAST ETHIOPIA 2017-2021
Situated in the original forest of Sheka, the client asked for an upscale - revising the #overall farm layout, to facilitate expansion and modernization of coffee processing.
The works were phased into upgrades for worker's housing, sanitary and eating facilites, a water saving coffee processing station, and a working laboratory , office and reception areas for international clients.
THE CENTRAL WASHING STATION
#Coffee Processing Facility: The heart of the project is the modern coffee processing and experimental station. The facility incorporates state-of-the-art processing equipment to improve efficiency and product quality. It follows eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact while ensuring the preservation of the original forest's delicate ecosystem
#cleansing vetiver labyrinth
Greywater Restoration: To protect the local river and the surrounding environment from pollution, the project introduces filtering fields. These fields act as natural filters to cleanse and restore the greywater generated during the coffee processing operations before it is discharged back into the river. This initiative promotes sustainability and ecological balance.
HOUSING + NURSERY+ LABORATORY
Existing structures are are insulated with additional layers of straw + clay, add- on outdoor spaces to increase social spaces with low cost materials like #recycled lorry fabrics.
All existing buildings are carefully repaiered and extended with light weight shading structures, to grow food, expand the coffee nursary and its varieties
The farm also provides accommodation for visiting clients, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in experiencing the coffee processing journey firsthand. The client housing units are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, offering a serene and immersive experience. Central to the visitors area is the Coffee Tasting Laboratory and Learning Center. This space allows international clients to cup and taste various coffee varieties produced on the farm. The learning center offers insights into local coffee processing techniques, the environment, and the community's cultural heritage.
The project strives to create additional income opportunities for the workers and the local community. One such initiative is the establishment of a bee farming operation. Beekeeping complements coffee farming, provides a sustainable source of income, and supports biodiversity conservation through pollination services. This undertaking fosters a deep connection between clients and the farm's fragile environment, its people, and the rich coffee processing heritage of the region.
UCKERMARK HOUSE
COFFEE PROCESSING STATION
YIRGACHEFFE, ET 2019
Yirgacheffe is known for producing high-quality coffee beans with distinct flavors, and the facility aims to enhance the region's reputation by ensuring the careful handling of beans from harvest to export.
The facility is strategically situated right at the entrance to the city of Yirgacheffe to minimize transportation time from coffee farms to the processing center. This location allows for easy access to water sources, electricity, and transportation routes. As clients also pass by frequently, the client asked to update the facility, enhance the landscaping on the facility and introduce some colour to the drying areas Design team: Julia Mauser, Yaye Gezu w/ Lelida Landscaping Team
