Page 33 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 35

The Environment

solutions for issues like

thermal comfort, durability, Beyond Borrowed
and sustainability that are
perfectly suited to their Standards: Writing

surroundings. Importantly,
these approaches do not just Our Own Rules for
benefit the environment but
also preserve the cultural Sustainable Design
identity of communities,

fostering a stronger sense of and Construction
belonging and continuity.

RONALD MBIU, NAIROBI, KENYA
For example, in West
Africa, the tradition of
using a plaster made from a One particularly notable example of the local plaster tradition
mixture of clay, water, cow involves the use of the Iru or Dawa-Dawa tree (Parkia
dung, and leteele (botanical clappertoniana), a staple in West African culture and cuisine.

name: Ampelopsis cordata) The empty pods of the Dawa-Dawa tree, when boiled,
highlights both sustainability create a natural varnish that is applied to plastered surfaces
and local ingenuity. This for enhanced durability and smooth finishing. This natural

plaster, traditionally used varnish protects the surface from damage while offering an
in wall construction, has aesthetically pleasing gloss that is chemical-free and eco-
remarkable properties that friendly.
modern materials struggle to
match. It is not only highly What’s more, the tradition involves using Dawa-Dawa

insulating, keeping homes
cool in the scorching heat,
but also offers breathability

and flexibility in the event
of structural movements.
Additionally, these materials
are natural, non-toxic, and
biodegradable—key qualities

for sustainable construction.

The Role of Iru/

Dawa-Dawa Tree in
Strengthening Local
Building Practices Liquid Lines and Patches highlighting areas of dawa dawa application; https:
//www.linkedin.com/posts/same-nonofo-diseko-038968233_power-activi-
ty-7271871392009105408-Ia07/

ISSUE 35 | MARCH 2025 33