Background
The Build For Good (B4G) Project is an initiative funded by the European Union under the GCCA+ Climate Resilient Coastal and Marine Zone Project for The Gambia. The one-year project is jointly implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Gambia Earth builders Association (EBA). The objective of the project is to promote the use of earth as an alternative to sand in construction to contribute to the reduction of sand mining, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and sedimentation. At the same time, the project supports livelihoods, particularly for women and youth through on-the-job training. The B4G project will strengthen the Earth Builder’s Association (EBA), create a Centre of Excellence and popularize the production and use of compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB) and other alternatives such as aircrete. The specific objectives of the project are to:
- To showcase the use of earth technology through demonstration sites and products;
- To firmly establish the Earth Builder’s Association (EBA) Secretariat within a Centre of Excellence and equipping it with the necessary resources to propagate the production and use in the construction of compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB) and other alternatives such as aircrete;
- Undertake awareness creation on different media platforms and community outreach on the benefits and importance of CSEB in environmental sustainability; and
- Create new job opportunities for youth and women through training and mentoring on CSEB production, aircrete technology, bricket-making and other green technologies.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, focusing in particular on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses. ITC projects and programs contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. ITC facilitates the integration of the business sector of developing countries into the global economy, supports the performance of trade and investment support institutions for the benefit of micro small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs), and improves the competitiveness of MSMEs. The Earth Builders’ Association (EBA) was established in 2019 as a charitable and not-for-profit organization with the objective to promote the use of Earth Construction Technology, to promote the use of construction materials that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective and durable, and to provide training for members and youths on the production of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) and the construction of buildings/structures using Earth Construction Technology.
Scope of Work
ITC and EBA invite interested and qualified companies and individuals to express their interest to design a Centre of Excellence for CSEB - hereinafter called ‘the Centre’. The construction of the Centre will require the use of sustainable construction technology while also considering aesthetics, quality, functionality, affordability, as well as energy efficiency.
Sites & Building
The available plot size is 27 x 20m. The Centre can be either one or two floors.
The Design requirements
- The design requirements for the Centre are as follows:
- Office spaces: 3no. For secretariat staff with one toilet each for male and female;
- A training hall - with a capacity for about 40 people for theoretical training. The Hall should be able to serve multiple purposes incl sensitization activities, workshops, meetings, etc. The hall needs to be equipped with toilets (separate male and female) as well as a kitchenette and small store;
- A storage space for 5no. Auram Press 3000 machines; this can be within the Centre or external to it;
- External training shed for practical training (involves mixing of soil and cement using shovels, adding water, operation of block press machine, primary curing of new blocks): 150 sqm;
- Space for at least 3no. demonstration installations - miniature versions of a bakery, poultry, biodigester, etc. The total space to be used should be around 100 square metres;
- Perimeter fence with a security guard room for overnight security; and outside toilet;
- The masonry material used for ALL construction will be compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB). As many of the different varieties of the block as possible should be tastefully interwoven into the design to showcase the CSEB as far as possible.
- The design should reflect a good understanding of CSEB technology such that the resulting Centre of Excellence would essentially become a showcase of the beauty and diversity possible with the use of earth technology; and
- The spatial arrangement, site configuration, effective use of natural light and ventilation, energy efficiency, sustainability and economics of design should also be taken into consideration.
Expected Outputs
- A detailed Architectural and Engineering design and detailed costing of the construction works (Bill of Quantities) of the above-mentioned centre of excellence approved by the ITC and EBA.
- Final designs in printed and digital format (preferably pdf) with at least the following:
- Plans
- Sections
- Elevations
- 3D rendering
- Additional sketches as required
Qualifications and Experience
Education and Work experience:
- Competent in the use of a digital drawing tool and conversant with architectural designs that use earth technology;
- Previous experience in providing full sets of designs and accompanying BOQ; and
- At least a Diploma in architecture, construction, civil engineering or related field. Language Requirements:
- Advanced English with excellent written and oral communication skills is required.
Details for submission
Companies or Individuals who are interested in submitting a quote for the design of the above Centre of Excellence should send an email to yep@intracen.org indicating their intention as well as submit at least three (3) schematic designs of previous similar works. These submissions should be received no later than 10 September 2021