Crisscrossing bamboo poles combine with woven raffia mats to create the striking Site Office pavilion, an innovative project by architecture studio HTL Africa in Lagos, Nigeria. Originally conceived as an exhibition space for the inaugural Ecobank Design and Build Expo, the pavilion has found a new life as a community reading room, embodying sustainable design principles and showcasing the untapped potential of bamboo in modern architecture.
A Celebration of Bamboo’s Versatility
Located at the Ecobank Pan African Centre on Victoria Island, the Site Office pavilion is a bold reimagining of bamboo—a material often associated with temporary scaffolding in Nigerian construction. Bamboo scaffolding is commonly used in small-scale rural projects but is typically discarded after serving its purpose. HTL Africa’s ambition was to redefine this “unsung hero of African construction” as a lasting and innovative architectural element.
“We wanted to highlight bamboo scaffolding’s quiet yet vital contribution to modern architecture,” explained James Inedu-George, founder and head of design at HTL Africa. By transforming bamboo into a durable structure, the studio aimed to challenge perceptions and elevate its status to a symbol of sustainable innovation.
Architectural Features
The pavilion’s design features a three-dimensional lattice of pinned and tied bamboo rods, forming an intricate yet robust framework. Circular raffia mats, interwoven into the grid, serve both functional and decorative purposes by providing shade and enhancing the visual appeal. Larger woven discs double as custom lighting fixtures, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Plywood elements further enhance the pavilion’s functionality. A welcoming entrance portal leads visitors into the structure, where a mezzanine level and a staircase create a sense of verticality. A built-in bench seat, also crafted from plywood, provides a comfortable space for reading or relaxation.
An Intersection of History and Innovation
Inedu-George describes the pavilion as “both a historical artefact and a symbol of sustainable innovation.” The design draws inspiration from traditional African construction techniques while projecting a futuristic vision of architectural sustainability. This duality—ancient yet modern—invites reflection on how traditional materials can inform contemporary practices.
The Site Office pavilion continues a broader exploration by Nigerian architects into the possibilities of bamboo. Projects like Nifemi Marcus-Bello’s Waf Kiosk and Kunlé Adeyemi’s Floating School share a similar ethos, demonstrating how indigenous materials can be adapted to meet modern design and sustainability challenges.
A Lasting Legacy
During the Ecobank Design and Build Expo, held from November 27 to December 1, 2023, the pavilion hosted “Generations,” an exhibition of HTL Africa’s work. Unlike typical temporary structures dismantled post-event, the Site Office pavilion was designed with longevity in mind. It will now serve as an outdoor reading room, fostering community engagement and literacy while continuing to highlight the architectural potential of bamboo.
Conclusion
The Site Office pavilion by HTL Africa is more than just a structure; it is a statement on the importance of sustainable architecture. By transforming a traditionally disposable material into a durable and beautiful community space, the project inspires architects and designers to rethink how they use local resources. It underscores the potential of traditional materials to create contemporary designs that are both functional and environmentally responsible. As HTL Africa proves, bamboo—the quiet backbone of African construction—can take center stage in the dialogue about sustainable innovation.
