Community Engagement
The Surf Ghana Collective, designed by DeRoché Strohmayer, serves as a vibrant hub for youth in Busua, a renowned surfing destination along Ghana’s western coast. This community-run lodge seamlessly integrates into the network of surf schools and oceanfront accommodations in the area. Its adaptive single-room structure offers flexibility, serving as a year-round hangout spot for local youth. Equipped with amenities like wifi, a beach shower, and equipment storage, the lodge caters to the needs of surfers and visitors alike. During major surf events, the space transforms into a classroom and dormitory for visiting athletes. In the off-season, it is rented out to cover operational expenses, ensuring sustainability.
Revitalizing Infrastructure
To enhance the existing structure, a new canopy was installed to replace the old, leaky roof. This innovative addition spans over the original room, creating social spaces both above and below. A community terrace, facing the ocean, graces the ground floor and is carefully integrated around two preserved Ficus trees. Meanwhile, the new rooftop expansion not only increases the club’s footprint but also offers a tranquil retreat. Featuring pillars designed for hanging hammocks and providing a new vantage point to observe surf swells, the rooftop adds another dimension to the collective’s offerings.
Sustainable Design
The design prioritizes sustainability through passive cooling strategies, a double-roof system, and cross-ventilation. To minimize the use of cement, the mix-design incorporates locally available laterite, resulting in reduced-carbon concrete. This eco-friendly material is used to finish the plaster of the existing structure and cast low-maintenance, salt-resistant concrete elements. Additionally, local raffia replaces imported formwork, aligning with the region’s architectural vernacular. Raffia palms, commonly found in Ghana’s Western Region, contribute to the distinctive aesthetic seen in structures like the Nzulezu stilt village.
The Surf Ghana Collective stands as a testament to architectural innovation and community empowerment, providing a space where youth can connect, learn, and thrive amidst the beauty of Ghana’s coastal landscape.
