La folle histoire de…
2025-02-22
The Nubian vault - When earth shapes homes and lives
What if the future of sustainable housing lay beneath our feet? Thanks to an ancient technique that has been brought up to date, entire villages are now being built in harmony with nature. Welcome to the story of the Nubian Vault.
Imagine this: houses built without concrete or sheet metal, but with soil from the very ground on which they stand. A simple, ecological and affordable technique that provides a sustainable roof for thousands of families. Behind this project are two visionaries: Thomas Granier, a French mason, and Séri Youlou, a Burkinabe farmer, who have decided to revive an age-old know-how to change the lives of rural communities in Africa.
It all starts with forgotten knowledge
In 2000, Thomas and Séri joined forces to meet an essential need: to build solid, ecological and affordable housing. Their solution? The Nubian Vault technique, using only local materials. No need for sheet metal or imported wood: here, the earth becomes the foundation of a sustainable future.
Training to build the future
Forget the classroom: at AVN, apprenticeships take place directly on site. In three years, farmers become skilled masons capable of building houses, schools and health centers. This program transforms the dry season, once synonymous with inactivity, into a period of paid work. And the support doesn't stop there: after the training, AVN teaches the masons the basics of business management to guarantee their autonomy.
Homes that change lives
A Nubian Vault house is much more than just a roof. Built of earth, it offers natural thermal comfort, protecting its inhabitants from extreme temperatures while reducing energy costs. More durable and less costly than conventional construction, it enables many families to access decent housing without incurring debt.
An impact that goes beyond walls
Since its inception, AVN has trained over 1,500 masons and enabled the construction of thousands of buildings in Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Ghana. Each project contributes to strengthening the local economy, creating jobs and making the most of locally available resources. Little by little, this ecological and supportive approach is transforming the face of Sahelian villages, proving that development and respect for the environment can go hand in hand.
Why this story makes us dream
Because it shows that with a little land and a lot of ingenuity, it's possible to build a more sustainable future. AVN doesn't just build houses: it provides opportunities, restores dignity and paves the way for a future where everyone can live under a roof that's both environmentally friendly and affordable. It's a story that proves that sometimes all we need to do is look to the past to build the world of tomorrow.
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