Kairu Karega, Leandry JIEUTSA, Samson Ontweka
Start Somewhere, a social enterprise, has developed the TwistBlocks® system, a LEGO-like, hollow concrete block designed for affordability and simplicity in vulnerable communities. The system, which was developed by architect Oliver von Malm, has been used in Kenya to build schools and community projects. The TwistBlocks® are locally produced, cost-effective, and fire-resistant, reducing construction time and material costs. The project has expanded to include 5 schools in Nairobi’s impoverished regions and several community projects. The primary goal is to establish Start Somewhere Kenya as a leading provider of sustainable construction using TwistBlocks® and develop a scalable and sustainable business model. Start Somewhere has made significant progress in enhancing housing and education in underserved communities since 2020. Key developments include 2 workshops in Kibera, an ultra-affordable prototype for 4-6 bedsitter housing units, 5 additional schools, a school library, and 11 housing units for families displaced by a fire. Around 30 individuals in Kenya and South Africa have secured permanent employment through Start Somewhere’s initiatives. The ongoing use of TwistBlocks® technology contributes to improved living conditions and greater community resilience.
Transforming Kibera: Start Somewhere’s TwistBlock Innovation Brings Sustainable Housing and Education Solutions to Africa’s Largest Slum
Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, has long embodied the challenges of urban poverty. Inadequate housing, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services have trapped countless residents in a cycle of marginalization. Start Somewhere, a social business, has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering innovative solutions to these pressing issues.
Start Somewhere’s journey began in 2011 with the support of two schools, initiated by Oliver von Malm, a German architect passionate about tackling affordable housing challenges in slums. In 2016, Oliver’s master’s thesis led to the development of the groundbreaking TwistBlocks® system – LEGO-like, hollow concrete blocks designed for affordability, simplicity, and ease of use in informal settlements. Oliver´s master thesis caught the attention of PERI, a leading formwork and scaffolding company. Recognizing the potential, PERI collaborated with the newly founded Start Somewhere German social business to further develop the system.
The initial focus involved refining the TwistBlocks® system, culminating in the construction of a prototype workshop and a school in Kibera in 2019. Funded by a German government program, this project demonstrated the practicality and impact of the TwistBlocks®, paving the way for establishing Start Somewhere Kenya. Today, Start Somewhere Kenya employs 15 people, primarily production workers from Kibera, working in two factories within the settlement. The project has expanded significantly, resulting in the construction of five schools in Nairobi’s impoverished regions and several community projects utilizing TwistBlocks®.
The primary goal now is to establish Start Somewhere Kenya as a leading provider of sustainable construction using TwistBlocks® and develop a scalable business model replicable across Kenya and potentially in other regions facing similar challenges. This evolution reflects Start Somewhere’s unwavering commitment to addressing the housing crisis in slums through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The TwistBlocks® are locally produced in small workshops within the community, reducing transportation costs but also generating employment opportunities
“TheTwistBlocks® itself is an architectural innovation that allows clients to save on material and time compared to conventional building methods”, Samson Ontweka the technical coordinator at Start Somewhere Kenya explains.
These material saving hollow concrete blocks are designed for simplicity and ease of use, allowing for construction without the need for mortar. This method significantly reduces both construction time and material costs, enabling even unskilled community members to participate in building projects.
A standout feature of the TwistBlocks® is that they are free in the ground floor plan. This flexibility allows for the maximum utilization of small plots in informal settlements, where space is often extremely limited. This adaptable design enables better customization of living spaces like creating curved walls and making the most out of the available land.
The TwistBlocks® are locally produced in small workshops within the community, rather than in large factories. This generates employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment among local residents. By involving the community in the production process, a sense of ownership and pride is built, further strengthening the community’s involvement in its development.
From a cost-saving perspective, the blocks are made from a specialized concrete mix with a low cement content, making them both affordable and environmentally friendly. Their modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, which is particularly beneficial in informal settlements where homes may need to be relocated or reconstructed. This feature helps to lower long-term costs and increases housing flexibility and ownership.
“Additionally, the TwistBlocks® are fire-resistant, addressing a critical safety concern in densely populated areas like Kibera, where fires are common and can quickly devastate entire neighborhoods. Traditional structures in these areas are often made of flammable materials, so the fire-resistant properties of TwistBlocks® offer a safer alternative, reducing the risk of widespread fire damage and the associated costs of rebuilding.” Samson adds.
The TwistBlocks® system not only saves time and money through its straightforward, mortar-free assembly, local production, and cost-effective materials, but also directly addresses the unique challenges of impoverished communities. The flexibility in ground floor planning and fire-resistant properties make it an ideal solution for upgrading informal settlements like Kibera.
In Kibera, Start Somewhere constructed 11 housing units for families displaced by a fire, providing them with safe and secure homes
Since 2020, Start Somewhere has made significant progress in enhancing housing and education in underserved communities. Key developments include the opening of a new workshop in Kibera and the creation of an ultra-affordable prototype for 4-6 bedsitter housing units.
Five additional schools and a school library were constructed using TwistBlocks®. Some were built independently by local partners with Start Somewhere’s guidance and technology. Numerous temporary jobs on construction sites were created. Additionally, Start Somewhere provided training and planning for workshops in Ahero (Kisumu) and Cape Town (South Africa). Overall, around 30 individuals in Kenya and South Africa have secured permanent employment through Start Somewhere’s initiatives. The ongoing use of TwistBlocks® technology in various community projects underscores its effectiveness and acceptance, contributing to improved living conditions and greater community resilience.
Start Somewhere emphasizes community empowerment through a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process, which ensures active participation from all stakeholders
Samson Ontweka on community involvement explains, “Community involvement is a crucial aspect of our projects. We engage with local stakeholders, including community leaders and unemployed youth, to ensure their active participation and meet their expectations.” He continues to state, “We prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in our projects, including provisions for persons with disabilities. We incorporate features like ramps and accessible washrooms to ensure everyone can benefit from the facilities we build.”
Start Somewhere emphasizes community empowerment through a structured Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process, which ensures active participation from all stakeholders. It begins by identifying and aligning key stakeholders to ensure that everyone shares common goals and responsibilities. Next, they define how stakeholders will collaborate, establishing clear roles and expectations for each party involved. The MOU then details the project’s scope, timeline, and terms, providing a clear framework for collaboration. Additionally, they incorporate flexibility by allowing for amendments and clearly defining project boundaries to adapt as needed.
In addition to involving community leaders, Start Somewhere engages non-skilled workers in the construction process, such as assembling walls, which helps to build local skills and provides employment. Workshops, public meetings, and collaborative sessions enable residents to actively participate in project design and implementation, ensuring the solutions are well-suited to their needs. By integrating community input and providing hands-on roles, Start Somewhere ensures that their projects are not only effective but also deeply connected to the community’s needs and capabilities.
Implementing the Start Somewhere project has presented several significant challenges, each addressed through strategic approaches
“One of the primary challenges is community involvement. Engaging local residents from the outset is essential but can be difficult. Start Somewhere overcomes this by ensuring active community participation through ongoing dialogue, participatory design processes, and incorporating feedback into every phase of the project. This approach helps align the project with the community’s needs and fosters trust.” explains Samson.
Building in informal settlements adds another layer of complexity. Issues such as limited infrastructure, irregular land tenure, and densely packed living spaces require innovative solutions. Start Somewhere addresses these challenges with a highly experienced team skilled in adapting construction techniques to the specific conditions of informal settlements. This expertise ensures that projects are practical, sustainable, and tailored to the unique needs of these environments.
Creating a robust ecosystem is essential for success. Developing strong connections with local stakeholders, funding partners, and advocates can be demanding. Start Somewhere emphasizes strategic networking, cultivating relationships, and showcasing the project’s value to potential collaborators to navigate this challenge.
Overall, Start Somewhere addresses these challenges through robust community engagement, expert management of informal settlement construction, and building a supportive network. These strategies help ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of their projects.
The focus is on developing a sustainable business model for Start Somewhere Kenya, which will serve as a blueprint for scaling the concept rather than expanding the company itself. This model will be integrated within a broader ecosystem of established partners and will include global consultancy, planning services, and lighthouse construction projects with TwistBlocks®. Currently, a factory project is underway in Uganda, and additional opportunities are being explored in other countries.
Samson emphasizes, “Our long-term vision is to transform informal settlements into models of sustainable urban development. We aim to provide proper housing conditions, improve educational facilities, and create economic opportunities for the residents. We are actively exploring partnerships and collaborations to expand our model to other slums and regions. Our goal is to offer affordable housing solutions and support sustainable development in low-income areas.”
“We are also conducting ongoing research to develop TwistBlocks® using alternative materials like clay and hempcrete, with the aim of further reducing environmental impact and expanding our range of construction options,” he adds.
