hit dirt and concrete by adjaye partners accra studio
Designed as both workplace and architectural statement, the new Extremes studio for Adjaye Associates defined by a monolithic structure of rammed earth and low carbon concrete. The building combines offices, galleries and common areas in a single framework, positioning the workplace as a place of collaboration, daily routine and exchange.
The four-storey building is located in the Cantonments, one of Accra’s central districts, and serves as the practice’s headquarters in West Africa. Its form is articulated through a wing facade and a 26m overhang extending to the ground floor parking area. This structural move elevates the main workspace above ground, creating over 1,300 sq.ft. office space without columns and organizing the building in a clear vertical order.
Materially, the project is based on the use of earth and low-carbon concrete, reflecting an approach based on local construction methods and environmental considerations. Deep, closely spaced earth fins define the exterior, creating a largely opaque envelope that moderates sunlight and ensures privacy while framing controlled views of the city. The facade functions as both an environmental filter and a primary architectural expression.
a dirt road located within the urban fabric of the city | all images from Mutahi Chiira unless otherwise stated
earthen surfaces and filtered light make up a tactile workspace
Inside, the spatial experience is shaped by the interplay between daylight and earthen surfaces. Light filters through the glazing between the fins, creating interiors defined by soft lighting and material depth. Timber and earthen finishes contribute to a tactile environment, while the open layout supports flexible use and collaborative work.
Designed by architect David Adjaye, the building accommodates up to 180 people and incorporates a range of communal amenities including a conference suite, a rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen and an on-site crèche. At ground level, the facade extends to a shaded pergola that creates a semi-outdoor space for informal meetings and gatherings, connecting the building more directly to its surroundings.
drone-lens aerial view, showing the linear volume of compacted land in an urban plot
a monolithic rammed earth building anchors the practice’s growing presence in West Africa
the cantilevered grafted earth mass defines a strong architectural presence | Image courtesy of Adjaye Associates
Deep vertical fins regulate light and heat while giving the building a strong, rhythmic presence
earth and low-carbon concrete ground the project materially
the building is organized through a clear vertical sequence
