Timber Innovation Anchors Hope Village’s Sustainable Community Hub in Tanzania

Global design firm Hassell has delivered an innovative community building in Hope Village, Tanzania, blending advanced digital fabrication with natural materials to create a dynamic and welcoming space. Central to the project is the creative use of timber structures, which form an elegant, expansive canopy over the main hall. Designed in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and engineering experts Eckersley O’Callaghan, the canopy uses short timber segments that interlock to create a flexible, woven surface, offering both strength and visual warmth.

The initiative, developed with architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke, goes beyond architecture to empower the local community. Alongside the community building, the masterplan includes family housing, a school for 480 students, childcare services, and skills training facilities. These spaces will provide opportunities for education, connection, and personal growth, extending benefits to the entire region.

The timber canopy, supported by a central steel spine, provides durability while maintaining an open, inviting atmosphere. Complemented by corrugated metal cladding, the structure balances resilience with aesthetic appeal. Inside, movable partitions allow the hall to flexibly transition between intimate rooms and a spacious communal area, accommodating diverse activities and gatherings.

Beyond shelter, the building serves as a vital community resource. Amenities such as a kitchen, bakery, and storage spaces support daily life, while open access on weekends transforms the space into a hub for performances, meetings, and cultural events.

This project highlights how thoughtful wood-based architecture can inspire sustainable, inclusive environments, creating lasting social and environmental impact within Hope Village.