The “Ineza Clinic,” designed by Kéré Architecture, is composed of ten pavilions adapted to the existing topography and aligned with prevailing wind patterns, with the aim of preserving the original profile of the hill and maximizing natural cross ventilation. The floor plan typology proposed for the maternity unit and the outpatient unit features irregular perimeter profiles that create shaded waiting areas along the building through a ventilated roof system, while, for the surgical unit, ventilation is provided through a chimney effect, in addition to incorporating an individual window in each cubicle.
For the construction of the new project, priority is given to the use of local materials, with construction techniques carefully adapted to the local context. The walls and perforated screens are made of locally manufactured clay bricks, while the ramps, retaining walls, and other landscape elements are built with stone sourced from nearby quarries.
Rendering. Ineza Clinic by Kéré Architecture.
Project description by Kéré Architecture
Kéré Architecture was commissioned to design a new healthcare center in the Bubanza region of Burundi, approximately 30 kilometers north of Bujumbura. The project aims to provide dignified and improved access to healthcare for the region’s rural population , complementing the services of the existing general hospital, with a focus on maternity and surgical care.
The site is located on a steep, north-facing hillside and is directly accessible from the national road connecting Bujumbura to the northern regions of the country. Responding to this challenging topography, the design organizes the healthcare program into a series of pavilions connected by a primary spine road that ascends the hill from the lower access point to the upper visitor zone.
The ten buildings that compose the clinic are distributed to optimize functional adjacencies between departments and to ensure efficient and legible flows for staff, patients, and visitors. The pavilions follow the site’s existing contour lines, minimizing excavation and backfilling while preserving the original profile of the hill. All buildings are oriented according to prevailing wind patterns to maximize natural cross-ventilation and ensure thermal comfort without reliance on mechanical systems.
The birthing unit and outpatient unit share a similar floor plan typology. Their perimeters feature irregular profiles that create shaded, covered waiting areas with integrated bench alcoves along the building. The ventilated roof system draws inspiration from earlier Kéré Architecture projects and is adapted to Burundi’s climate, characterized by heavy rainfall during the rainy season.
A distinct architectural approach is taken for the surgical ward, where vertical chimneys provide stack ventilation, while each patient bay is equipped with an individual window, ensuring access to daylight and views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing dignity and well -being during recovery.
The design prioritizes the use of local materials while incorporating construction techniques that Francis Kéré and the team have refined through previous projects and carefully adapted to the local context. As the Ineza Clinic takes shape, the Kéré Architecture team is coaching local workers, sharing expertise and supporting capacity building. Walls and perforated screens are crafted from locally fabricated clay bricks, while ramps, retaining walls, and other landscape elements are built using stone sourced from nearby quarries. By combining local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and knowledge transfer, the project not only minimizes its carbon footprint but also strengthens the regional economy and empowers the local team.
