The Switchers’ Blueprint: Remaking Mediterranean Construction

A profound transformation is sweeping through the world of architecture and construction, steering us away from mere concrete and steel towards a deeper appreciation for the living world around us. Designers, architects, and developers are no longer just building structures; they’re crafting symbiotic relationships between human endeavor and the intrinsic wisdom of nature, local heritage, and community values. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a conscious slowing down, a recalibration, and an intentional embrace of building practices that resonate with life itself. 

This shift begins with a profound respect for the local. Builders across the Mediterranean are rediscovering that truly sustainable and meaningful construction comes from the earth beneath our feet, shaped by local artisans, and guided by indigenous knowledge. 

Take Hand Over, for instance. Egyptian entrepreneur Radwa Rostom founded it from a powerful idea she had during university: “We, as engineers, should be supporting unprivileged communities with our knowledge.” This conviction evolved into a groundbreaking social enterprise that designs and builds cost-effective, eco-friendly spaces using local and natural materials. Hand Over isn’t just constructing buildings; it’s revolutionizing the industry by promoting Earth construction techniques, creating replicable models for sustainable communities, and empowering individuals through knowledge transfer. They’re proving that innovative, environmentally conscious construction can drive profound community development across Egypt and beyond. 

Similarly, in Algeria, Daddi Addoun El Khoudir is changing the face of construction by seamlessly blending modern innovation with ancient wisdom. As the founder of Les Bâtisseurs Des Oasis, he’s a true “future-gazer” who finds inspiration in the timeless, eco-friendly ksours of his native M’Zab Valley. El Khoudir’s vision? To craft comfortable, energy-efficient homes using local, natural materials, proving that sustainable building isn’t just about protecting the environment—it’s about empowering communities and preserving a rich cultural heritage. “Our houses combine modern-day comfort and the need to protect the environment, and they [draw on] local knowledge, which supports the socio-economic growth of the region,” states El Khoudir. His company exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coalesce for regional economic and social growth. 

This reverence for local wisdom often leads directly to nature itself. Indeed, nature often guides these leaders, recognized as the ultimate engineer. Regenerative and biophilic design integrates natural elements like trees, ferns, and meticulously harnessed natural light, transforming structures into living organisms that breathe with their environment. The use of local materials preserves the landscape’s character. This approach goes beyond aesthetics, imbuing buildings with functionality and emotional resonance, deeply connecting humans to their surroundings and purpose. 

Moving from principles to practice, projects gaining global recognition share an undeniable commonality: their deep roots in their specific environments. From the vibrant markets of Tunisia to the timeless valleys of Lebanon, and Morocco, these initiatives celebrate what is authentic, poetic, and culturally resonant. 

In Tunisia, Abdelmalek Ghannem, founder of SOIB (Societe Industrielle du Bloc), is revolutionizing how homes are built. His company transforms mine site debris into innovative “LEGO blocks” that interlock without cement, making construction so simple “even families can do it, without the use of a technician!” This award-winning enterprise is not just creating cost-effective, earthquake-resistant, and thermally efficient building materials. 

Cover photo: By The Switchers