BuildHub Somalia

  Our Past Is Built in Stone If you’ve ever walked through the old streets of Mogadishu’s Hamar Weyne district or visited the ruins of Zeila and Barawe, you’ve already seen the silent proof: Somalis have been builders for centuries. But sadly, not enough people especially younger Somalis or members of the diaspora know the rich architectural and engineering history of our homeland. In this post, I’ll walk you through a brief but fascinating journey of Somali architecture and engineering. You don’t need any technical knowledge to follow along just curiosity and maybe a little pride in what our ancestors were able to achieve using local resources, clever designs  and community based engineering. 1. Ancient Foundations: Stone, Coral, and Mud Long before colonial maps ever included Somalia, our people were building homes, ports, mosques, and cities using natural materials like coral stone, limestone, and mud brick. Take Zeila , a historic port city in the northwest. It was once pa...

  When we talk about building sustainably in Somalia, many people immediately think it’s a luxury something for developed countries with big budgets. But the truth is, green building is not only possible in Somalia, it’s also necessary for our future. Let’s be honest: our cities are growing fast. From Mogadishu to Hargeisa, people are moving into urban areas, building homes, shops, schools, and mosques. But as the population grows, so do challenges rising temperatures, water shortages, and unreliable electricity. So the question is: can we build sustainably in Somalia? My answer is yes, if we start thinking smarter, not more expensive .  What Is Green Building, Anyway? Green building simply means designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient . It’s about reducing waste, using local materials, saving energy, and making sure the building works with nature, not against it. You don’t need to install solar panels on a skyscrape...

  If you're thinking about building a home in Somalia whether in the city, countryside, or near the coast  one of the first things you'll need to understand is what materials people are actually using . Trust me, choosing the right building material can save you money, time, and a lot of stress down the road. I’ve seen too many people dive into construction without knowing what works best in Somalia’s unique climate and conditions. So, let’s walk through the top 5 building materials you’ll see in Somali homes today, along with some tips based on real-world experience. 1. Cement Blocks (Bulkeeti) This is by far the most popular material, especially in urban areas like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo. Cement blocks are widely available, strong and affordable for most people. They’re perfect for building walls, and even entire homes. Why people use them: Easy to stack and build with. Durable in the heat and wind. Can handle the salty air in coastal regions if you s...