In October 2000 I started to build a house just outside Djenne, at a place called Sanouna on the banks of the Bani river. The Bani flows into the Niger about 150 kms downstream at Mopti. The design is inspired by the traditional houses of Djenne and the building is supervised by one of the town's master masons, Boubakar Kouroumansse.

All the building techniques are strictly traditional, and all the proper rites and sacrifices are performed as the building takes shape. Everything is done strictly by hand. I am recording everything on digital video.

The house is on the banks of the river, which means that from August to January the water is almost at the front door, but that later in the year, the water retreats gradually until at the height of the dry season it is 150 meters from the house. The photo's below have all been taken in the dry season.

This year we managed to finish the ground floor. Next season the 'etage' wil be added in the socalled 'Toucouleur' style.

Front of the house under construction

Archways at the back , and banco (mud) being mixed

The back of the house; under the arches is the veranda. The river is on the other side.

A fishing boat on the Bani river; the water is at its lowest here

Front of the house seen from the dry river bed

View of the river through a flowering nerey tree

View rom the roof

View from the roof towards the back. You see the main gate, next to it the watchman's house, and part of the garden wall

The mudbricks are transported by donkey cart

A traditional door in Moroccan-influenced style

The roof is first covered with wood, then plastered with mud

I've started an orchard with 50 mango trees, also oranges, papaya and lemon trees.

Some friend and workers

I often drive people from town to the river to wash their clothes

These Peul are neighbours