Where: Urata, Fiji

When: 2022

Role: Construction Volunteer (as part of CAUKIN)

Partners: The Savusavu Rotary Club, Urata Village Community, RPA Fiji, The US Embassy, ARUP Cardiff

Photos Credit: Katie Edwards

Graphics Credit: CAUKIN

The project was funded by the US Embassy as part of an allocation of grant money to help with the long term economic recovery of Fijian villages, after the widespread effects of COVID. The building was designed by CAUKIN, a UK-based organization that provides design-build services to communities in need around the world. The Cafe was constructed by 20 international volunteers and local community members over the span of two months. The site is situated on top of the hill, above the village, overlooking the Savusavu Bay. The design considers the high wind speeds of any future cyclones, a natural ventilation strategy, daylight, and local materials. The building incorporates space for a village member to live full time as well as a space to serve visitors coming from Labasa and further afield. The community cafe opened in September 2022 and it is currently run by members of the Urata village alongside the Savusavu Rotary Club. As a facility, the cafe provides a regular and sustained income for the village, while being an essential rest stop from tourists coming from the near towns.