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3.2 million lives lost annually.
You can change that.
Cooking over indoor fires is a cultural tradition, but the smoke is deadly.
Every year, 3.2 million lives are lost—more than AIDS and Malaria combined.
Supported by
Cambridge Development Initiative
University of St Andrews
Yale University
Downing College Cambridge
It's called a chimney
But it's not just any chimney. This chimney is effective, culturally consonant and simple.
This is Mumma Walter, the first chimney recipient.
She used to cook everyday in a windowless hut over an open fire.
After the chimney was installed she hasn't looked back and uses it daily.
A year on, we reached out. She's moving house—one of her big concerns was making sure the chimney moved with her.
This chimney is effective, culturally consonant and simple.
It works.
Introducing the Chimney
effective | culturally consonant | simple
It takes just 3hrs to breathe better for life:
Step 1
A flat pack metal hood, cowl and pipe set—laser cut or hand cut using a stencil.
The IKEA of chimneys.
~30min
Step 2
The 2D chimney form is shaped by hand (rolled) into a cone and bolted together with 9 bolts.
Flue pipes are then bolted onto the cone.
~45min
Step 3
The chimney is installed through a small opening made in the roof and is topped with a cowl for maximum updraft and rain protection.
A specialised design exists for thatching.
~60min
The cost of a chimney
Latest Updates
About us
Innovative Solutions for Communities
Chimneys for Africa is dedicated to providing clean and culturally aligned ventilation systems to low-income and economically vulnerable communities in Africa initially, then spreading across the globe.
Listening is at the centre of our design process. We believe that it's only when you listen intentionally that good products can be created.
We are passionate creators who love people and are seeking to use what we have been given for good.
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