Embracing Nature.
Taking as a starting point the preservation of the existing trees, our design conceptually conjures the idyllic image of a classroom under the tree canopy.
Volumetrically and programmatically, the project is divided into two components: the classrooms and the “public interface”.

– The classrooms:
Classrooms are strung around a spine snaking its way between the trees creating a scenic promenade while also forming a guideline for the expansion of the school. Classes will be implemented in groups of two in line with the flexible phasing required by the developer. The final layout defines a central courtyard for the school with a potential connection to the neighboring land for future expansion.
the facade of the classroom consists of pivoting wooden panels that can be totally opened on certain occasions enhancing connectivity and exposure. Simultaneously the permeability of the classrooms to the central courtyard / playground and context is conducive to a positive learning environment whereby students always see each other and nature, hence anchoring a sense of belonging to a community.

– The “community interface”:
A linear building which contains the administration, covered playground and multi-purpose hall.
it is at once a boundary / fence and a spatial interface with the community, whereby several programs play a dual role. For example the multipurpose hall can be at once used privately by the school, and on occasions used by the community by opening the doors giving onto the main access road. Also near the entrance, we have implemented an organic kiosk where the produce from the green fence (fruits) and vegetable gardens (behind the classes) are sold locally. Finally a water well is prominently placed as a central feature under the entrance canopy.

In order to be self-sufficient and comfortable the school adopts several sustainability measures such as:
A rainwater collection system whereby, a peripheral gutter on the roof harvests rain water and guides it to a well situated under the entrance. Moreover as a nod to the traditional impluvium houses of the Diola people , the entrance roof folds downwards to funnel rainwater directly to the well. water from the well is pumped to a steel water tower which looms above the entrance as an icon/symbol for the school.
Architecturally, the protruding roof ensures solar shading while louvered windows, fans and roof geometry enable passive cooling and ventilation.
In terms of energy, photovoltaic panels for electricity and solar thermal collectors for hot water are installed on the roof and strategically oriented south.

Construction-wise, the school tries to depend on locally sourced and available materials while inspiring itself from the local vernacular. The walls, built upon a cyclopean concrete foundation, are constituted of compressed earth blocks (CEB) braced together by a peripheral concrete ring beam. The pitched roof is made of wooden trusses and wood struts substructure covered by corrugated steel sheets.