The main focus was to design the school in such a way that creates a courtyard encircling the existing rain tree. A spatial connection is created with the existing Eid-gah to make an active social gathering and community activities platform. The building needed to be self-sustained, which is achieved skillfully by the use of customized handmade materials. Above all, the school was designed to give children delightful learning experience.
The school built on a land area of 100’x100’ where the main concern was to create an enclosed courtyard. The Eid-gah on the south gives an enclosure to the site and the tree between the site and Eid-gah gives vive greenery in the courtyard. The classrooms are placed in north-south orientation so that it gets cross ventilation. Ventilation is a major issue in Bangladesh and hence the design is done keeping the issue in mind so that the environment doesn’t become uncomfortable even during the scorching summer heat. Service and common spaces are placed on west side.
Vibrant primary colors are introduced on the facades. It helps the children to get know more about the colors which give soothing, comforting and joyous feeling. Textured CC blocks with patterns are used for the floors which a tactile feeling and a rough surface rather than slippery floor. All the cc blocks, perforated concrete screening are built on site using local materials to reduce the cost.
Roof of the building is designed in a way that sunlight enters classrooms in a very dramatic way and there is no need for artificial lighting inside the classrooms. There is a beautiful play of light and shadow inside the classrooms and common spaces when sunlight passes through the perforated concrete screening walls. This light works change throughout the day time and season.
The project is an attempt to arrive at a modern or contemporary (Traditional Modernism) look following basic vernacular principles in design, using locally available materials, both natural and crafted, with modern amenities inside.
Team:
Architects: Archeground Ltd.
Principal Architect: Lutfullahil Majid
Associate Architects: Md. Jubair Hasan, Nabi Newaz Khan, Tahlil Bin Reza, Kafil Saddam Hossain
Structural Engineer: Tofazzel Hossain
Contractor: Perspective Dimension
Photographer: Maruf Raihan
Materials used:
Foundation : Pedestal RCC Column
Structure: Framed structure of R.C.C Column Beam.
Space: Functional spaces are made of brick wall, concrete jali & wood.
Roof: Roofing system is made of R.C.C which is inspired from traditional pitched roof.
Finish: Mostly finishing surfaces are handmade and made on site .For example micro CC tiles are used as floor finish, concrete jail as wall façade etc.
Colorful sliding partitions are used in classroom. Their operable quality gives children the flexibility to enjoy the outdoor environment according to weather conditions.
Project Technology:
This School was completed entirely by locally available contractors and labor. The basic structure is RCC column beam and the partition walls are made of brick wall, concrete jali & wood. Roofing system is made of R.C.C which is inspired from traditional pitched roof. Mostly finishing surfaces are handmade and made on site. Perforated concrete screening is used to keep it naturally ventilated and sustainable. CC blocks are made on the site for the floors and patterns are used on it for better grip so that the kids don’t fall and get hurt while playing.
Special Features:
Perforated concrete screening for building façade.
Customized textured CC blocks for the floors.
MS Pipe as architectural vertical member.
No glass is used in this project.
Colorful sliding partition in classrooms.
