Katongo building

Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava

Idea projektu

This project draws inspiration from Anna Heringer’s school, constructed with earth and bamboo, as it can be admired for the
versatility and sustainability of these materials.

MASTERPLAN
Several buildings form a linear axis across the entire site. One part of the site (the extroverted section) is designed as a park for the local inhabitants, while the other part (the introverted section) is dedicated to the campus and its students. The idea is that “we learn throughout life,” so I aimed to integrate all members of the village. They could occasionally access the laboratory or the main hall during conferences, for example. The entrance to the campus is conceived as a pathway that leads through a sequence of buildings.

FORMS
Rounded forms in architecture create a calmer and more reassuring atmosphere for students. Organic shapes can be constructed using earth and bamboo, materials that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial for human well-being. These locally sourced materials are well suited to Zambia’s climate, as they provide natural insulation and help regulate indoor temperatures. The organic roofs are designed to adapt to local weather conditions, allowing water to flow smoothly along their curves to the ground. Similarly, the curves guide the wind around the structure, promoting natural ventilation. Furthermore, since heat rises, the roof is elevated to enhance airflow and reduce overheating.

Popis projektu

SCHOOL PLAN
The school consists of a main building housing central spaces, surrounded by smaller, additional school buildings. The main building is 25 meters long and features a double-height entrance area, allowing a view of the upper floor from the ground level. Surrounding the main building, additional school structures can accommodate 30 to 50 students per floor, with two floors each. The spiral staircase, crafted from bamboo, is not only visually striking but also highly functional. Thanks to the geometry of its structure, it ensures stability while creating a lightweight and elegant design that harmonizes with the building’s natural aesthetic. The ventilation is designed to allow hot air to rise from the first floor to the roof. Openings at the roof level enable the hot air to escape, ensuring a natural airflow that helps keep the interior cool and comfortable. Each building measures 13 meters in diameter.

DORMITORY PLAN
The dormitories accommodate 10 people per floor, including space for a supervisor. The building measures 26 meters in length. An exterior
space between the two sections of the building creates a shared area for students, fostering social interaction and maintaining a seamless connection between the park and the playground, as envisioned in the masterplan.

INTEGRATION INTO THE SITE
Pergolas connect the buildings, constructed from bamboo and adorned with colorful fabrics to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while providing shade. The pergolas also define a pathway, offering an educational promenade that guides students through the campus in an engaging and instructive manner.

Technické informace

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
In the dormitories constructed with earth and bamboo, arches are essential to support the roof. The roofing system incorporates bamboo elements and a protective layer beneath the thatch. The flooring between the two levels is made of bamboo and is integrated with the earth walls. Depending on site-specific conditions, the area above the bamboo ceiling can feature either bamboo parquet or an earth layer. For the additional school buildings, the structural design appears very stable, as evidenced by models, due to its geometry. Inspired by Anna Heringer’s approach in the Anandaloy building, specific bamboo construction details in the main school building are employed to support roof overhangs. These details not only enhance the structural functionality but also add an aesthetic appeal to the building, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.

Dokumentace

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