Kashitu Secondary School Campus

Idea projektu

The project involves the design of a high school campus in Kashitu, Zambia, tailored to the environmental, social, and cultural context of a rural region with limited infrastructure. The design is conceptually inspired by the traditional Zambian musical instrument Mbira, a cultural symbol associated with harmony and communal identity. The main building volumes take on a form that echoes the rectangular resonator of the instrument, while a central atrium functions as both a social gathering space and a rainwater harvesting system. The roof design, characterized by its undulating steel profile, reflects the rhythmic pattern of the Mbira’s metal keys, reinforcing the idea of the campus as a place of movement, creativity, and continuous learning.

This design approach connects symbolic meaning with spatial organization. The project aims to provide more than just educational infrastructure—it establishes a space that integrates local identity with sustainability and fosters interaction, learning, and community cohesion.

Popis projektu

Located on a 7-hectare site in Kashitu, the school campus is divided into two zones based on the construction phases. The current phase focuses on the main educational and residential components. These include classrooms, laboratories, vocational workshops, student dormitories for both genders, a cafeteria with a full-service kitchen, an assembly hall (indoor and outdoor), a sick bay, laundry areas, a beekeeping and honey processing unit, and staff facilities.

The spatial layout is developed to respond to the site's topography and circulation logic. Buildings are arranged to encourage social interaction, while remaining sensitive to climate orientation and natural ventilation. Classrooms follow a traditional layout with flexibility for varying student numbers, and workshops support practical training in areas such as agriculture, metalwork, tailoring, and construction. The campus is designed to accommodate 250 to 400 students and aligns with Zambian educational standards while remaining adaptable for future expansion or curriculum changes.

Technické informace

The construction system relies primarily on ICEB blocks (Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks) for the wall structures, supported by concrete columns and wooden roof trusses, in accordance with competition requirements. Floors and foundations are constructed from concrete and stone sourced locally, ensuring cost-effectiveness and durability.

The roof assembly is designed to address the local climate conditions, consisting of multiple layers: a dried clay layer for thermal buffering, wooden panels, a ventilated air gap to aid in sound and heat insulation, and a final surface of white-painted sheet metal to reflect solar radiation. This layered system balances performance, sustainability, and ease of construction. All materials are chosen based on their availability, environmental performance, and alignment with passive design strategies suitable for Zambia’s tropical savanna climate.

Dokumentace

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