The Building Blocks

Kathmandu University

Idea projektu

Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and floods, due to its active tectonic location and monsoon climate. The devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake and frequent monsoon floods every year, especially in the lowland Terai region, have caused significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure, including schools. Many educational buildings in Nepal are not disaster-resilient, putting students at risk and disrupting learning. These challenges highlight the urgent need for school designs that are earthquake- and flood-resistant. A modular, adaptable, and climate-responsive school prototype can offer a safe and sustainable solution, ensuring the continuity of education even in the face of natural calamities.

This school project presents a modular prototype for primary education in Nepal, designed to be adaptable, climate-responsive, and resilient. Centered around a rectangular courtyard, the building features repeated classroom and support units arranged in an orthogonal grid layout. This modular system allows for phased expansion based on future needs while promoting natural ventilation and social interaction through offset modules that channel airflow into the central open space.

To address seismic risks common in Nepal, the school employs an RCC frame structure with hollow concrete block walls and a lightweight metal roof. The hollow blocks are cast in-situ using large formworks, enabling rapid and efficient construction. The repeating roof forms introduce a rhythmic architectural expression while incorporating clerestory windows to release warm air and enhance cross-ventilation.

Built on a floodplain, the structure is elevated on plinths to prevent water ingress. Additionally, rainwater is harvested during the monsoon and stored in an underground tank for irrigating a kitchen garden, teaching sustainability while supporting school nutrition. This prototype is designed not only for durability and comfort but also as a scalable and context-sensitive solution for quality primary education across Nepal.

Popis projektu

The scope of this school project solution focuses on creating a resilient, adaptable, and sustainable primary school prototype tailored for Nepal’s disaster-prone regions. It includes the use of modular classroom and support units arranged around a central courtyard, allowing for phased expansion based on future needs. The design integrates earthquake-resistant RCC frame structures and flood protection through elevated plinths, making it suitable for regions vulnerable to seismic activity and seasonal flooding. Efficient construction is achieved through in-situ cast hollow concrete blocks and large formworks, ensuring timely completion. The school also promotes natural ventilation and thermal comfort through offset modules, clerestory roofs, and open courtyards. Additionally, rainwater harvesting is incorporated to support a kitchen garden, encouraging sustainable practices. This solution addresses safety, scalability, climate responsiveness, and educational continuity, making it an ideal model for primary schools across Nepal.

Technické informace

Structural System
-Frame Type: Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) frame structure
- Wall System: In-situ cast hollow concrete block walls for faster construction and thermal insulation
- Foundation: Raised plinth to protect against flooding, with proper drainage and compacted sub-base
- Roof Structure: Lightweight metal roof supported by steel trusses or purlins

Earthquake Resistance:
- Construction Technique: Use of large reusable formworks to cast entire modules for speed and uniformity

Building Layout and Design
- Modular Design: Repeated classroom and support units arranged in an orthogonal grid around a central courtyard
- Courtyard: Open-to-sky rectangular courtyard promotes ventilation, daylight, and social interaction
- Offset Modules: Allow for cross ventilation and air movement, improving thermal comfort

Clerestory Roofs: Provide natural lighting and allow warm air to escape for passive cooling

Materials
- Walls: In-situ cast concrete hollow blocks (locally available materials)
- Roofing: Corrugated metal sheets with insulation beneath
- Flooring: Cement screed or tiles over RCC slab

Windows & Doors: Metal or timber frames with insect screens and operable shutters for ventilation

Flood Mitigation Measures
- Raised Plinth Height: Based on local floodplain data

Surface Drainage: Sloped site grading and drainage channels around buildings
Water Harvesting: Underground rainwater collection tank for irrigation of the kitchen garden

Environmental and Energy Considerations
Natural Ventilation: Achieved through open corridors, courtyards, and clerestory vents
Rainwater Harvesting: Collects monsoon rain for reuse
Thermal Comfort: Shaded outdoor areas and breathable materials improve indoor climate

Construction Efficiency
Time-Saving Methods: Large formworks and modular casting reduce construction time
Scalability: Easy to expand in phases without disrupting existing school operation

This technical specification ensures the school is safe, durable, climate-responsive, and cost-effective, meeting the real-world needs of Nepal’s vulnerable communities.