kashitu school

cyprus international university

Project idea

The School of Kashitu is a visionary proposal for a sustainable secondary school in Kashitu Village, Zambia, designed to set a new standard for educational architecture in rural contexts. In a region where access to quality education is limited, this project aims to empower the local population by creating a school that is not only a place of learning but also a center for community growth and resilience. Rooted in the use of locally available materials such as stabilized earth blocks and timber, the design embraces passive strategies for lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort to ensure low environmental impact and long-term sustainability. The architecture responds directly to the cultural, climatic, and economic realities of the area, offering flexible spaces that serve both educational and communal functions. More than a building, the School of Kashitu represents a model of how thoughtful, context-sensitive design can elevate quality of life, promote equity, and inspire similar initiatives across Zambia and beyond.

Project description

The School of Kashitu is a sustainable secondary school campus designed to establish a new standard for educational architecture in rural Zambia. Located on a 7-hectare site in Kashitu Village, the project will initially serve 250 students across a five-year curriculum, with future expansion to accommodate 400. Functioning as both a boarding and day school, it offers inclusive access to quality education for students from the village and surrounding areas. The program combines academic learning with practical, vocational training, including dedicated spaces for laboratories and a honey harvesting facility. Central to the design is an innovative water harvesting and cooling system located beneath the classroom blocks, using stored rainwater to passively regulate indoor temperatures and enhance comfort. The campus also features administrative buildings, student dormitories, communal gathering spaces, and is shaped by a strong commitment to sustainability, resilience, and social impact. Developed in close collaboration with the local community, who will actively participate in the construction process, the project promotes skill-sharing, cultural engagement, and a sense of ownership. Using locally sourced materials and climate-responsive strategies, The School of Kashitu presents a replicable model for empowering rural communities through thoughtful, context-driven architecture.

Technical information

The construction of the School of Kashitu embraces locally available and sustainable materials, with the primary structure built using red bricks produced directly from on-site soil through traditional digging and firing methods. This approach not only reduces transportation impact but also reinforces a strong connection to the land. Shading elements are crafted from natural bamboo, a renewable and lightweight material that provides both protection from the sun and a tactile sense of warmth and openness. Classrooms are elevated above a rainwater harvesting system that serves a dual purpose: collecting water for reuse and introducing passive cooling by allowing cool air to rise from beneath the floors. Cross ventilation is enhanced through carefully placed openings at the top of the roof, promoting continuous airflow while allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces. Additionally, wind towers are integrated into the classroom design to channel fresh air and further reduce indoor temperatures, creating a comfortable learning environment without reliance on mechanical systems. Together, these techniques demonstrate a holistic approach to climate-responsive design rooted in local knowledge and environmental sensitivity.