KASHITU SECONDARY SCHOOL

Project idea

The urban design is based on the principles of traditional
Zambian architecture, the shape of the plot, and the positioning
of existing buildings. The main entrance to the site is
from the southeast, near the train stop, road, and existing
kindergarten. It is located between the already-built guardhouse
and the proposed clinic building. The clinic is placed
at the beginning of the plot for easy access by emergency
services and to be potentially shared by the nearby kindergarten.
This location, close to the gate, is also ideal for
security purposes; in non-emergency cases, patients can be
monitored by the guard when the doctor is not present. It is
anticipated that the doctor will not be permanently stationed
there, and the clinic will be used only when needed.
After the controlled entrance, two buildings lie on either side:
one for teacher facilities and another for practical education.
The main school campus is formed by a spiral of standalone
classroom buildings ending in a dining hall and library.
The classrooms are connected by a covered walkway
and shaded in-between areas. At the center of the campus
is a large covered pavilion in the style of traditional Zambian
insaka structures—a circular building with a thatched roof
serving as the main gathering area.
The teaching section spirals into the residential area. Student
housing is designed as semi-enclosed clusters of several
buildings. Each unit provides accommodation for 64
students, including sanitary facilities and common areas.
There are four such units: one each for older and younger
girls, and one each for older and younger boys. The total
capacity is 256 students, with a provision for expanding
with two more units. Teacher housing is located at the far
end of the site.
Between the school and residential zones, there is a sports
field with amenities and a communal space. The carpentry
and metalwork workshops are located near the entrance,
in a more remote area of the plot to allow easy access for
supplies while minimizing noise for the rest of the campus.
A large portion of the land will be used for growing crops to
support the community‘s self-sufficiency. A variety of fruit
trees will also be planted.

Project description

The buildings are constructed from adobe bricks with
steel beams and white trapezoidal sheet metal roofing. All
structures have sloped roofs for easy rainwater collection
and drainage. As water is scarce in Zambia, the design
includes rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment for
reuse. Since guttering is uncommon, a perimeter channel
beneath the roofs directs water to filtration systems and
large storage tanks.
The building design is simple—bricks remain exposed on
the exterior, while interior walls are finished with earthen
plaster. For improved microclimate and ventilation, some
bricks are set upright, allowing air to flow through circular
openings while maintaining rain and wind protection. This
detail is consistently used throughout the campus, creating
visual unity. Steel beams are painted in earthy tones to complement
the brickwork. In student housing areas, beams are
painted yellow to aid orientation.
Windows are designed in two styles: most buildings feature
wooden louvered windows in metal frames, which can be
partially opened for shading control. Where greater safety
and comfort are needed, glass windows are used. This
uniform style contributes to the coherent character of the
campus.

Technical information

STRUCTURAL AND MATERIAL SOLUTION
The primary structural system is made of adobe bricks, reinforced
with a concrete ring beam, upon which truss beams
support a metal roof. The gaps between beams are filled
with upright bricks, which allow natural ventilation while
providing protection from the elements. Roof overhangs
offer shade and protection from rain, improving the internal
climate by reducing heat gain.
Steel trusses were chosen for several reasons: although
less accessible, they are more durable in local conditions.
Wooden trusses are vulnerable to termites and often warp
due to improper drying. Moreover, Zambia has one of the
highest rates of deforestation globally, making timber an
unsustainable main material. Therefore, wood is only used
for secondary structures and interior furnishings—not as a
primary structural component.
ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN
Water is a precious resource in Zambia, and gutters are
rarely available. The campus is designed for rainwater to be
easily collected and directed underground via buried channels
to filtration and storage tanks. After proper treatment,
this water can be used for drinking.
Buildings facing north—the sunniest direction in the
southern hemisphere—will be equipped with photovoltaic
panels. The energy will be stored in batteries and will power
most of the campus. Additional panels can be installed on
housing units, allowing them to be energy self-sufficient.
Each housing unit has its own septic tank, and two units
share a water tank.

Documentation

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