Insaka School

Project idea

"A school that grows like a tree and breathes with the spirit of the Insaka

School Concept in Zambia
The school concept is rooted in blending Zambian cultural symbols with principles of sustainable design and an interactive learning environment.

The school is composed of a series of circular structures inspired by the traditional Insaka, arranged in an open layout as if gathered beneath the shade of a great tree.

Natural materials such as mud, thatch, and local timber are used in construction, reinforcing sustainability and a sense of belonging


At the heart of the design lies a central hub that symbolizes the tree’s trunk—a circular gathering space that serves as a place for dialogue, community, and the beginning of learning. From this center, educational spaces grow outward in connected circles, encouraging social interaction and allowing for fluid movement between classrooms and shared facilities.


This school is not merely a place of education, but a living environment that grows with its community, reflects its identity, and nurtures its children in the protective shade of its symbolic tree

Project description

the architectural layout is composed of organically arranged round structures centered around an open courtyard. This spatial gesture symbolizes a tree’s trunk surrounded by its roots, reflecting notions of unity, growth, and shared knowledge.

Locally sourced materials such as compressed earth blocks, thatch, and native hardwoods are used to reduce embodied energy, construction costs, and reinforce vernacular construction methods within a contemporary design language.

Passive design strategies are central to the project, allowing for natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal comfort without mechanical systems. The roofing structures are fully covered yet elevated and ventilated to permit airflow while shielding interior spaces from direct sunlight and rainfall.

Landscape integration is a key design driver. Existing trees on site are preserved, and additional native vegetation is introduced to enhance biodiversity, provide shade, and support outdoor learning spaces. Nature is treated not as a backdrop but as a dynamic and integral part of the school environment.

The program includes flexible units such as classrooms, science labs, a library, administrative offices, and community facilities — all connected by shaded pathways and green corridors. The masterplan is phased to accommodate future expansion, aligning with community growth and evolving needs.

This school is conceived not only as an educational institution but as a living system — a space for learning, interaction, and empowerment. It embodies participatory architecture by involving local labor, knowledge, and culture throughout its design and implementation.

Technical information

The project relies entirely on passive strategies for lighting and ventilation. Natural light enters all classrooms, educational spaces, and circulation paths through strategically oriented openings, clerestory windows, and light wells, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Cross ventilation is achieved by distributing openings at different levels of the walls, allowing pressure differences to stimulate airflow.

Particular attention was given to addressing the issue of humidity in the region by enabling continuous air movement within the spaces, which helps reduce moisture accumulation and enhances user comfort. Although there are no open roofs, all roofs are elevated and include protected ventilation gaps that allow air to pass through without compromising protection from sun or rain.

The design provides shaded coverage for all corridors and walkways, allowing for continuous airflow while maintaining protection from environmental elements. Additionally, existing trees on the site were carefully preserved and integrated into the overall layout for the natural shade and ecological balance they provide, as well as for their connection to the place and the site’s natural identity.