Given Ukraine’s dire circumstances, the project aimed to design a building that is simple in form—making it easy to construct and quickly put into use. Beyond functionality, the goal is to enhance the quality of education by creating a stronger connection to the surrounding greenery. By encouraging time spent in nature at every floor level, the project seeks to foster a happier, more resilient community.

The building’s “healthy” features from its wall build ups to the green walls symbolize a new chapter for the community—one that embraces a different way of living, in harmony with nature.

Students and staff enter through the ground floor, where the reception is located. This level also includes an accessible restroom and a maintenance room that houses water purification and electrical systems.

A centrally placed staircase at the rear of the building leads to the first floor, which is designed as a flexible, modular space. It can function either as a large hall for assemblies or be divided into two separate classrooms. This floor also opens onto a green balcony, providing opportunities for environmental education and engagement with nature.

The second floor, accessible via the same central staircase, is designated for staff offices which also is modular depending on the needs of the group. The top floor is available to all building users and features spaces for gardening and recreation.

In case of emergency, the central staircase can be used to enter a basement floor for shelter.

In terms of color the finish inside and out is a white lime render which enables the timber of the window frames, fencing and posts to stand out and speak to the sustainability of the project. The render also shares a similar characteristic to the vernacular of the area as most of the surrounding buildings seem to use an external plaster or render as its finish.

The building seeks to sit peacefully within its vernacular, but wants to introduce more green, more nature and more happiness in a time of distress.

(Please look at the wall detail build up to see the components of the building and why it would be a sustainable build)

Thank you,
Rohit and Annie