From walls to horizons

Idea projektu

The title "From Walls to Horizons" reflects the core vision of this project: a school that goes beyond its physical boundaries to inspire educational, social, and personal growth. Set in rural Africa, the school aims to become not only a place of learning but also a self-sufficient, community-centered space. The project is rooted in three main ideas: Repetition – as a symbol of daily rhythm and structure, Gradation – as a spatial metaphor for progress, and Belonging – creating a sense of home, security, and opportunity. Architecture becomes a quiet guide, supporting both routine and discovery - moving from the intimacy of enclosed rooms to the openness of shared courtyards and, eventually, the wide horizon of the future.

Popis projektu

This project envisions a secondary school located in rural Africa, designed as a layered and self-sustaining environment that supports both education and everyday life. The concept reflects a spatial and symbolic journey — from the safety of enclosed spaces to the openness of community, nature, and future opportunities. Architecture becomes a quiet framework for growth, balancing routine with exploration. The layout of the school is inspired by the logic of a small town. At its heart lies a central courtyard — a gathering space for students and teachers. This is surrounded by dormitory, which creates a sense of enclosure, protection, and belonging. The outermost layer consists of classrooms and shared facilities, forming a clear and gradual spatial progression from private to public, from calm to vibrant — echoing the rhythm of a school day. The project is structured on a repetitive 9x9 meter modular grid, which corresponds to the standard size of a classroom. This repetition gives the design clarity, rhythm, and construction efficiency, while also representing the regularity of daily life and learning. At the same time, the repetition is softened through variation in program and atmosphere, allowing for diversity within order. The primary construction material is locally made, cement-stabilized earth bricks. These blocks are perforated, allowing for reinforcement and promoting natural ventilation and lighting. Passive strategies such as high ceilings, shaded walkways, and perforated facades reduce the need for mechanical systems and help maintain comfort in a hot climate. Rainwater is collected from rooftops and stored in underground tanks, while greywater is cleaned through artificial wetlands and reused for irrigation, creating a sustainable cycle of water. The space beneath the dormitories is left open to create shaded, breezy areas for rest, informal gatherings, and study. Insect protection is ensured with integrated mesh screens in key spaces, contributing to health and well-being. Together, these strategies create an environment that is simple yet responsive and humble. This school is more than a collection of buildings — it is a place of rhythm, community, and transformation. A place where the repetition of daily life supports stability, where spatial gradation reflects personal growth, and where architecture opens the path from walls… to horizons.

Technické informácie

The primary building material is cement-stabilized unfired brick, produced locally from earth. These bricks are perforated, allowing for vertical reinforcement bars to be inserted, improving structural integrity, especially in taller elements. The perforations also enhance natural ventilation, while the thermal mass of the earthen bricks supports passive cooling. The dormitory buildings are constructed using CLT panels (cross-laminated timber), which are locally produced in South Africa. This material was chosen for its structural performance, speed of assembly, and reduced environmental impact. CLT offers excellent thermal insulation, natural aesthetics, and a comfortable indoor climate — particularly important in residential spaces. The use of prefabricated timber elements also simplifies the building process and reduces on-site waste. The roof structures are lightweight, with overhangs and ventilated gaps that promote airflow and prevent overheating. Fabric ceilings are used in interior spaces for acoustic comfort and to reduce radiant heat. Protective insect mesh is applied in sleeping and study areas for health and comfort. The buildings are oriented to make full use of cross-ventilation and natural daylight, with strategic openings and shaded walkways that function as circulation, social space, and sun protection. The site is designed as a layered system: dormitory and teacher housing provide a protective ring around shared and educational spaces, creating a legible layout and a balance between privacy and openness. Open ground floors beneath dormitory blocks serve as shaded communal areas that support informal activities and cooling. Together, these technical strategies aim to create a low-impact, climate-responsive school that uses local materials, passive design, and simple construction methods to deliver meaningful, comfortable, and resilient architecture.