KASHITU SECONDARY SCHOOL

Idea projektu

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.

Popis projektu

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.

Technické informácie

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.