Location: Dillu and Hiddi, Ethiopia
Type: Educational
Surface: 530 SF per classroom module. 4,400 SF Master plan for each site.
In Association with Nizar Maddouri
We based our proposed design on traditional and contextual principles. The proposed structure puts emphasis on using local, readily available materials and methods of construction. Adaptability and flexibility are two important goals being pursued to accommodate present and future demands of the school system.
For this, our team is proposing a mono-sloped truss system module that allows the users to utilize these spaces for a variety of functions, including classrooms, kitchens, adult programs, multipurpose rooms, etc. The module is based on a 50 m2 area. This module can be incremented to accommodate all activities within the program and any future required necessity. A partition wall divides the modules, however since the trusses are accommodated front to back, these dividing walls can be removed at will to increase or decrease the function of the spaces.
We used the analogy of traditional Ethiopian patterns with triangular forms used on our roof truss system as well as the partition walls. These patterns found on traditional clothing, basket weaving, and local architecture were carefully analyzed and implemented as a pragmatic manifestation of ornamentation in our modules.
Wood is biodegradable, therefore is being used a primary material because of the local availability and sustainable qualities. The foundation system consists of a combination of concrete and masonry. Fly ash is recommended to be used as an aggregate up to 30% of the mix, this will help strengthen the concrete while recycling waste from any nearby industry that disposes coal.
The genesis for the mono-sloped roof idea was born from a combination of vernacular agrarian archetypes and sustainable strategies with a specific passive orientation. The orientation of the building is proposed in a manner sensible to the land. We suggest orienting the classroom modules north to south. This will ensure diffuse light from the north at the classroom entrances and strategically locate windows to the south for cross ventilation. The sloped roof ensures capturing the solar and water for the harvesting systems.
