At the heart of a municipal waste centre, home to 400 Burmese migrants, lies an island of
green and a site where space, power and identity collide. Faced with decades of structural
inequality which has denied them access to social and economic opportunities, the
migrants in this community have sought refuge in Mae Sot, Thailand where they collect
plastic for a nominal profit. For two years, Estudio Cavernas has trained members of this
community, utilizing a holistic approach to capacity development in which workers are
trained in sustainable construction techniques sourcing local materials for the development
of their own communities.

Located at the core of the settlement, the Green Island provides a centrally located,
accessible, and safe space where children can learn and play together. Premised on the
formative power of physical space, the Island is designed to create multiple opportunities to
fulfil children’s social, physical, and cognitive needs. At the focal point of the island is a
community centre that doubles as a classroom. An open learning environment with varying
degrees of enclosure to support different learning conditions. Flexible open spaces allow for
greater scope for movement and encourage interaction and collaboration. When needed, the
main interior space can be divided using a mobile partition, a bookshelf with an attached
whiteboard, allowing the space to be used simultaneously by different groups.

Given the extreme weather conditions in the area, the southwest face of the centre is
surrounded by protective teak trees which shield it from rain and sun. Prone to heavy rainfall
during monsoon season, the building is elevated to avoid water damage to the structure and
a low-cost French drainage system is constructed to mitigate flooding. A large opening on
three sides of the building provides cross ventilation and natural light. Reclaimed timber was
used for the structure and flooring and locally assembled sugarcane thatch for the roof. An
inner layer of aluzinc was added beneath the thatch with a middle layer of vertically placed
eucalyptus to create an air chamber to avoid excessive radiation from the roof.

Adjacent to the community centre is a football field lined with bleachers. Students can
transition seamlessly into outdoor recreational spaces via an access ramp which provides
extra space for children to congregate and rest between activities. Sports equipment is
stored under the side platforms which can be accessed from the ground. Incorporated
throughout the outdoor area are different learning units including musical instruments,
climbing apparatus and a food garden to encourage learning everywhere. The food garden,
an enclosed area hosting vegetable and fruit trees, provides fresh produce for the
community and serves as an open classroom where children are taught the basic principles
of permaculture.

Since its construction, twenty families have built their homes around the Green Island
reinforcing the original concept of local ownership and belonging. The Green Island has
taken on a symbolic meaning for the community who are united through a central space that
represents the community’s identity and shared vision for their own development.