The project is located in Kerala-India, known as 'Gods Own Country'.
Client desires an International School in 2.6 Hectare land, of which 1.8 Hectare is close to 1 in 2 slope and 0.8 Hectare is flat terrain.
Our innovative design with only 40% footprint and effective 80% open space+ playground, released 1.2 Hectare of land for future development. The design brings to life Unique Concepts of “TRANSFORM WITH NATURE” and “ENGAGE WITH SOCIETY” -core to education, but often ignored.
Study of surrounding social fabric revealed presence of NRI families and an inactive lifestyle due to lack of common social platforms.
Our master plan positions the school in area earmarked for playground. Constraints posed by topography are creatively designed to house a playground strategically. Viewing galleries are planned in natural terrain.
Steep terrain is divided into farming strips, nurturing students in a 'Close to Nature' environment.
Roads/ walkways at each floor level enable easy safe commuting. Levels of villas are carefully managed to allow clear vision to playground.
The concept of 'Transform with Nature' translates to dynamic building that merges with nature with camouflaging shading features. Students become 'change agents' by interacting with the building. The shading elements can be slid and rotated, to achieve perfect internal comfort.
A central courtyard (key feature in Kerala Architecture) with ceiling resembling sky and natural fibre-optic lights, create a unique auditorium. The vertical planted courtyard receives a waterfall which naturally cools mid-day wind.
Continuous horizontal planted voids achieve same illumination and ventilation as in top open courtyards, while avoiding mid-day sun, glare and rain.
The design integrates education with community activity and local tourism through introduction of flexible learning and exhibit spaces. While most schools remain deserted after school hours/ during holidays, this school transforms into an interactive green community space.
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