ARCHSTORMING International School Design Competition |
Our proposal, A School that Grows, is inspired by how a tree lives. It starts small, takes root, and grows with its surroundings.
It envisions a modular and adaptable school prototype for rural Nepal; one that evolves with its community like a living organism. Rooted in Nepal’s seismic and flood-prone realities, the design uses a 3.6 x 3.6-meter grid, a dimension compatible with the Nepal Building Code and local construction practices.
This modular grid allows schools to begin small and expand over time: a 2×2 module (7.2×7.2m) forms a standard classroom, while smaller modules 1×2 accommodate support spaces like restrooms or staircases. Such flexibility enables phased construction based on community needs and available resources.
The structure combines reinforced cement concrete (RCC) for the foundation and columns ensuring earthquake and flood resilience—with locally sourced materials such as timber, compressed stabilized earth blocks, and wattle and daub for the walls. This hybrid system balances strength, sustainability, and community participation.
The modular system supports incremental growth, encouraging local builders to replicate and adapt the design using familiar techniques and materials. By integrating passive design strategies, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting, the prototype redefines schools as resilient, evolving, and community-built infrastructures—prepared not just to endure Nepal’s challenges but to grow gracefully within them.
