Bridging The Gap
TEAM
Saumya Verma
TOOLS
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Lumion, Photoshop CC
TIMELINE
May 2019
SITE
Nainital, Uttarakhand
CLIMATE TYPE
Subtropical Highland
A primary school to be designed in the hilly region of Nainital, Uttarakhand. To cater to the cold subtropical climate of the region, a number of passive solar strategies have been employed such as south facing - double glazed windows, light wells and clerestory roof. To increase school satisfaction among the children, more interac- tive spaces have been provided and a concept of a "School within a school" has been applied.
RESEARCH
School Within a School
Traditionally, a school within a school approach establishes within the school, a smaller educational unit with a separate educational program, its own staff and students, and its own budget - with common spaces like auditorium, playground etc.
Benefits of this model include- a greater sense of belonging, a more involved faculty, and enhanced self-perception of the student, to name a few.
Approaching the design problem with a similar mindset, a cluster of 4 classrooms (for one standard) has been designed, with its own interactive space and staffroom. These clusters are replicated throughout the form.
FORM DEVELOPMENT
Initial Form
Rectangular block jutting out of the natural contoured site. The longer span of the rectangle faces the southern side for maximum solar heat gain.
Fragmentation
Division of blocks to allow maximum solar exposure from south to majority of classrooms.
Modelling Out
Carving out clusters of classrooms and a common activity block. Two classrooms are jutting out of every cluster.
Passive Solar Strategies
Addition of skylights and clerestory roof for maximum intake of sunlight.
Connecting the two blocks
Addition of skywalk and interactive open spaces.
BLOW-UP DIAGRAMS
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Blending traditional Himalayan techniques like Kath-Kuni with modern construction innovations like insulated walls, skylights, and clerestory roofs.
Kath-Kuni architecture blends traditional Himalayan techniques with modern construction innovations like insulated walls, skylights, and clerestory roofs.A legacy of distinctive traditional building practice known as kath-khuni construction, survives and thrives in the Himalayan hills of India.
"Kath Kuni architecture ideology has been incorporated throughout, with an amalgamtion of new construction technology like double-stud walls, insulated roof slab, clerestory roof, and inclined skylights.
A detail of the clerestory roof has been drawn below.
DIGITAL MODEL
