African Design Magazine ADM #39 April 2018 | Page 8

SCHOOL DESIGN
detail. The focus is
on robustness and
durability of materials
to ensure longevity
and we are currently
researching sustainable
materials and
construction methods,”
Mabusela points out.
furniture that meets the
needs. Fabric plays an
important role since it needs
to be both durable and
colourful.”
The design has evolved and
in phase 2 the building will be
double volume, with no air-
conditioning. “We have opted
to introduce large window
openings to provide natural
light, as well as natural cross
ventilation from the central
courtyard. In the courtyard we
are exposing the steel frame
beams from which students
can suspend their projects.
The whole look and feel is
industrial, with screed floors
tinted in pantone colours,
and a corrugated sheeting
roof structure with bullnose
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | APRIL 2018
Rainwater will be
harvested from the
corrugated roofs to
central areas and used
to water plants, the
children’s vegetable
garden and the sports
fields. The developers
are also currently
investigating the addition of
solar panels to be fitted on
to the roofs of the carports
as well as on some of the
school buildings. “We want
the footprint of the school’s
buildings to give back instead
of take away from the
environment.”
Students are encouraged
to own the space, with the
development of a sustainable
vegetable garden, and a
founders’ tree which is
constructed from cut steel
and wood that contains leaf-
shaped name tags of the
learners. Mabusela points out
that students are encouraged
to integrate into the school
and thereby form an essential
part of its evolution.