ning spaces
rtyard with filtration
nd solar water heater
dge
and is situated in a lush green environment on a stepped and sloped site. The existing
class and lecture rooms are generally single storied buildings organized around
courtyards. Most of the courtyards open up towards the valley, resulting in spectacular
views.
This existing pattern was adopted for the layout of the new science centre, only
deviating from it by introducing a double story layout. The choice for a double story
layout resulted from functional considerations. Firstly, to have an efficient layout, the
preparation room needed to be adjacent to as many laboratories as possible. A two story
layout allows for four labs to be served directly, the upper floors being connected by
dumbwaiter. Secondly, the school expressed their wish of having the possibility to extend
the science centre in the future. A two story layout freed up space on the site for this
purpose. Additionally, by having a double story layout the upper floor could be directly
connected by a bridge to the upper level of the stepped site.
A main consideration for sustainable tropical architecture is the prevention of solar heat
gains. The main wing has an optimized east-west orientation preventing heat gains from
the morning and afternoon sun. A secondary skin was introduced to provide further
climate comfort by shading the entire building, whilst allowing enough natural light, and
LOCATION: Kampala, Uganda
Architects: FBW Architects & Engineers
Team: Nigel J. Tilling, Maarten Wessels
Structural Engineers: FBW Architects & Engineers
Team: Andrea Manetti, Allan Sekajja
MEP Engineers: FBW Architects & Engineers
Team: Nicholas Bukorovic, Phil Dobson, Isaac Kawuma,
Elizabeth Aum
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