Energy Efficient Primary School
Reimagining the structural aspects of a play school through the lens of sustainability and ecology
Site Plan
● A combination of awning and fixed windows have been used on the west, north and south facing facades; only the top half is openable (awning) while the bottom glass is fixed.
● As it is a kindergarten, the average height of a student is around 40”, therefore, the fixed windows are placed at a height of 30” so as to allow easy access to the view outside and the awning window is placed at a height of 48” from the floor for the safety reasons of the children.
● The awning window when opened, regulates the force of the wind entering the space, making it pleasant and enjoyable.
● The lower half helps increase the amount of natural light entering the space in addition to that of the awning.
● Sliding windows are placed at the east facade allowing more wind to enter.
● The direction of the wind being west to east, it doesn't allow for much wind to enter the space from the east facing windows. Hence, larger sliding windows have been used to allow maximum wind flow without any external obstructions.
The centre courtyard, windows, and vents help keep the space cool and ventilated at all times.
Weather and climate graph of Mumbai to help understand the materials, lighting, and ventilation systems required.
Walls - USG Structo-Lite Plaster (clay and lime) is used or both the interior and the exterior as it is sustainable, has the ability to absorb indoor humidity and release it slowly over time, is capable of maintaining the indoor humidity levels by storing moisture when levels reach over 50% while also being a lightweight material.
Flooring - The flooring is made of light brown unglazed porcelain tiles. Porcelain is also a durable and hard wearing material that is resistant to harsher cleaning agents, scratches, stains, fading, heavy loads, moisture and fire - all basic needs for a primary school environment. Additionally, the play areas have a layer of foam tiles for the safety of the children.
Roofing - Spanish tile roofs have been used to protect against rot, rodents, heat, and humidity for up to 100 years making it a sustainable and cost effective option. The courtyards have rain gutters under the roofing on the interior facade along with rain chains at the corners for rainwater to drip down at a slower pace.
Triangular indentations and the 'U' shaped railing designs on the walls
are made out of recycled glass of different colours while the various shapes are made out of recycled waste preserved in resin. This not only facilitates up-cycling, but also helps in the educational enhancement of the children by providing an alternative and fun way to learn and observe colours and patterns.
