bauen fur orange farm opens the mzamba schools in south africa
‘mzamba preschool and grade 1 buildings’ by bauen fur orange farm, mzamba, south africa
(above) mzamba grade 1 building
image © studio mzamba
founded in 2010, the ithuba school mzamba in an underpriveleged rural area of eastern cape is an ongoing design/build project whereby several european universities work with munich-based NPO bauen fur orange farm to complete the educational facilities. the construction is executed entirely from volunteers, locals, and students in line with their motto: ‘build together – learn together’, implementing local craftsmanship and construction methods. having limited access to resources, the schools must function efficiently without the use of grid energy. basic principles have been put into practice while maintaining a high degree of designed aesthetic; the corrugated metal roofs control water shed and overhang from the walls shading the various windows and exterior verandas. concrete masonry units supported on a single slab foundation were used to erect the walls, providing the thermal mass necessary to help keep the interior cool. the walls are then coated in a locally-made earth plaster that seals the envelope and further insulates the structure. slender steel columns and wooden frame system constitute the roof structure – an economic construction strategy that prevents the structure from becoming too imposing. both schools utilize shared exterior courtyards that can be used as multi-functional assembly areas.
mzamba grade 1
completed 2011
image © studio mzamba
small perforations in the facade are an easy way to make a playful aesthetic and improve internal lighting an ventilation
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
clerestory windows allow hot air to escape while lighting the classrooms
image © studio mzamba
the overhanging corrugated metal roof shades the windows from direct sunlight
image © studio mzamba
internal courtyard
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
entrance to a classroom
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
mzamba pre-school
completed 2013
image © studio mzamba
shaded veranda
image © studio mzamba
large windows extend views over the vast landscape
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
operable windows facilitate ventilation and improved interior air quality
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
leaves embedded into the concrete form work leave playful prints
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
image © studio mzamba
classroom
image © studio mzamba
bathroom
image © studio mzamba
plaster finishing
image © studio mzamba
construction
image © studio mzamba
project info:
ithuba school mzamba – classroom grade 1
client: ithuba community college, southafrica
location: mzamba, eastern cape, southafrica
program: classroom for primary school
project team: studio mzamba, markus dobmeier
realization: 2010 – 2011
realization team: “bauen für orangefarm” with architecture students from the technical university of munich and local workers
ithuba school mzamba – preschool
client: ithuba community college, southafrica
location: mzamba, eastern cape, southafrica
program: classroom for preschool
project team: studio mzamba, markus dobmeier and elias rubin
realization: 2012 – 2013
realization team: “bauen für orangefarm” with architecture students from the university of applied sciences munich and local workers
architecture in south africa (29 articles)
hufton + crow photograph heatherwick's zeitz MOCAA museum in cape town
porky hefer supersizes his signature 'nests' for debut architectural project
dhk reinvigorates the V&A waterfront in cape town with new 'battery park'
LOT-EK uses 140 shipping containers to build residential community in johannesburg
dhk architects' norval foundation displays south african art within a wetland ecosystem
haldane martin's swan cafe, a contemporary take on a traditional parisian creperie
architecture news
FLEXSE by SA lab is a compact living module made from 100% recyclable materials
#architecture
the module can be assembled on site and positioned on different foundations, allowing it to be placed in the most remote areas.
the module can be assembled on site and positioned on different foundations, allowing it to be placed in the most remote areas.
architecture students reimagine ollivanders, weasley burrow, and more harry potter scenes
#architecture
their harry potter architecture models were laser cut from cardboard (ten house points).
their harry potter architecture models were laser cut from cardboard (ten house points).
'visions of architecture' explores the captivating designs of ricardo bofill
#architecture
the monograph published by gestalten takes readers on a journey through the spanish architect's most renowned projects.
the monograph published by gestalten takes readers on a journey through the spanish architect's most renowned projects.
anti reality reverses roof of this summerhouse to create space for a pool
#architecture
set in a rocky seaside area with direct contact with water, the one-storey dwelling would encompass 914 square feet (85-square-meters).
set in a rocky seaside area with direct contact with water, the one-storey dwelling would encompass 914 square feet (85-square-meters).
great project! great idea! approaches like this one put a huuuuge smile on my face…. keep it going !!!!!
ervin
Another very fine project by Bauen Fur Orange Farm. Check them out.
The children deserve this.
Awesome!