Nakamtenga Village School
Once the decision to extend the village school of Nakamtenga in Burkina Faso had been made, Yennenga Progress directly contacted Kjellander Sjöberg. The task was to design a new building which, in harmony with the existing preschool and elementary school, could accommodate multiple classrooms on the smallest footprint possible; something the entire region desperately needed.
Sustainable and local building material
The point of departure for the project was employing a local construction method using a soil type laterite, excavated, formed by hand into blocks and dried. Upon exposure to air, it hardens and becomes a brick-like rigid material. By using a locally produced and sustainable material that can be recycled, a low construction cost was achieved.
Robust and modular
The robust structural concept is based on a concrete frame, modular in all three dimensions, which can be extended, stacked and repeated as needed. It provides the opportunity to create spaces for diverse functions as well as supporting a pleasant microclimate. Horizontal blind slats protect against the western sun while the morning sun is blocked by the entrance balcony running along the eastern façade. The southern and western facades are closed, making space for outdoor stairs supported by the structural frame.
A concept with far-reaching benefits
The original assignment by Yennenga Progress has been expanded to also include drawings and building instructions for other complementary public buildings. The designed typologies can be easily replicated using the documentation and thus benefit more villages. They use the same construction principle of concrete and laterite, with additional parts made at a local forge. Such method provides new jobs and creates a better local environment in accordance to the UN’s 2030 Agenda, sustainable development goal number 6 – ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The project has been carried out pro bono.
Better microclimate
Proposed shelter in the schoolyard provides protection from sun and rain, creating an improved microclimate and thus better conditions for teaching. The new roof structure is currently being built on site and will become a place for socializing and teaching students.
Project for a vibrant local community
The school extension, providing required number of places for students coming even from surrounding villages, has created much-needed jobs for resident construction workers and craftsmen and thus contributed to a positive development of the local economy.
