Gando Primary School Extension
Completed
2006-2008
Gando, Burkina Faso
380 sqm
Community of Gando / Kéré Foundation e.V.
Hevert-Arzneimittel GmbH und Co Kg.
BSI Swiss Architectural Award, Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Burkina Faso, Zumtobel Group Award for Sustainability and Humanity in the Built Environment
Two years after the completion of the Gando Primary School, an overwhelming increase in school enrolment prompted the planning of an extension. The Gando Primary School Extension features four additional classrooms and a sunken seating area in the middle where students can enjoy shade between classes. Together, the two buildings form an “L” shape, defining what has now become an important gathering space in Gando.
The building benefits from the lessons learnt and skills acquired by community members in the construction of the Gando Primary School. It is built out of the same materials and following similar construction techniques, but features notable upgrades, such as its vaulted ceiling. The brick vaults improve the inner spatial quality of the classrooms, not only visually but also in terms of thermal comfort by allowing hot air to escape upwards through integrated ventilation gaps. The corrugated metal roof follows the arched form of the ceiling, but along a softer curve, exposing the intricate truss work that supports it.
The building has become an important identifying landmark in the region for its striking architectural character and won international acclaim for its elegant low-tech design.
Two years after the completion of the Gando Primary School, an overwhelming increase in school enrolment prompted the planning of an extension. The Gando Primary School Extension features four additional classrooms and a sunken seating area in the middle where students can enjoy shade between classes. Together, the two buildings form an “L” shape, defining what has now become an important gathering space in Gando.
The building benefits from the lessons learnt and skills acquired by community members in the construction of the Gando Primary School. It is built out of the same materials and following similar construction techniques, but features notable upgrades, such as its vaulted ceiling. The brick vaults improve the inner spatial quality of the classrooms, not only visually but also in terms of thermal comfort by allowing hot air to escape upwards through integrated ventilation gaps. The corrugated metal roof follows the arched form of the ceiling, but along a softer curve, exposing the intricate truss work that supports it.
The building has become an important identifying landmark in the region for its striking architectural character and won international acclaim for its elegant low-tech design.
