Gando School Extension

The extension followed the primary school that the architect, born in this village and now leading a practice in Germany, built for his community. The first school drew so many children from the surrounding area that more classrooms were needed.

The new building stands out for its single barrel-vaulted roof of earth blocks, broken by strips of brick screens that let air through. A light metal roof raised above the vault keeps off sun and rain, and the gap between the two carries hot air away.

The design brings together traditional ways of learning in shaded gathering spaces and the familiar form of a classroom. Brightly painted shutters punctuate the earth walls, and villagers again helped make the bricks and raise the building.