Xai-Xai
is a district of the Gaza province in south-western Mozambique. In response to an open call, we proposed a preschool design located on a remote plot between Xai-Xai and Chongoene.
Concept & Plan Layout
The basic plan for the school draws inspiration from the traditional African compound house. All the functions are grouped around an inner courtyard. The indoor spaces are connected by a covered passage surrounding the courtyard. The roof is pitched towards the inside to capture and reuse rainwater. The covered outdoor area is aligned with benches between the entrance doors.
Compound housesketch by Maxwell Fry/ Diagram planlayout
The plan consists of two times seven identical rooms on opposite sides of the courtyard. All seven rooms are connected by sliding doors and can be used as one continuous space when needed. The main entrance is situated on one of the shortest edges of the courtyard. On the opposite side, all the bathrooms, the teacher’s launch and infirmary are located.
Architecture & materialization
Given the difficulties of transportation, the limited budget we proposed to limit concrete and steel used to the absolute minimum. The loadbearing walls and the foundation, are made almost entirely out of rammed earth which can be easily harvested on-site.
The floors are made out of compressed earth tiles on a mortar and scrid bed on top of waste filling. In this way, the number of materials which need to be transported to the site and the construction cost can be drastically cut.
All joinery and woodwork are made out padouk. All windows and doors are equipped with a mosquito net and wooden blinds to block out the sunlight when needed.
