ModuLearn School

The “Nepal School Project” competition was organized to address the acute shortage of safe school buildings in Nepal following devastating floods and earthquakes. The main objective is to develop an innovative, replicable, and earthquake-resistant school design that would function not only as an educational facility but also as a community hub during emergencies.

Participants are invited to create a prototype school design that meets the following requirements:

• Flood resilience: The foundation must be elevated to protect from floodwaters.

• Earthquake resilience: The structure must withstand the seismic activity characteristic of the region.

• Sustainability: The use of sustainable materials, passive design strategies, and renewable energy solutions is encouraged.

• Modularity: The design must allow for phased construction, adaptability for future expansions, and flexibility to fit various budgets and community needs.

• Community focus: The school must offer a safe learning environment and serve as a shelter during emergencies.

Since the competition aims to create a replicable school prototype, no specific site has been allocated. The project is designed for a typical plot similar to those available to public schools.

The proposal envisions a single-story modular building unified by a shared roof. It is designed to be resilient, stable, and adaptable for communities affected by natural disasters. Priority is given to safety, cost-effectiveness, and cultural relevance, so the building can function as both an educational institution and an emergency shelter.

The classroom module is designed with a student-centered approach and integrates age-specific play areas. The simplicity of implementation is reflected in the ease of construction using basic structural elements, accessible materials, and straightforward building techniques.

The standard classroom block can be adapted for different functions. Based on its layout, modules are developed for a multipurpose hall, a service block with an office, storage, and technical room, as well as a dining area with a kitchen.

To accommodate necessary equipment and enable effective, modern teaching methods, each classroom covers an area of 53 m². This allows for active learning formats and accommodates up to 40 students, contributing positively to their physical and mental development.

Each classroom can be divided in half using a movable partition, with additional separation provided by heavy fabric curtains. These subdivided spaces can serve as temporary shelters for families who have lost their homes in natural disasters.

The school can also host community events and provide medical and cultural services outside of school hours. An integrated orchard and age-appropriate play areas support a sustainable educational environment for children.

Toilets are placed in a separate structure due to the absence of centralized sewage systems. Human waste is managed through a biogas generator, which not only processes waste but also derives benefits from it. The resulting gas can be used for cooking, and the mineralized residue serves as fertilizer for gardens.

Passive design is central to the project. Roof overhangs and ventilated bamboo panels provide passive cooling. The school features an earthquake-resistant structural frame and self-sufficient water and energy systems. Rainwater is collected, filtered, and stored for drinking, sanitation, and cleaning purposes. Greywater is treated and reused for irrigation, minimizing waste. Solar panels generate electricity, and the biogas generator turns waste into fertilizer and cooking fuel, reducing dependency on firewood and closing the sanitation loop.

The central courtyard is a multifunctional space that serves not only for recreation but also for outdoor classes, field experiments, and school events. It can also host fairs, exhibitions, medical services, and social activities for the community.

The project combines traditional craftsmanship with disaster-resilient construction techniques, creating a safe, welcoming, and adaptable space for Nepali children and their communities.

The school design for Nepal must not only be modular but also easily constructed in phases, allowing for future expansion. This requires flexibility in the construction timeline, depending on available resources and the needs of the local population.

Our proposal envisions building the structural frame and shared roof first, while wall infill for new modules can be completed later. Additionally, the modular nature of the design allows the school to expand in any direction, even vertically, if necessary.

Our architectural project has successfully reached the semi-finals of the competition.