Eight new classrooms doubled the educational capacity at this school in Burkina Faso, making it possible for 1100 children to receive an education.   

Article 25, a UK registered charity that seeks to provide better shelter wherever there is need, lead the project.  Max Fordham’s Developing Countries Group provided the environmental strategy, electrical and water services design, and drainage and latrine design. 

Apart from dealing with overcrowding in the existing school, key drivers for the project were to improve comfort for the students, while retaining use of natural light in the buildings.  Water use, drainage and provision of latrines were also important considerations.

The environmental strategy focussed on bringing enough light and air into the classrooms while minimising solar gains.  This was achieved by using a ventilated roof system, with a corrugated steel fly roof,  secondary timber ceiling and adjustable louvred windows.

A block of latrines ensured that there were enough toilet facilities for the increased student population.  The standard design for a single latrine was developed using UNICEF guidelines, to create a common pit latrine that effectively deals with odour and flies.