Sound Preparatory Academy - Mpraeso, Ghana
The design approach was to honor the wisdom of traditional building methods while utilizing low-cost, simple and regenerative materials that local crafts-people could easily build with minimal outside sourcing. The building will weave a classroom of modern technology using indigenous materials and methods to inspire and educate the students. Design is based on the bioregion, climate, natural resources, workers skills and cultural riches.
Sustainable features -Low embodied energy materials, such as, earthen materials for bricks and mortar, natural pigments, woven bamboo doors, reclaimed wood and sustainably harvested rubber tree wood are all non-toxic and regenerative, all potentially being compostable.
-Lighting from the clerestory window, with CFL’s. 200-watt solar array for lights and computers.
-Harvest rainwater for drinking, cooking and washing, gardening. Garden will reduce heat island effect on building perimeter.
-Durable concrete slab, easy to maintain
-Woven bamboo doors provide ventilation and help exhaust warm air through the clerestory window above.
-These sustainable elements are also related to curriculum standards at the School.
-Curriculum Based Interpretive Elements:
-Water conservation system
Environmental murals painted on two cisterns
-Computer software to monitor solar PV output
-Computer for classroom and community space
-Cultural symbols and quote etched on façade of building to honor and share values and beliefs.
Sustainable features -Low embodied energy materials, such as, earthen materials for bricks and mortar, natural pigments, woven bamboo doors, reclaimed wood and sustainably harvested rubber tree wood are all non-toxic and regenerative, all potentially being compostable.
-Lighting from the clerestory window, with CFL’s. 200-watt solar array for lights and computers.
-Harvest rainwater for drinking, cooking and washing, gardening. Garden will reduce heat island effect on building perimeter.
-Durable concrete slab, easy to maintain
-Woven bamboo doors provide ventilation and help exhaust warm air through the clerestory window above.
-These sustainable elements are also related to curriculum standards at the School.
-Curriculum Based Interpretive Elements:
-Water conservation system
Environmental murals painted on two cisterns
-Computer software to monitor solar PV output
-Computer for classroom and community space
-Cultural symbols and quote etched on façade of building to honor and share values and beliefs.