Eleena Jamil of Malaysia won the top prize in the just concluded Millennium School Design Competition organized by the MyShelter Foundation, National Disaster Coordinating Council, Department of Education, ABS-CBN, and the United Architects of the Philippines.
The classroom structure consists of two main parts: the reinforced concrete frame structure and the bamboo structure. The concrete frame structure is essential to anchor the lightweight elements to the ground. The bamboo frame construction consists of 4 layers of joined bamboo poles, with horizontal and diagonal bracing. The diameter of bamboo culms used are no less than 100mm. Steel pins and nylon lashings are used to create a strong but flexible joints. This means that the framing poles can slightly move in relation to one another, making them able to withstand the power of strong winds. At ground connections, concrete is injected into the culm to provide a strong joint.
The classrooms are kept small and separate so that damage can be restricted and repairs can be carried out separately. The walls are kept porous with clear small openings to reduce wind pressure on the walls. During a typhoon, loose furniture such as table and chairs be kept in storage. Small classrooms are built in cluster of two rather than in a continuous line to allow wind to pass through between them, lessening wind damages. Permanent ventilation opening on either side of the classroom and at roof level can reduce the wind pressure inside the classrooms and keep the internal spaces cool at all times. The roofs will be built at a pitch of 30 degrees and above to prevent wind lift off. The high pitched roofs also provide ample shade to the spaces below.
The classrooms are kept small and separate so that damage can be restricted and repairs can be carried out separately. The walls are kept porous with clear small openings to reduce wind pressure on the walls. During a typhoon, loose furniture such as table and chairs be kept in storage. Small classrooms are built in cluster of two rather than in a continuous line to allow wind to pass through between them, lessening wind damages. Permanent ventilation opening on either side of the classroom and at roof level can reduce the wind pressure inside the classrooms and keep the internal spaces cool at all times. The roofs will be built at a pitch of 30 degrees and above to prevent wind lift off. The high pitched roofs also provide ample shade to the spaces below.
Stumble It!