The restoration project for the existing classrooms of the Wadi Abu Hindi School has been successfully completed using a modified rammed earth wall technique that provides interior insulation, bamboo panels for external shading of the façade and adaption of the roof for better lighting and natural ventilation. The project has now continued with the construction of two additional classrooms and restoration of the playground area.

A visionary team of Italian architects from ARCò Architettura e Cooperazione developed a concept for the sustainable refurbishment of an existing school building for a Bedouin community in Palestine. The project team was presented with a Global Holcim Awards 2012 finalist certificate in the framework of a workshop on sustainable construction held at the Politecnico di Milano. 

The projects that received Holcim Awards Gold, Silver, or Bronze in each of the five regions of the world were automatically qualified to compete for the Global Holcim Awards 2012. The more extensive submission on the Sustainable refurbishment of a primary school for the global phase of the competition can be found here:

Project posters »

The winners of the 3rd International Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction projects and visions from Africa Middle East have been announced at a ceremony in Casablanca. A total of USD 300,000 was presented to ten outstanding projects submitted by architects, planners, engineers and project owners. The winning projects illustrate the broad scope of applying sustainable approaches in construction including school infrastructure, community renewal, urban redevelopment, and energy-efficient design.

The jury appreciated the approach to refurbish an inadequate existing structure and to upgrade it with well-directed and precise low-tech measures to a functional educational unit. Rapid construction over only two months enabled the project to be conducted exclusively during school holidays and confirmed the feasibility of the concept.

The challenge of this project is to remain effective in a zone of political tension in addition to addressing climatic and local constraints. The refurbishment of the Abu Hindi Primary School of the Bedouin community is located 5km south-east of Al Azarije (Eizariya), near Ma’ale Adumim and less than 10km east of Jerusalem. The project achieves climatic comfort and energy sustainability by improving natural ventilation and thermal insulation while at the same time generating a positive impact on the students’ perception of their everyday school life.