Sustainable building design through passive measures

Good educational institutions are essential for human capital development in Nigeria. This project aims to establish a premier secondary school in Delta State, designed to attract students from West Africa. The design emphasises sustainability, durability, and adaptability for long-term success. The project utilises passive design techniques to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Locally produced load-bearing bricks provide thermal mass for temperature regulation, while natural ventilation through passive stack systems reduces mechanical cooling needs. Thoughtful solar orientation includes deep terraces that optimise natural light and minimise heat gain, creating a comfortable indoor environment and lowering energy consumption.

Efficient construction and operations

The project will primarily use load-bearing bricks made from local clay near the site. The design showcases the versatility of bricks through arches, vaulting, and hit-and-miss brickwork, providing a cohesive visual identity for the campus. This approach helps manage costs, reduces both embodied and operational carbon, and minimises long-term maintenance. By sourcing clay locally for the bricks, we lower the project’s carbon footprint and support the local economy, while also reducing maintenance expenses. Additionally, the design fosters a sense of belonging and unity among students and staff, creating vibrant communities on campus.

Landscape & Biodiversity Integration

The site was strategically chosen to leverage the nearby brook for both aesthetics and security. The building is positioned 20 meters from the brook to minimise flood risk, with a rainwater collection system planned to capture and reuse water. Excess runoff will be safely directed to the brook. The design prioritises landscaping throughout the campus to promote a connection with nature and environmental sustainability. Bioswales and waterways will be integral to the stormwater management system to reduce concrete usage. An eco-friendly garden will be created, featuring seasonal blooms for year-round appeal, resilient plant varieties adaptable to weather conditions, and native plants that support local insects and wildlife.

Land use & Transformation

The site, accessible solely from the north, is bordered by a brook on the east, south, and west. Its terrain slopes downward 22 meters from the entrance and features a flat area midway. A mix of rural and agricultural land, the site presents key issues such as over-farming, deforestation, and soil erosion. Proposed interventions will target site restoration, water management, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable building practices while engaging the community and establishing a framework for future development.

Participatory Design

The current design timeline for this project is approximately 18 months. During this phase, we conducted extensive consultations and collaborations with specialist teams both locally and internationally. This included landscape experts from the UK, brick specialists from South Africa, experienced brick producers from Ghana, and skilled bricklayers from Denmark and Nigeria. Additionally, we engaged local geologists and the community who were instrumental in finding suitable clay for producing the clay-fired bricks for the scheme.

Community Impact and Resilience

The Brookside School project promotes social equity by offering accessible education in an underserved area. It engages the community through local input and materials while creating jobs. The design incorporates sustainable strategies and green spaces to enhance resilience to climate change. Aiming for Edge Advance accreditation and zero carbon status, the project includes extensive tree planting and a self-sustaining power system with solar panels and inverters. The buildings are designed to align with the site’s topography, reducing disruption during construction.

Financial Feasibility

The primary constraint for this project is the production of bricks. While brick is commonly used in other parts of West Africa, the traditional craft of artisanal brickmaking has nearly vanished in this region. To tackle this issue, our client team plans to invest in a small brick production facility to support the construction of the project. Additionally, we will partner with a team of brick producers from Ghana to educate the local community on the brick-making process and laying techniques. This represents a significant financial investment that the client team is committed to, aimed at community empowerment, with little to no support from the local government.

Aesthetic Qualities and Cultural Integration

The Brookside School project draws inspiration from the local vernacular of southeastern Nigeria, particularly the Egbo Culture. The design incorporates traditional elements such as verandahs with parapets, delicate trellis, and carved entrance doors. These elements create a visually appealing environment that complements the surrounding context and celebrates the cultural heritage of the site. Additionally, the project uses locally sourced clay to produce load-bearing bricks, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the local economy. The use of local materials and traditional design elements helps to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of the site.