How We Build

We use local materials to build the most suitable structures for the climate and environment we are in.

We design thick walls made of available material such as soil, sand and clay, which have beneficial thermal qualities and keep the classrooms fresh. We create window openings large enough to let the air in and out of the classrooms.

We build the roofs at an elevation from the walls, leaving a significant gap for natural ventilation and light. 

These simple design techniques help overcome the overheating issue in existing schools: blockwork walls, small windows and zinc roofs create a very difficult environment for students and teachers, affecting their ability to perform and succeed.

Our goal is to spread a construction technique that is fast and easy to pick up, and which will create a great atmosphere to teach and learn. We team up with the local community and global specialists to conceptualize sustainable and ingenious methods.

Test Walls

LOCATION: Ngekhokh
CONSTRUCTION: December 2016

We tested both the sand-bag and tyre construction techniques on site in Senegal to determine which materials are best suited for the local community and environment. Trials proved that the best approach is to build the classrooms using tyres for the foundations, and sand-bags for the walls. A protective outer layer made up of a sand and 8% cement mixture was applied to the sand-bag walls. 

This became the primary construction method of the foundation and walls for the school we built in Keur Racine.