SCHOOLS PROJECT, GABON

Project for low-cost, environmentally viable and culturally appropriate schools for tropical African villages. An analysis of construction costs in Sub-Saharan Africa shows that often 65% of these is due to imported materials, at least 20% of which are unavailable locally. This project consists of modular units, raised above ground level on supports of local wood to avoid humidity and improve ventilation. In a forest location, costly imported gravel is replaced with wood chip in the preparation of the cement used in construction. The units, which can be arranged in different combinations, have overhanging roofs to create a zone of shade around the classrooms and lower the temperature. The septic tanks are replaced by a phytodépuration system.