In the rural context of Palakkad, the C.A.H.S. school is situated amidst paddy fields, embracing heritage design, native architecture and tradition. It offers a serene escape from city life, surrounded by lush greenery. Previously, the site had poor-quality structures scattered in different orientations, built over various periods without proper master planning. The project’s scope involved crafting an overall master plan and uplifting the school.
Editor’s Note: “Amidst Palakkad’s refreshing paddy fields, this rural school breathes heritage while balancing innovation. The sunlit verandas resound joy, and the towering columns echo tradition while sheltering the young minds. This school celebrates the learning of culture, nature, and knowledge through a harmony of raw textures, muted colors, and interactive spaces.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Heritage Design Blends with Native Architecture in This Rural School | Studio Acis
Strategies like preservation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, new construction, and renovation were implemented in six phases. The first phase focused on constructing a new admin block (Block H), inspired by existing challenges, while the second phase involved renovating the higher secondary block (Block A).
The remaining four phases include demolition, new constructions, preservation, adaptive reuse, and rehabilitation for future development. However, a major challenge was designing the school within budget constraints.
Planned on a 2.53-acre site, the new Admin block (Block H, 20,659 sq. ft.) integrates multiple functions under one roof. Its linear form establishes a clear axis for the school. Thus, emphasizing the entry and segregating public and private zones.
This block houses meeting rooms, classrooms, and a flexible auditorium. Additionally, spaces are efficiently planned with proper segregation, ensuring effective management. Furthermore, the ground floor is open, connecting users to the surroundings and serving as a gateway.
The first floor features semi-open spaces with verandas running parallel, visually linking the open ground floor and surrounding blocks. Design elements like verandas, north-facing linear windows, double-height spaces, gathering pockets, and rooms with light on both sides create vibrant, inspiring spaces.
Natural light filters into the school, fostering an elegant, energizing environment for young minds. The architecture blends raw concrete textures with earthy tones, while floor-to-floor balconies enhance transparency and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, connecting the building to its context.
The second phase involved renovating Block A (8,720 sq. ft.). The design addressed challenges by drawing inspiration from nearby structures and traditional Kerala values. Additionally, an outer layer of columns topped with a roof transforms the dynamics of the space by enhancing the existing structure.
The corridors, with muted colors and interplay of light, celebrate tranquility and grandeur. These imposing columns and verandas now provide shade and comfort, protecting against rain and sun while creating interactive spaces. However, this redesign balances heritage with functionality, fostering active learning, social interaction, and emotional development.
Always envisioned as a school, where its essence balances between heritage and innovation, which is culturally rooted and emphasizes the open spaces. A space where children feel safe, a place to unwind that encourages the interaction between students themselves and with the teachers and fosters collaboration.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Acis
Project Type: Educational Architecture Design
Project Name: C.A.H.S. School Ayakkad
Location: Ayakkad, Kerala
Year Built: 2024
Built-up Area: 29379 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Rakesh Kakkoth
Design Team: Ar. Suraj S & Ar. Jeswin David
Photograph Courtesy: Studio IKSHA
Engineering And Consulting: Structural: Er. Hariharan
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Studio Acis
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Acis
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