The architectural identity of Rajasthan is largely characterized by historic masonry structures highlighting a deep and enduring material culture. Among these, a post-independence educational institution, built with rubble masonry, stands as a symbol of resilience and functional pragmatism in public school design.
Editor’s Note: “History breathes anew in this quiet village of Nimbahera. Through adaptive reuse, the school once paused in time, now emerges with a purpose. Unfolding as a dialogue across time, every wall whispers the intervention that honors heritage while embracing change. Moreover, R+D Studio reimagines time, not just space.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Public School Design in Rajasthan Stands on Resilience And Material Identity | R+D Studio
Built by JK Cement Organization in the 1960s as part of their cement plant and colony in the remote village of Nimbahera, around 100km from Udaipur. R+D Studio was engaged to re-examine the entire masterplan and propose a phase wise solution and in doing so, the fundamental question posed was:
How can a historic structure’s utility be extended without compromising its intellectual and cultural integrity? How does architecture reconcile the historical with the contemporary without falling into visual discord? R+D Studio’s intervention inhabits this in-between space, leveraging adaptive reuse as both a strategic method and a guiding philosophy.
A K-12 educational institution is not a fixed entity but a dynamic system that evolves over time to accommodate shifting educational and spatial demands. In this case, the original layout included an outdated bachelor’s accommodation within the primary structure—an inefficient use of space that required strategic reconfiguration. The design intervention was executed with precision: the dormitory functions were removed, and the spatial framework was reorganized to integrate a new primary wing.
Rather than merely extending the existing structure, this addition functions as a graft, skillfully bridging historical continuity with contemporary necessity. The addition of a new architectural volume requires more than simple adjacency—it necessitates a deliberate combination of form and function. The new wing does not assert itself as an independent structure but integrates seamlessly into the existing architectural language. A carefully planned circulation strategy achieves this continuity by fostering spatial fluidity. The design orchestrates movement between the historic and contemporary sections of the school to minimize disruption. Meanwhile, the new wing acts as a hinge that unites different sequential and spatial elements into a cohesive whole. Material continuity is fundamental to bridging the historical and the contemporary.
The selective use of local Nimbahera slate stone, stucco, and historically consistent paint formulations reinforces the connection to the original structure. Instead, it is a deliberate engagement with material as a prompt. Thus, allowing the new wing to blend seamlessly into its environment. By embedding the intervention within the existing tectonic language, R+D Studio crafts a built environment that avoids historical disjunction.
Adaptive reuse extends beyond aesthetic considerations into the realm of sustainable architectural ethics. Rather than erasing embodied energy through demolition, this project prioritizes recalibration and renewal. The intervention amplifies the latent potential of the existing structure. Moreover, it ensures that the addition does not impose an external architectural vocabulary but instead emerges from the intrinsic logic of site and history. R+D Studio’s intervention is neither a nostalgic replication nor a radical departure. Instead, it is an act of architectural authorship—an ongoing process of rewriting, refining, and expanding the built environment.
Recognizing architecture as a dynamic manuscript rather than a static artifact, the project emphasizes its evolving nature. It underscores the idea that historical structures should not be preserved in stillness but engaged in active dialogue. The new primary wing is an argument for the past as a living entity, continuously evolving through thoughtful architectural discourse and intervention. Thus, the school does not merely endure; it transforms, asserting itself as an evolving architectural continuum rather than a static monument to its past.
R+D Studio, based in Gurgaon, is designing a new primary wing for an existing K-12 school built with rubble masonry in Rajasthan. To do so, they first redesigned the programmatic arrangement by moving out the existing bachelor’s accommodation. Then, they creatively added the new wing to connect the two blocks. The adaptive re-use created a sustainable solution that seamlessly integrated both space and architecture. Materials like local slate stone, paint, and stucco ensured that the new structure matched the two blocks, despite a 65-year gap between their construction.
Fact File
Designed by: R+D Studio
Project Type: Educational Architecture Design
Project Name: Lala Kamalapat Singhania Public School (LKSPS)
Location: Nimbahera, Rajasthan, India
Year Built: 2021-2024
Built-up Area: 38,000 Sq.ft
Team Design Credits: Shikha Doogar, Shridhar Rao, Ashvajit Singh, Siddharth Saluja, Shruti Yadav, Kushagra Verma, Nitansh Tandon
Photograph Courtesy: Ketan Patel
Source: e-architect
Firm’s Website Link: R+D Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: R+D Studio
For Similar Projects >> The Rajakumari Ratnavati Girl’s School – An Architectural Marvel
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design Reimagining […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]