In cooperation with the organization Tipu Sultan Merkez (TSM) Ziegert Roswag Seiler Architekten Ingenieure developed a school building with eight classrooms as an extension for a campus in the village Jar Maulwi in the west of Pakistan accommodating two kindergarten-groups, five primary-school classes and five secondary-school classes for girls. In addition, agricultural initiatives are supported and teachers were educated within the project.
The ground floor consists of two separate heavy earthen cubes, constructed with the weller technique. The upper level is designed as a light bamboo construction. The design continues in the local building-tradition while further developing and enhancing technical construction methods with the aim of becoming a prototype for a new locally rooted building typology using natural materials. The sustainability of the construction was increased by inserting a foundation resistant to humidity, a horizontal barrier and protection against pests. The building was constructed to be both earthquake and flood resistant.
Local architects and craftsmen could learn about the enhanced construction techniques, while being part of the realization of the project, ensuring that the knowledge created can be further distributed in the community. During the Holcim Award Ceremony in 2011 TSM was awarded with gold for the region Asia.
