NPSP
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Craft School
Nepal School Project

Craft School

The Craft School is a participatory design and construction initiative that places students at the center of creating their own learning environment. It recognizes that education is not only about what happens inside the classroom, but also how the classroom comes to be.

Nepal School Project

PROGRAM: Children’s School

CONTEXT: Nepal

SITE: Pokhara

TEAM: Bryan Maddock, Grace Infante

ORGANIZER: Nepal School Project

YEAR:
2025
AWARDS:

Finalist

NEWS:
6/11/25
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Nepal School Project
Nepal Craft School - Finalist

Competitions

Institutional

Series of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complex

Two linear buildings shift parallel to each other in a simple layout organized around a central courtyard. Each room is topped with a double-shelled bamboo roof, shaped to echo the form of Nepal’s mountains. Repeated modular double rooms include operable doors facing inward to the courtyard and outward to nature. The modular room design allows the school to grow over time with flexible, repeated units and details. Larger gathering spaces are placed in the courtyard, orchard, and shifted ends of the school site. Playground equipment and sculpted earthbag forms create a soft, creative perimeter for outdoor exploration.

Series of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complex
Series of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complex

PROJECT IMAGES

Perspective view showing playgrounds and blended indoor-outdoor learningPerspective view showing playgrounds and blended indoor-outdoor learningPerspective view showing playgrounds and blended indoor-outdoor learningPerspective view showing playgrounds and blended indoor-outdoor learning
Paired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structuresPaired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structuresPaired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structuresPaired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structures
Simple diagram of the various student-inspired craft details for building the schoolSimple diagram of the various student-inspired craft details for building the schoolSimple diagram of the various student-inspired craft details for building the schoolSimple diagram of the various student-inspired craft details for building the school
Interior classroom during a lesson showing the layered double roof structureInterior classroom during a lesson showing the layered double roof structureInterior classroom during a lesson showing the layered double roof structureInterior classroom during a lesson showing the layered double roof structure
Wall section of a typical earthbag wall used for the classroom spacesWall section of a typical earthbag wall used for the classroom spacesWall section of a typical earthbag wall used for the classroom spacesWall section of a typical earthbag wall used for the classroom spaces
Interior courtyard of the school complex with a garden and spaces for classesInterior courtyard of the school complex with a garden and spaces for classesInterior courtyard of the school complex with a garden and spaces for classesInterior courtyard of the school complex with a garden and spaces for classes
Site plan of the Nepal School showing the repeated classrooms and mixed programsSite plan of the Nepal School showing the repeated classrooms and mixed programsSite plan of the Nepal School showing the repeated classrooms and mixed programsSite plan of the Nepal School showing the repeated classrooms and mixed programs
Reading rooms are places where students can find their own space to learn alone or in groupsReading rooms are places where students can find their own space to learn alone or in groupsReading rooms are places where students can find their own space to learn alone or in groupsReading rooms are places where students can find their own space to learn alone or in groups
Elevation perspective showing the school profile related to the mountains of NepalElevation perspective showing the school profile related to the mountains of NepalElevation perspective showing the school profile related to the mountains of NepalElevation perspective showing the school profile related to the mountains of Nepal
Exploded chunk diagram of the various construction components for the repeated systemExploded chunk diagram of the various construction components for the repeated systemExploded chunk diagram of the various construction components for the repeated systemExploded chunk diagram of the various construction components for the repeated system
Examples of how students can customize the school and be involved in the processExamples of how students can customize the school and be involved in the processExamples of how students can customize the school and be involved in the processExamples of how students can customize the school and be involved in the process
Series of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complexSeries of diagrams explaining the functioning of the school complex
The arrival platform and orchard welcoming students to the schoolThe arrival platform and orchard welcoming students to the schoolThe arrival platform and orchard welcoming students to the schoolThe arrival platform and orchard welcoming students to the school

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