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

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

The scale of the school, seen in elevation and section, is designed to feel both approachable and inspiring. The structure is elevated for flood resistance and built with curved, low earthbag walls for earthquake stability. Its double roof system adds vertical variation, bringing light and openness into each classroom. The design balances traditional forms with modern materials, creating a school that is playful, colorful, and rooted in its context.

Paired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structures
Paired elevation and section drawings of the double roof school structures

PROJECT IMAGES

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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