In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy ravaged Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The Pomene region was particularly hard hit, with substantial damage to infrastructure, including local schools. Recognising the urgent need for assistance, MSC, one of our clients, reached out to us with a request to join their rebuild program for the Pomene Community School.
We eagerly agreed to take on the project, committing to designing a new school classroom pro bono. Our goal was clear – to create a safe, functional, and sustainable learning environment for the children of Pomene despite the constraints posed by available labour, materials and, most notably, the weather.
OUR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN APPROACH
Our design strategy for Pomene Primary School was rooted in simplicity and resilience. Given the region's susceptibility to cyclones, we focused on creating structures that could withstand harsh weather conditions while providing a conducive learning environment.
Click to enlarge image.
In collaboration with the contractor, Jacques Grobler from Clear Water Pools, the project's lead architect, Kyle Weedman, opted for a straightforward design using breeze blocks instead of glass windows.
“Understanding the importance of structural integrity, we purposefully accounted for wind load in our designs. If ordinary glass windows were installed, the strong winds could easily blow them out, leading to potential injuries and additional costly repairs. By reducing uplift forces, you minimise potential damage during future cyclone seasons, ensuring the longevity and safety of the school buildings.”
Kyle Weedman
Architect
All of these design considerations helped our team maintain a comfortable indoor climate for the children without relying on mechanical cooling systems while still allowing natural light in and facilitating passive airflow.
THE COMMUNITY IMPACT
At MSC Pomene Lodge, a private luncheon was held to celebrate the reopening of Pomene Primary School and over 80 children from the community attended.
To further support the students, we extended our role beyond design. We rallied support from our network and raised funds for school supplies as well as additional donations.
Special thanks go to Cool Living for providing insect screens and Signage Production Studio for the signage stencil, both of which added essential touches to the school's infrastructure.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our involvement in the Pomene Primary School rebuild highlights our dedication to leveraging design for social impact. At Luxury Frontiers, we are committed to seeking ways to contribute positively to local communities and support our clients' sustainable initiatives.
In every paid or pro-bono project we undertake, we strive to be more than just architects and designers; we aim to be mentors and guides, fostering a better future through our expertise and passion. The Pomene Primary School is a shining example of what we can achieve when knowledge meets compassion and design meets purpose.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
