The design team undertook the challenge of developing a model school for both urban and rural sites, with flexibility being key.

The concept focused on easy expansion and a ‘plug and play’ strategy, ensuring the design could adapt to various conditions and orientations. This approach quickly evolved, offering significant potential to integrate sustainable principles into the school design. A central spine was developed, enabling the "plugging in" of additional elements, which could be adjusted according to location and scale. The central communal space also served to separate boys and girls. Flexibility extended to the interiors, providing a mix of formal and informal learning environments for different class sizes, alongside shared spaces used by all age groups, fostering student interaction.

Managing heat gain while maintaining adequate daylight levels was another concern, addressed through various solutions including skylights and strategic building alignment to minimise direct sun exposure.

A central feature of the design is the ‘eco courtyard,’ a flexible space at the heart of the school, partially covered with PV panels, providing natural light to the surrounding areas.

Within the courtyard, the stand-alone ‘eco-tree’ installation serves as an elevated outdoor science lab, where students can learn about planting, harvesting and composting, encouraging them to explore the practical benefits of growing and recycling plants.