lar style
The Preschool of Ouled Merzoug in Morocco,
designed by BC Architects, comes from a
holistic architectural design, incorporating
community dynamics, bioclimatics and a new
vernacular style.
I
n need of educational infrastructure,
Goodplanet foundation aims to install a
preschool with bioclimatic functioning,
as an extension to the existing school
building.
The building is inspired by a new
vernacular from local typologies, materials
and techniques, with a contemporary
look, performant bio-climatic functioning
and earthq uake proof design.
The preschool of Ouled Merzoug has
foundations of locally sourced nature stone,
with adobe walls, a wood-and-earth flat roof.
The exterior finishing is done with a “tamelass”
render, a mix of two earths, straw and sand,
while the interior finishing is made of polished
“nouss-nouss”, a “half-half” of earth and
gypsum to create a breathable interior plaster
which diffuses indirect sunlight. The southeast
and north-west façades which have harsh low-
sun impacts are protected by tree or courtyard
shadows, while the south façade has a cavity
wall for insulation and a big thermal mass,
making the building cool during the day, but
warmer through the night until the morning.
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