Cool School | Chaukor Studio

The aim is to provide creative and comfortable spaces for children where they can grow learn and “play”. This is achieved through the proposed modular design that offers the end user with the flexibility and ease to “plug” various materials as per the functional requirement, climate, cost and regional availability.  The building will be situated within the grounds of Tsast Altai school. The existing school facilities were established in 1950, the school is located in Jargalant soum in Khovd in the west of Mongolia.
Khovd is the capital of the Khovd Province of Mongolia. Officially known as Jargalant soum. It is situated at the foot of the Mongol Altai Mountains, on the Buyant River. With a population of 89,900, Khovd province is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Khalkh, Zakhchin, Torgoud, Kazakh, Ould, Mingad, Durvod and Uriankhay.
Architects : Chaukor Studio
Location: Mongolia
Status: Concept

Pre-engineered metal pipes and fittings are used to provide framework to the module. Cleats and brackets are bolted to the structure to provide joinery for floor, wall and roofing panels. The framework provides modularity and flexibility and panels can be installed as per the requirement.
Corrugated sheet and waterproof canvas with wool in-fill are used to form the roofing system in the module. Layering technique issued to maximize thermal retention within the structure.  A solar collector is added to the roof to further increase the heat intake from the south.

All spaces are accessed from a common foyer which opens into a small enclosed courtyard. The heating system is placed centrally, heating the spaces through the floor and exhausting the smoke through a central chimney. Classrooms and sports hall are provided with an additional space that acts as a buffer from the outside environment.
The roof traps the heat from the south-glazed facade during the afternoon hours and radiates it to the space below throughout the day. The glazed facade traps the heat which is stored in the high thermal-mass layer and radiated to the inner spaces. The height of the indoor spaces is as low as 2.5 m to minimize heat losses to the surrounding environment.

The proposal activates the whole premises by creating hierarchical open spaces for open learning and playing. A large playground at the entrance followed by an enclosed courtyard can double up as an open classroom. This leads to an informal spill-out that bathes in the south sun. A service courtyard at the north-east corner can be used for fuel storage.
Inspired from the ancient Ondol heating system of transferring heating through the floor. Heat source can be fuel based or electric as per the site conditions. The panels can be covered by using locally available materials – canvas and sheep wool. Mud walls form an exterior layer providing high thermal mass thereby minimizing heat loss.