US architecture firm BNIM has used local materials, some of which were handmade on site, to build a school in northwest kenya. the project began in 2011 when BNIM principal laura lesniewski and associate principal sam de jong partnered with leaders at jacob?s well, a church in kansas city, missouri, to design a school for the village of asilong. ten new water wells had helped stabilize the community, and the village had identified the need for a secondary school for their primary school graduates.

 
 
initial ideas for the asilong christian high school came from the input of primary school faculty and community members who donated the land ? all of whom shared critical insight into cultural norms. the architects say that true sustainability quickly became the ultimate driver for each decision, including design integration based on a severe environment, an engaged community, and local economics. the decade-long relationship between the community and BNIM resulted in a project that responds specifically to the village?s vision, culture, and needs.
 
 
the scheme responds to the region?s harsh climate through hospitable environments and durable, local building materials. natural and passive strategies have been integrated to maximize daylight and natural ventilation: the buildings are oriented to capture gentle winds, while covered breezeways and large roof overhangs create outdoor gathering spaces that offer shelter from the hot sun and intense rainfall. during the wet...