This is a project for a School and an Orphanage in Haiti for a NGO that foster haitian girls who lost their families and homes in the earthquake of 2010 - the country’s most severe earthquake in 200 years. The NGO site is a two acre lot located in the suburbs north from Port-au-Prince, called Onaville. The orphanage houses 30 girls and 5 caretakers.

 

Knowing that Haitians spend most of the time outdoors, the buildings were pushed to the edges of the site so there could be a big and shaded courtyard in between. The buildings are connected on the ground floor through a large and continuous porch that shade the West facade - which is heated most. The courtyard and backyard were designed to be as didactic as possible: the children will be able to learn about biology and water reuse with the garden and animals; geometry with the sports field and junglegym; and chess.

 

The material chosen for the structure is treated bamboo. This material is one of the most sustainable construction materials that provides earthquake resistant structures. The walls infill is adobe because it is resistant and abundant. The buildings are on stilts. In order to prevent the floors from dettaching and sliding way during earthquakes, the floor beams of are attached to steel-level foundations, which involves minimal expense.