Eco Moyo Kindergarten II

Eco Moyo Kindergarten II offers a dynamic, child-centered learning environment that stimulates curiosity and creativity, fostering academic foundations, social skills, and effective sustainable community engagement.

place Africa, Kenya, Kilifi KEN 03
Surface 160 mts.2 Date Finished:
January 1, 2022.
Phase In use. Type Education.
Target Group Children. Partner .
Client Ecomoyo School Donor eQuality
Tecnology Passive, Solar

1. Observe.

Why, context, challenge.

Learning from Use: Improving Kindergarten Environments. Experience with earlier kindergarten facilities (PP1 and PP2) highlighted operational challenges and opportunities for improvement. Feedback from teachers and community members indicated that the initial buildings did not optimally support educational activities or provide a unified, comfortable space for the children. Observations revealed that aspects such as natural light, ventilation, and flexible storage were lacking, and that the sense of communal togetherness during entry and exit needed reinforcement. These insights pointed to the need for a redesigned kindergarten that better addresses the practical requirements and cultural expectations of the community.

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3. Approach.

How, strategy, interact

Eco Moyo Kindergarten II builds on the successful approach of Kindergarten I while incorporating on-site learnings for improved functionality and cost efficiency. The strategy involved repositioning the building and adding dedicated storage for each classroom. Using locally sourced materials—such as coral stone for the foundation, casuarina poles, and traditional finishes—the project embraced sustainable, low-cost construction. The design was intentionally simplified, opting for larger openings in the coral-rag wall to enhance natural light and ventilation. In response to teachers’ feedback, the layout was adapted with stepped wall sections to create activity nooks and remove central columns, ensuring flexible space usage. Additionally, dual entrances were concentrated in a single area to foster a unified, communal entry and exit experience.

Design

4. Design.

Programmering, development, co-create.

Eco Moyo Kindergarten II features a refined design that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and adaptability. The building rests on a robust coral stone foundation and concrete slab, with casuarina poles and rafters forming its structural core. The coral-rag wall now incorporates larger “windows” instead of smaller apertures, significantly improving natural ventilation and allowing ample daylight into the classroom. Two strips of transparent sheets on the roof further enhance interior illumination. Additional storage spaces adjacent to each classroom help keep learning areas organized.
The layout was carefully revised in response to teacher feedback. Stepped-out wall sections create intimate nooks for varied activities such as reading and group work, while the removal of central columns opens up the space, enhancing flexibility to serve multiple functions—including even taekwondo practice. A key design feature is the concentration of the two classroom entrances into a single, unified area, so that children enter and exit together, reinforcing a sense of community and togetherness. Furthermore, the initial few centimeters of the structure are built in brick, elevating the timber from the ground to improve rain resistance and reduce material decomposition. This experimental design provides a versatile, sustainable learning environment that is both cost-effective and deeply responsive to community needs.

6. Evaluate.

Results.

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UN sustainability goals

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Who participate

Jan Godzimirski

Jan Godzimirski

Architect - Project Achitect - jan@augnorge.org
Jan Kazimierz Godzimirski, a 2018 graduate from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, is an architect focused on sustainable and simple design. His experience spans interdisciplinary research, collaborations with indigenous communities, museum conservation, and various architectural projects. From 2017 to 2019, he taught at the Scarcity and Creativity Studio, exploring design, craftsmanship and materials. Jan has also been involved with the Eco Moyo Education Centre in Kenya, supporting educational infrastructure, and with Wielozmysly in Poland, advancing accessible art for the visually impaired. His recent work with Architects Without Borders in Africa and Ukraine reflects his commitment to using architecture for positive change.

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