Green School South Africa’s latest addition
Catching up with our local eco-educational champions, we find Green School South Africa emerging once more as a testament to sustainable education and architectural innovation. Surrounded by the grandeur of the Paarl Berg and Drakenstein Mountains, this eight-hectare campus embodies a harmonious blend of nature-inspired design and regenerative principles. The campus might have been launched in 2021, but the school’s growth is nowhere near over. This year’s launch opens the fields to a new generation: Middle School.
Architecture in harmony with nature
The architecture of Green School South Africa (GSSA) draws inspiration from the natural landscape, echoing the organic shapes of the Paarl Berg and local boulders. Completed in February 2021, the campus’s first phase features clusters of buildings interconnected by landscaped walkways and verdant courtyards. These clusters house various facilities, including 16 classrooms spanning kindergarten to Grade 8, the versatile Sangkep multipurpose space, an administrative building, and the central ‘Heart of the School’.
Creating sustainable spaces
GSSA prioritises sustainability at every turn, incorporating passive design principles, feng shui, and the Living Building Challenge’s seven petals into its layout, and the Middle School extension is no different. Expansive openings blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a seamless connection with nature. Locally sourced materials such as dekriet ceilings, clay, rammed earth walls, and reclaimed timber celebrate the region’s craftsmanship and heritage. It is thus that the ethos of both the school and its committed designers is continued through every stage of education.
Regenerative energy solutions
The energy systems that GSSA relies on are a testament to its commitment to sustainability. The campus is powered by a hybrid solar system, comprising rooftop solar panels. This initiative enables the school to exceed the Living Building Challenge’s stringent requirements, generating 105% of its electricity needs annually while minimising its carbon footprint.
Innovative water management
Water management on campus follows a comprehensive, closed-loop system designed to minimise waste and environmental impact. The process begins with rainwater harvesting, where rooftop catchment systems collect rainwater for storage in underground tanks. This harvested rainwater is then filtered and treated on-site, ensuring its quality for various uses within the campus, including irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling systems. Any excess water is safely discharged into the ground, replenishing local aquifers and contributing to the surrounding ecosystem’s health. By embracing these innovative water management practices, the school demonstrates its dedication to preserving precious water resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
Eliminating red-list materials
Rigorous efforts to eliminate red-list materials underscore GSSA’s commitment to ecological responsibility. These materials, known for their harmful environmental and health impacts, present significant challenges in sourcing alternatives that meet the school’s high standards for sustainability and safety. By meticulously vetting every material used in construction, they ensure that their buildings are free from substances such as lead, asbestos, and formaldehyde. This dedication to eliminating red-list materials not only reduces environmental harm but also promotes healthier learning environments for students and staff alike.
Biophilic design and human well-being
Biophilic design principles permeate every aspect of the architecture on campus, promoting human well-being and an improved relationship with nature. From abundant natural light to immersive outdoor spaces, the campus nurtures a sense of harmony and tranquillity. Biophilic elements such as indoor gardens further blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering the link between the students and the surrounding landscape. By prioritising biophilic design, the school creates environments that inspire creativity, encourage learning, and enhance the overall quality of life for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Green School South Africa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. From its architecture to its energy solutions, water management practices, and commitment to eliminating red-list materials, the school embodies a holistic approach to sustainability and regenerative living. As a pioneer in sustainable education, GSSA sets a precedent for schools worldwide, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can co-exist harmoniously for the betterment of both people and the planet.
Photography by Daniela Zondagh
This article is an extract from our June Issue. Read the full issue here.
