C.A.H.S. SCHOOL AYAKKAD  

An ecosystem that honours its traditions with learning atmospheres

In Palakkad’s rural context, C.A.H.S. school is situated amidst paddy fields, embracing native  architecture and tradition, providing a serene escape from city life and embracing the lush  greenery. Formerly executed structures were of poor quality & were scattered within the site in  different orientations, and were constructed during various time periods without a proper master  planning. The scope is mainly intended on crafting the overall master plan for these and uplifting  of the school. It is achieved by using different strategies such as preservation, Rehabilitation,  Adaptive reuse, new construction and Renovation. This is done in six phases, where the first  phase includes the construction of a new admin block H which is inspired from the existing  problems itself and in the second phase the renovation of the higher secondary block A. Rest 4  phases includes demolition and new constructions, preservation, adaptive reuse and  rehabilitation which is planned for the coming years. The main challenge was designing the  school within budget constraints. 

Planned on a 2.53-acre site, this new Admin block (Block-H, 20659 sq. ft) consists of different  functions under one roof. It is conceived as a linear form, in a way that this form defines a clear  axis to the school by emphasising the entry, additionally allowing the segregation between the  public & private zones within the school. This administration block includes different meeting  rooms, classrooms, and an auditorium which is flexible for different uses. 

Planning is done with proper segregation between spaces, ensuring efficient and effective  management. In the ground floor, space is open, which allows users to connect flawlessly with  surroundings acting as a gateway to the rest. On the 1st floor, the spaces are semi open, with  verandas running parallel and visually connecting with the open ground floor below and the  adjacent blocks surrounding. The design strategies used were verandas, open seating spaces,  north facing linear windows, interactive double height spaces, gathering pockets, arcades and  rooms with lights on both sides. The filtered natural light that enters the school creates elegant,  vibrant spaces that inspire young minds. The double-height areas inside and use of soft light,  gentle colours, and natural materials fosters a harmonious and energizing environment for  learning. The architecture blends the raw texture of concrete with organic earthy tones, while  floor-to-floor balconies enhance transparency and create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition,  connecting the building with its surrounding context and existing fabric. 

The second phase involved the renovation of the higher secondary block (Block A, 8720 sq. ft),  where the design effectively addressed the building’s challenges, drawing inspiration from the  existing fabric of nearby structures and incorporating elements of traditional Kerala values. The  school eloquently showcases the solutions to the problems itself, by adding an outer layer of  column and topping it with a roof to the existing structure. On setting foot into the corridor, one  gets a taste of the celebration of tranquillity and splendour that subsequently predominates within  the corridors. It envelops you in muted colours, echoing balconies and within the interplay of  light. These imposing columns completely changed the dynamics of the previous structure – making it the large sprawling space it is today! This gives a delicate balance and a dialogue  between the individually separated verandas, and with the surroundings, crafting individual  interactive spaces. The interactive spaces are designed to stimulate curiosity and promote active  learning which extends beyond the confines of the classroom, impact of it will serve as catalysts  for social and emotional development. Additionally, it infuses the space with shade. Verandas  which are previously exposed to the rain and sun, now became a symphony of comfort. 

Always envisioned as a school, where its essence balances between the heritage and  innovation which is culturally rooted and emphasising on the open spaces. A space where  children feel safe, a place to unwind that encourages the interaction between students  themselves and with the teachers and fosters collaboration.