Nina Maritz Architects sustainable architecture and design
EDUCATION DIRECTORATE REGIONAL OFFICE
LOCATION:
Omuthiya, Oshikoto Region
PROJECT STATUS:
Unbuilt
CLIENT:
Department of Works
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
Located on a large site, this office building is pulled back from the road, creating a forecourt to the building in the form of a public park (playground and an outdoor exercise arena), in contrast to the typical palisade perimeter fence which dominates the Namibia urban-scape. The building edge thus forms part of the perimeter fence. The design allows for phasing: two office wings sit on a west-east axis (to maximize north orientation offices) and are connected by a screened west facing circulation ramps, which creates a courtyard between the office blocks.
To minimise the footprint, the building is extends vertically by two and three floors . Deep recesses for the windows articulate the facades to allow for natural [indirect] lighting. The modular rhythm of the building further allows for easy phasing and various planning options. A resource centre (library, conference and dining hall) designed around a courtyard is a separate wing, connected to the main office with a covered walkway. The building encompasses passive design, low maintenance materials, energy efficiency and solar panels