Rebuilding Resilient Education: Flood Affected School at Kelthan Village by unTAG

Transforming Disaster into Opportunity

Saraswati Vidyalaya, a rural government school in Kelthan Village, Palghar, Maharashtra, stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Nestled along the banks of the Tansa River, this school educates 180 students from grades 8 to 10. In 2019, devastating floods submerged the school, causing severe infrastructural damage and rendering the premises unsafe for both students and staff.

Collaborative Rebuilding Efforts

The journey towards reconstruction began in 2020. Architects from unTAG, in collaboration with a local NGO, initiated a participatory rebuilding process involving school teachers and students. The redevelopment was planned in two phases to ensure uninterrupted classes while enabling fundraising efforts.

Context-Sensitive Design for Flood Resilience

Designed with sensitivity to the region's climate and topography, the new school incorporates solar passive architecture and flood-adaptive features. Located in the northeast corner of the one-acre site, the elevated structure on stilts minimizes floodwater resistance while maximizing the playground area.

Phase 1 of the school includes:

• Three cross-ventilated, naturally lit classrooms with a North-light roof
• Staffroom and separate girls' restroom
• Toilets with improved sanitation
• Community kitchen on the ground floor
• Stilted undercroft as a multipurpose social space hosting school activities, community gatherings, medical camps, and awareness drives

Sustainable and Cost-Effective Construction

With an impressive construction cost of Rs. 1200 per sq. ft. ($13.5 per sq. ft.), the school sets an example in affordability and sustainability. Locally sourced materials and vernacular techniques were key to achieving this:

• Concrete framework with locally baked red bricks laid in Rat-trap bond for thermal insulation
• Brick Jalis for ventilation and visual connectivity
• Filler-slab technique using locally crafted earthen disks for reducing concrete and enhancing aesthetics
• Recycled Indian stone flooring sourced from local vendors, inspired by the meandering Tansa River
• Insulated puff panels for thermal comfort throughout the year
• Roof-mounted solar panels, making the school net-zero and energy self-reliant

Green and Biophilic Design Elements

The school facade integrates biophilic elements with student-maintained green planters, fostering environmental stewardship. Students and local farmers also cultivate seasonal vegetables in the open spaces, contributing to the midday meal program.

Community Empowerment through Shramdaan

Construction involved the local community through 'Shramdaan' (voluntary labor). Farmers and parents contributed hands-on labor, receiving on-site training in alternative construction techniques led by the architects. This approach not only reduced costs but also upskilled the local workforce.