Anjuman School Teynampet Chennai by KSM Architecture

Climate-Responsive Educational Architecture in Chennai

The Anjuman-E-Himayat-E-Islam Trust, established over 130 years ago in Thiagaraya Nagar, Chennai, has long been dedicated to providing education and care for orphaned and underprivileged children. The latest project by KSM Architecture focuses on creating a thoughtfully designed school for orphan boys from grades 6 to 12 within a 10-acre campus that includes mosques, educational institutions, vocational training centers, and accommodation facilities. Funded by Trust benefactors, the school was realized on a tight and economical budget, proving that sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal can coexist without compromise.

A Legacy of Care and Education

The Anjuman-E-Himayat-E-Islam Trust, located in Thiagaraya Nagar, Chennai, has a proud history spanning over 130 years. Dedicated to supporting orphaned and economically disadvantaged children, the Trust envisioned a school for boys in grades 6 through 12. The project, developed within a sprawling 10-acre campus housing a mosque, vocational training centers, multiple educational institutions, and residential facilities, was funded by generous benefactors committed to the cause. The design prioritized a budget-conscious approach without compromising quality, functionality, or sustainability.

Thoughtful Site Planning

The school is situated on a 1,600 sqm rectangular site, positioned adjacent to the main playground on the west and a rainwater harvesting pond on the south. Careful consideration of the eastern and southern boundaries ensured privacy while optimizing access to natural elements. To mitigate potential flooding from the nearby pond, the building is elevated on a raised plinth.

Design Intent: Light, Ventilation, and Climate Responsiveness

KSM Architecture designed the Anjuman School to maximize natural daylight and ventilation, while providing a comfortable, energy-efficient learning environment. The building consists of two interconnected volumes encased in a distinctive brick envelope, with the longer façade oriented north-south. This orientation harnesses the prevailing southern breezes, allowing for passive cooling and minimizing direct sun exposure.

A central skylight court illuminates the interiors, creating an inspiring and conducive environment for learning. A straight-flight central staircase connects all levels, opening into spacious verandas along the southern façade. Here, perforated brick screens—drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic jallis—filter sunlight and direct airflow, naturally ventilating classrooms and communal areas.

Materiality and Sustainability

Brick was chosen as the primary material, reflecting local tradition while providing thermal efficiency, durability, and sustainability. The brick façade features a 3-dimensional jalli pattern that utilizes the length, breadth, and height of each brick efficiently, minimizing wastage. The design cleverly maintains cavity widths under 60mm to prevent pigeon nesting, while creating visually appealing light and shadow patterns throughout the day.

Colourful accents at classroom entrances and checkered floor patterns in breakout spaces offer visual contrast, softening the brick and concrete palette and adding vibrancy to the learning environment.

Functional and Climate-Sensitive Layout

Functionality was carefully integrated into the spatial planning: laboratories are located on the western side to manage heat gain, while toilets and stair cores occupy the eastern side. The building’s orientation, ventilation strategies, and material selection collectively create a climate-responsive, low-maintenance environment, designed to foster comfort and productivity for students and staff alike.

Inspiring Future Generations

The Anjuman School embodies a thoughtful, climate-sensitive approach to architecture that prioritizes the wellbeing of its occupants. By combining natural ventilation, daylight optimization, sustainable materials, and cultural references in design, KSM Architecture has created a nurturing space where education, innovation, and care converge. This school is not only a learning hub but also a testament to sustainable, context-driven design that inspires generations of young minds in Chennai.

All photographs are works of Sreenag Pictures