Mbalamwezi School: A Sustainable Educational Hub in Arusha, Tanzania

Mbalamwezi School, designed by Sebastián Silva Zunza Arquitecto (SSZA), stands as a testament to sustainable and community-driven architecture. Situated a few kilometers south of Arusha, Tanzania, this project emerged from a long-standing collaboration with the NGO Kutembea, following an architecture competition victory in January 2018. The design evolved over time while maintaining its core mission: providing quality education and childcare facilities in a rapidly expanding urban neighborhood.

A Vision for Educational Growth

Due to the overwhelming demand at the first educational center managed by Kutembea, the decision was made to construct a new facility that could accommodate the increasing number of students. The project, completed in 2021, spans 713 m² and is strategically designed to foster both learning and community interaction.

Architectural Layout: Three Pavilions in Harmony

The school is structured around three distinct pavilions arranged around a central courtyard, promoting interaction and a sense of community among students and staff.

• Pavilion One: Positioned to shield against the strong southeastern winds, this structure houses essential services including a dining hall, kitchen, storage areas, and a small shop that sells food and garden produce, generating additional income for the school.
• Pavilion Two: Serving as the main facade, this section faces the street and includes administrative offices, dormitories for children, bathrooms, and living quarters for staff and volunteers. Rooms are oriented towards the garden, ensuring a tranquil separation from the main activity areas.
• Pavilion Three: Dedicated to education, this structure consists of three classrooms, an open learning space, and bathrooms, enclosing the central meeting plaza and defining the surrounding garden area.

Sustainable Construction and Materials

One of the defining features of Mbalamwezi School is its commitment to local and sustainable construction techniques. During the early phases of construction in 2018, architects collaborated with local builder Asantely to survey available materials. Two types of locally produced bricks were chosen:

• Pressed bricks, tinted for the primary walls.
• Exposed bricks, used for interior facades.

Both types were sourced within a 1-kilometer radius, minimizing the environmental footprint and supporting the local economy.

Energy-Efficient Design

The school is designed to function with minimal reliance on external resources:

• A metallic truss roof structure supports pre-painted zinc-coated sheets, offering durability and weather resistance.
• A rainwater collection system channels water into a 100,000-liter cylindrical storage tank, primarily used for irrigation and sanitation.
• The facility operates on 80% solar energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Community Involvement and Future Expansion

The construction process spanned 3-4 years, involving local workers, NGO collaborators, and international volunteers. Today, the school is fully operational, with plans to expand further by adding 14 new classrooms and additional facilities to accommodate a growing student body.

A Model for Sustainable Education

Mbalamwezi School is more than just a building—it is an architectural response to social and environmental needs, offering a blueprint for sustainable educational facilities worldwide. By integrating local materials, passive design strategies, and community participation, the project exemplifies how architecture can positively impact communities while minimizing environmental impact.

All photographs are work of  Sebastián Silva Zunza