Temporary Sacred Heart School in Tokyo is Totally Reusable

We have a special place in our green hearts for <a href>sustainably built schools,</a> and the striking <a href="http://www.issh.ac.jp/">International School of Sacred Heart</a> in Tokyo is no exception. While the rest of the school was being constructed, it was necessary to create a short-term but still inspiring place on a small patch of the school's field for first and second graders to learn. <a href="http://www.ateliersns.com/projectEnglish.html">Atelier SNS</a> responded to this design constraint by incorporating both passive and Japanese design strategies into a circular building that is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/nyc-modifies-building-code-to-require-more-energy-efficient-roofs/">super energy efficient</a>. Best of all, the whole thing can be dismantled and re-used.

Atelier SNS had to deal with a few design restraints for the International School of Sacred Heart in Tokyo

This temporary building had to be constructed for first and second graders

While the main building is being built

Reserved for a small patch of land in the school's field

The building had to be compact and efficient

Naturally, Atelier had just the right idea

The circular building has no walls and no hallways

All of the clasrooms branch off from the central room

And are color-coordinated to make it easy for them to find their way

This compact design also ensures great natural ventilation

A cantilevered roof extension facilitates shading

Modeled in part after the traditional Engawa

This spot also reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the interior

All of the parts of this home can be re-used or re-cycled

The layout is supposed to represent the infinity symbol and inspires children to recognize that there are no real borders between people