Designed by design studio And Black, Bloomingdale International School in Vijayawada, India, aims to redefine educational architecture through its use of materials and an expressive green roof that integrates the structure with the landscape. This curving, turfed roof, shaped to resemble rolling hills, blurs the boundary between the building and its natural surroundings, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into the environment. 

Crafted on a limited budget, the roof structure was achieved through a combination of prefabricated materials and advanced computational design, which allowed for precision in constructing its complex, undulating form. Built-up metal circular hollow sections form the roof’s structural core, with directional beams aligned along the X and Y axes. By adjusting the height of these beams at critical points, the design achieved the curvature needed to support the green roof’s organic shape without compromising stability. This approach, which emphasises efficient use of readily available resources and local building technologies, helped keep costs within budget while maintaining the design’s high standards.

To form the continuous skin of the roof, ferrocement was integrated with the metal framework. This choice provides the tensile strength necessary to support the expansive, unsupported spans beneath the roof, allowing for an open interior free from excessive structural interruptions. The green, turfed roof surface further enhances the sense of openness, merging the building with the natural landscape and reducing the need for artificial cooling inside.

The interior design maintains this structural honesty, with exposed ceiling elements revealing the materials and craftsmanship behind the construction. The roof’s green exterior contrasts with the exposed, robust framework indoors, creating a visually engaging space that celebrates the materials used. Skylights punctuating the roof bring in natural light, casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow that shift throughout the day, adding an element of playfulness to the interior. This interaction between light, shadow, and the roof’s curvature enhances the learning environment, inviting students to engage with their surroundings.

Photos: Vinay Panjwani