ST JOHNS EDUCATIONAL TRUST, HARARE, ZIMBABWE

To compliment the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education programme promoting Early Child Development (ECD) throughout Zimbabwe, St Johns Educational Trust engaged us to design its ECD Centre teaching facility as its feeder to St Johns Prep School in Harare.  The design incorporated an existing single storey house which was altered extensively to accommodate visitor parking, a new entrance lobby, visitors toilets, teaching staff offices and toilets and a multi media room and extended with three purpose built classrooms for 20 pupils constructed around a large verandaed inner ‘astroturf’ finished courtyard for pupil safety and providing access and security.  The verandahs are also used as teaching / play areas during inclement weather.

Each classroom is equipped with built-in work benches, low level windows providing natural ventilation and offering the children views over supervised play areas, a children's farm and a ‘pet’ corner all of which combine to create an informative learning centre. 

Services included full architectural design, working drawings and schedules; co-ordination of structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services; co-ordination of the interior and landscaping design and quantity surveying services and site contract management.