The name “Diamond of Peace” reflects the belief that children are precious and will grow to be ambassadors of peace. The main façade employs green and brown tones to express Enko’s core values of care, path-making, commitment, and team spirit. The entry features a diamond-shaped atrium that rotates 90 degrees on each floor, adorned with metallic dove silhouettes in flight, symbolizing peace and collaboration. A prominent peace sign in the courtyard reinforces the building’s ethos.
1) Functionality
The five-story building is designed for optimal functional efficiency, serving the educational and extracurricular needs of nursery, kindergarten, primary, and secondary students. A grand staircase and elevator immediately adjacent to the main entry provide direct access for primary and secondary students to upper floors, avoiding intersection with nursery and kindergarten pupils on the ground floor (G/F). Classrooms are connected by covered corridors that double as gathering spaces during breaks. The G/F accommodates a shared playground for younger students, offices, and staff common areas, while a rooftop playground serves secondary students.
2) Hygiene and Safety
Sanitary facilities meet international standards, including adequate toilets for adults, children, and persons with disabilities. A baby care and lactation room is provided on the G/F. Three staircases with clearly defined egress routes ensure safe evacuation in emergencies. The multi-purpose hall on the G/F has direct street access for rapid evacuation.
3) Adaptability and Sustainability
The first-floor covered playground can be converted into classrooms for future expansion. Non-structural interior partitions are designed for easy renovation and space repurposing. The atrium promotes natural ventilation through a stack effect, while the enclosed playground on the first floor is open-sided to allow airflow. The rooftop incorporates lightweight photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to generate renewable electricity, a rainwater harvesting tank for irrigation and toilet flushing, and a communal garden to reduce heat absorption
Project Size
43,000 square feet
Scope of Service
Architectural Design, Interior Design
Client
Enko Education from Johannesburg
Status
Concept Design