Ghayyoor Obaid Architects (GOA) was approached by the German Embassy to support the Tipu Sultan Merkez Earthen School project, due to the firm's family ties with Germany and its reputation in the architectural community. In collaboration with Berlin-based Ziegert Roswag Seiler Architekten Ingenieure, the project aimed to create a sustainable educational facility for rural girls in Jar Maulwi, Pakistan.
The design combined traditional techniques with modern engineering, using local materials like earth and bamboo for an earthquake-resistant structure. The ground floor consists of two earthen cubes, while the upper level features lightweight bamboo construction, blending local craftsmanship with structural resilience.
The project won the 2011 Holcim Awards Gold for Asia Pacific for its innovative sustainable design. GOA adapted the design to local construction methods, ensuring it met community needs while preserving environmental integrity. This collaboration highlights GOA's ability to integrate global design concepts with local expertise, creating a project that is both sustainable and culturally relevant.
