Umubano Primary School Extension
The Umubano Primary School Extension is a sustainable educational development in Kigali, Rwanda, designed to expand learning spaces while strengthening community engagement. Carefully integrated into the site’s topography, the project introduces new classrooms, a multipurpose hall, and shared facilities that support both education and social life.
Project Information
Location: Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda
Year Built: 2017
Architects: ASA Studio
Category: Schools
Area: 650 m²
Client: APIE – A Partner In Education
Landscape: ASA Studio
Engineering: IPRC
Architects in Charge: Alice Tasca, Francesco Stassi, Zeno Riondato
Design Team: Alice Tasca, Francesco Stassi, Zeno Riondato, Jaime Velasco Perez
Manufacturers: Archicad, Cimerwa, Dayliff, Roto, Safintra, Steelrwa, Davis & Shirtliff
Project Stats
Total Area: 650 m²
New Classrooms: 3 (30 students each)
Multipurpose Hall Capacity: ~300 people
Year Completed: 2017
Architectural Concept
Commissioned by APIE (A Partner In Education), the Umubano Primary School Extension responds to the growing need for quality educational infrastructure in Kigali. The proposal expands the existing school by introducing a new classrooms block, a multipurpose hall, and essential service spaces including a kitchen, storage, and sanitary facilities.
The design follows the natural topography of the site, connecting old and new buildings through horizontal pathways that create a coherent and walkable campus. Classrooms are positioned toward the upper part of the plot, while the multipurpose hall and service block occupy the lower area, ensuring functional clarity and efficient circulation.
Site & Environmental Integration
Although close to a wetland and river system, the project respects all environmental buffer regulations. The development enhances the existing drainage system, stabilizes terracing, and introduces soil erosion control strategies. The front side of the plot remains visually permeable through landscaped fencing, allowing natural wetland vegetation to thrive while protecting the river ecosystem.
Single-story buildings were adopted in compliance with Kigali zoning regulations, ensuring a modest scale that blends naturally into the surrounding environment.
Community & Social Impact
Beyond serving as an educational facility, the multipurpose hall was designed as a flexible space for the wider community. It functions as a dining hall, gymnasium, meeting venue, and income-generating space for events such as exhibitions and weddings. This dual-purpose approach reinforces the school’s role as a social anchor within the neighborhood.
By investing in education, community infrastructure, and sustainable construction, the project contributes to Rwanda’s broader goals of social development and economic growth.
Materials & Atmosphere
The architecture emphasizes durability, simplicity, and warmth through the use of brick, concrete, and carefully detailed interiors. Natural light, shaded openings, and generous volumes create comfortable learning environments while minimizing operational energy demands. The scale, material choices, and spatial arrangement are carefully calibrated to enhance the daily experience of children, teachers, and visitors alike.
Design Vision
Rooted in continuity with the existing school, the Umubano Primary School Extension creates an iconic yet grounded presence within its landscape. The project balances educational excellence, environmental responsibility, and community engagement—demonstrating how architecture can meaningfully support learning and social cohesion in contemporary Africa.
Project Gallery
