jsw ratnagiri school

"A composition of open courts and circulation spaces overlooking endless valley views offers inspiration and stimulation both in and out of the classrooms."

The school at the JSW, Ratnagiri township has been strategically located on top of a cliff on the edge of the coastal regulatory zone line with excellent views of the valleys ending at the beaches below. It is connected to the staff-housing zone with a wide tree shaded walkway along the edge of the picturesque valley, thus encouraging the residents and their children to walk to school, instead of using their vehicles.

The school has been currently planned for 400 students with a master plan in place for expanding it to thrice the capacity. It has been planned with a central circulation corridor leading in from the entrance lobby, with the classroom wings on one side and a stilted area on the other, opening out onto a large open to sky enclosure. The stilted area ensures a recreation space for the students during the monsoon months and can also be used for various extra-curricular activities during instruction time.

The classroom wings as well as the library block have been oriented such that the glare free north light is taken advantage of, and heat gain is reduced by placing access corridors to the south, with smaller openings. The curved shape has originated from the natural contours of the land. The courts between the classroom wings are carefully sized, making them usable either as outdoor instruction spaces or play areas, as the need maybe.

Over all, the school integrates well into the natural topography and the indoor learning spaces are well integrated with the outdoors, maintaining a close connect with nature and the scenic surroundings. The school ensures an enhanced learning experience not only by its spatial configuration, but also by the colours and visuals thoughtfully added on the wall surfaces.