completed in 2021 by BHA architecture, the ‘SNA marianapolis international school – bien hoa campus’ sits on a 14,800 sqm plot of land in  vietnam’s  bien hoa city. the building, designed for 1,800 students, accommodates various  learning spaces  and recreational activities; this includes a multipurpose area, an 800-seat hall, a canteen, a library, and a dormitory. 

all images © hoang le

BHA architecture defined the school using movement . its team arranged the building modules in a U-shaped layout that goes from low to high on either side. this approach also led to a semi-enclosed space holding a green open field and garden for sports and recreation.

the architects proceeded to calculating the total number of classrooms before layering them on top of one another. by stacking the classrooms, BHA reduces the impact of surrounding buildings while offering students visual access to the school’s inner garden. 

a hero feature of this project is the lobby’s 24-meter-long staircase that hosts a large gathering spot beneath it where students can socialize and parents can wait to pick up their children. the stairs also serve as an open link to the large playground facing the library and theater, allowing for greater interaction and interconnectedness to unfold within the school campus.

structurally, the facade comprises 2.5mm powder-coated iron plates separated into five modules and built in a factory before getting erected on-site. for air circulation and shading, the building shell is separated from the inner wall and acts as a buffer for the technical system, including air conditioning and drainage.

name: SNA marianapolis international school – bien hoa campus

location: bien hoa, vietnam 

design team: nguyen xuan minh, le ba huynh, pham ba quan, nguyen van bao

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom

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