Designed with children in developing areas in mind, Boxchool is a modular schoolhouse designed for rural areas with little access to educational resources. Architecturally, shipping containers aren’t that conducive to hosting a classroom, so Boxchool attempts to create a sustainable container classroom environments by attaching modularised subsidiary materials on the interior and exterior of the containers. One unit of Boxchool is a recycled standard shipping container loaded with all the subsidiary modular parts including outer frame modules, panels, solar panels, gutters, pipes, tanks, windows, and furniture. A twist lock system is used to attach subsidiary modular parts to the corner casting of the container. The outer frames are delivered in separate pieces and then assembled on site. The wall panels are sectioned and attached to the frame. This modular system lowers the production cost and provides the freedom to build various configurations.

In addition to being a cost-effective solution, Boxchool is also efficient as it is operated by an independent energy system which can provide solar energy, clean water and good air circulation to make up a sustainable educational environment anywhere in the world. Fourteen solar panels on the roof can generate enough power to run one laptop, one projector, eight LED lights and ten tablet PCs altogether for 6 hours. Clean water is produced through rainwater collection and subsequent in-pipe filtration and precipitation in the tank.Boxchool’s modular system is flexible and expandable. Depending on how it is assembled, two units of Boxchool containers can be transformed into one spacious and fully equipped classroom for at least 24 children. Three units can make playground for children. Six units can build big library. Boxchool brings a smart and sustainable educational environment to rural areas.

Designer: IDIM Design Laboratory