Introduction
For the past decade, Shih Chien University in Taiwan has improved Cambodia’s rural educational infra-structure by building new school facilities. This year marked the first international collaboration, partnering with UCSI University in Malaysia and the Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology in Japan. The objective was to build a new school block for Rakachhmol Elementary School in Cambodia, as there is a need for more facilities. Over 20 international student volunteers participated in this year’s construction.
This year, we are challenged to construct a new school block within ten days, emphasising collaboration between local communities and international partners. The block includes a classroom, a health centre, and a library. It was an experience to participate in a live-built project using a rapid approach while collaborating with individuals from different nationalities. As part of the itinerary, all architecture students also participated in a one-day on-site design workshop, contributing designs based on real-life input. This experience fostered a strong sense of participation and encouraged our proposals to reflect the school’s needs closely.
SITE CONTEXT
The school is at a crossroads, surrounded by miles of rice paddies fields. Within the compound is an existing single-story classroom block facing a central flagpole, complemented by two toilet buildings and a pond behind the structure. A spacious open area stretches before the school block, providing a welcoming environment. At the same time, a small vendor and shop are conveniently positioned at either end of the entrance, enhancing the community feel.
DESIGN
All the spaces in the school block are organised to respond to local site contexts. The classroom is located near the small vendor. At the same time, the health room is positioned closer to the toilets for easier sanitation. A covered open space at the centre facilitates multipurpose activities and provides shaded gathering space. The floor level is raised to 1 meter, as we were inspired by local children’s height, to promote ventilation and create an additional shaded play area for children. Covered corridors provide refuge from the harsh sun, and louvres at the gable end diffuse sunlight while keeping the rain out. Inside, built-in bookshelves in the library enhance functionality and create a welcoming learning environment. The design also incorporates local Cambodian cultural norms, such as including an odd number of steps in staircases and honouring local architectural customs.
To streamline rapid construction, we drew on the local timber framing method, with strong regional and volunteer participation contributing to the success. Timber lap joints, where pairs of beams sandwich each column, were reinforced with metal fasteners, ensuring speed and stability. We also used locally sourced materials like precast concrete footings, hardwood timber, and prefabricated timber openings due to fast availability, allowing for quick and efficient construction.
CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS
DAY 1
Teams of students from different international backgrounds collaborated on producing site plans and proposing site-specific dimensions and design layouts. Due to time limitations, each discussion round lasted only minutes, making the process challenging. Language barriers between international students and the continuous need to reassess local needs greatly influenced our experience. The day concluded with the completion of a 3D model to help determine the material quantities based on locally available materials.
DAY 2
Everyone dug the ground for precast footings, filled the holes with stones and poured concrete. It was one of the most exhausting days, requiring significant physical effort and endurance in the local climate.
DAY 3
The following day, as the concrete had fully cured, we placed the concrete stumps on a layer of sand and used string level markers to help us align them accordingly. At the same time, we prepped the timber beams for the lap joints, with helpful inputs from the villagers who taught us about their techniques using an axe aleveled.
Day 4
We assembled the structural frame sets, which were raised upright using ropes and a “whole village’s effort” to physically positioned them. It was memorable witnessing a team of diverse background in collaboration together, especially given the substantial weight of each frame and the potential for serious accidents. Once positioned on the concrete stumps, slender tree trunks were nailed to the structure for temporary support and stability.
Day 5
Midway through the project, we had a break-day to visit a nearby town called Battambang. Known for its French colonial architecture, we explored the Psar Nat Market, a famous Brutalist architecture landmark. We also managed to sample their National dish – Fish Amok, which tasted similar to the Malaysian otak-otak but is unique in its own way.
Day 7
As the project progressed, we assembled wall frames and purlins, measuring and securing wall studs to ensure proper fitting for wall planks, doors, and windows. Locals continued with the roof installation.
DAY 8
With the wall and roof structures nearly complete, our focus shifted to finalising both elements. Students attached overlapping wall planks for rain resistance, while local laid and nailed overlapping concrete roof tiles to prevent water leakage. A small group also began constructing staircase components, crucial for access.
DAY 9
On the final construction day, we visited last year’s school build, noting differences in scale and methods. We also explored a local wet market, gaining insights into the region’s culture. The rest of the day was dedicated to completing the project, focusing on the metal gable-end frame to encourage air circulation.
DAY 10
Filled with excitement in the air, the day concluded with the official launch of the new school building. Despite the stressful last push to install the final gable end louvre, it was concluded with the launching ceremony that included traditional greetings and heartfelt speeches, highlighting the project’s impact. We marked our contributions by signing a logbook and inscribing our names on a roof beam, creating a lasting connection to the school.
CONCLUSION
As architecture students with some basic carpentry experience, one of our key takeaways was learning from the locals. They taught us the versatility of the axe, reducing the need for multiple tools. We also gained hands-on skills in cutting and welding metal for louvres, and learned nailing techniques to conserve strength. Additionally, we focused on working smarter on-site, and site safety.
The ten-day workshop concluded with the successful completion of the new school infrastructure and the formation of new friendships with the international community. We’ll always remember the active involvement of the locals—including the school principal, police, and even the village head-and the excitement of the children to explore their new facilities. As we mark our names on the structure, the project left a lasting legacy not just for the school, but for us as well. We hoped readers reading this will be more receptive that language barriers can be overcome in future construction projects.
CREDITS:
LOCATION
Moung Ruessei, Cambodia
PROJECT RECIPIENT
Roka Chhmaul Primary School in Cambodia
DESIGNED BY
HANDS TOGETHER –
International University Collaboration
WORKSHOP BY
Guo Cho Chen Studio, Shih Chien University + Mikio Tai Laboratory, Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology + Doris Quek, UCSI University
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS
HANDS TOGETHER –
International University Collaboration/ Guo Cho Chen Studio in Shih Chien University, Taiwan + Mikio Tai Studio in Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology, Japan + Colllab, UCSI University, Malaysia
CONSTRUCTION
HANDS TOGETHER + Local
SHIH CHIEN UNIVERSITY’S COORDINATORS
Guo Chou Chen
Chan Chih Chan
Lydia Ya Chu Chang
Wu Yao Ting
SHIZUOKA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY’S COORDINATOR
Mikio Tai
UCSI UNIVERSITY’S COORDINATOR
Doris Quek Shu Han
德丰木業
Lee Wen Shiung
ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Teng Ling
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Chen Hsin Chung
Chiu Hsien Yu
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Liao Chung Kai
Chang Che Yu
STUDENTS, SHIH CHIEN
UNIVERSITY (USC)
Chung Yu Chiao
Pei Qi Hong
Yueh Hua Su
Ling Chieh Cho
Wang Hong Yi
Yi Han Ou
Chih Yi Lin
Jia Min Tseng
Lin Yu Cheng
Chen Chi Chung
STUDENTS OF MASTER
DEGREE, SHIH CHIEN
UNIVERSITY (USC)
Hsiao Jung Cheng
Liu Yu Chen
Wang Bi Ying
Chen Hsuan Tung
SOPHOMORE, TAMKANG
UNIVERSITY (TKU)
LI YUN ROU
STUDENTS OF MASTER
DEGREE, SHIZUOKA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (SIST)
Hiroto Inaba
Ririka Suzuki
Miyu Makita
Teruyuki Nakagawa
COLLAB AND STUDENTS
OF SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT (SABE), UCSI UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA
Oon Wu Han
Guma Sylvester Makajil
Yew Wei Zen
Chan Meng Bin
Miao Annan
Tong Lai Mun Joanne
