The Salvation Army School near Poirer

Poirier, Haiti

Located near Poirier, an hour-and-a-half’s drive up the mountain from the nearest paved road, a new school designed by Msaada for the Salvation Army provides education to children of several surrounding villages. Given the remoteness of the site, transportation of materials is difficult and expensive. Therefore, Msaada selected an earthquake-resistant construction type known as the ‘Dhajji’ system for the school, Director’s quarters and church. Combining locally-available materials such as rubble stone, bamboo and wood, the transportation cost of materials was kept reasonable while simultaneously benefitting the local community who collect the materials. Upon completion of the construction, the Dhajji’s wall structure is left visible, serving as a model for earthquake and hurricane resistant homes.

Client: The Salvation Army

Type of Project: Education

Project Area: 744 square m

Services provided: Concept Design, Construction Documents, Construction Supervision