Project Update: Heartland Academy, Palpa
Exciting news from our third school (second in Nepal) as we are getting ready, with two buildings already popping up above the ground.
The process began with careful setting out by SMA architect Riwaz and the building team, followed by excavation and soiling. The foundation was prepared using smaller stones, tightly packed to form a dense, well-interlocked granular layer that spreads the building loads evenly into the soil and prevents moisture from rising through capillary action. Choosing the right size and quality of stone was initially a challenge, but after discussions with Prof. Anne and team SMA, the builders gained clarity and were able to proceed with confidence.
Following the soiling, RCC ring beams and columns were installed to provide the main structural strength. At a deeper technical level, we implemented micro-concreting from the foundation upward to counter lateral forces during earthquakes. Additional stability will come from timber tie beams, dividing the walls into smaller sections, as detailed in the design.
What’s Next? Casting the Plinth Beam.