Results: Nepal School Project

Archstorming has officially announced the winners of the Nepal School Project!

This international architecture competition was launched in response to Nepal’s recent crises: the devastating 2024 monsoon season and the January 7, 2025 Tibet earthquake, which destroyed over 150 schools and severely weakened regional infrastructure. The goal was to design an innovative, modular school prototype that could be replicated in rural Nepal — flood- and earthquake-resistant, sustainable, and capable of serving both as an educational space and a community refuge during emergencies.

From a wide range of submissions, the jury has selected outstanding designs that have the potential to make a real difference on the ground. Congratulations to all the winners!

1st Prize

Julian Hendigery, Nina Dobroczyńska, Emiliya Skipar
Poland

About the 1st Prize – Filippo Berardi, Co-founder of Studio Berardi Miglio
“One of the project’s strongest features is the central interior corridor that allows users to move throughout the school without exposure to weather conditions, enhancing the building’s cohesion as a single, unified structure. It also creates opportunities for informal and sheltered gathering spaces.
I was also impressed by the construction logic: a standardized frame system that can accommodate walls, doors, or windows, using a variety of local infill materials. This approach allows for prefabrication, faster assembly, and reduced costs. The design cleverly adapts to Nepal’s climatic diversity, with the central corridor enclosed in colder areas or left open as a covered veranda in warmer regions.”

2nd Prize

Derin Kinacigil
Japan

About the 2nd Prize – Takehiko Suzuki, Founder of Takehiko Suzuki Architects
“I appreciated the simplicity and clarity of the steel structure—both strong and affordable, making it highly suitable for the context. The project also shows a thoughtful approach to passive ventilation, integrating climate-responsive strategies into the design. Additionally, its modular layout allows for phased construction based on evolving needs and budget availability, offering great flexibility for implementation.”

3rd Prize

Minh Ky Duong, Duy Anh Dam
Vietnam

About the 3rd Prize – Paz Braga, Founder of Paz Braga
“I like the linear configuration of this project, alternating open and enclosed spaces under a continuous roof, which creates a dynamic and welcoming learning environment. The extensive use of stone—a low-cost and locally available material—is also commendable. In particular, the foundation design stood out for its originality: by doubling as retaining walls, it reduces material use, and its stepped, pyramidal shape provides both structural stability and interior seating for the classrooms..”

Special Honorable Mention

Arsh Kania, Jayant Negi, Raj Kansara, Aashumi Shah
India

About the Special Honorable Mention – Takehiko Suzuki, Founder of Takehiko Suzuki Architects
“I was particularly impressed by the spatial layout of this project and the way openings in the walls allow for visual connections between different areas. From almost every space, one can see into others, creating a strong sense of openness and community. The combination of thick rammed earth walls at the base with a light bamboo roof structure gives the building a strong, stable appearance while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere”

Special Honorable Mention

Karun Kumbera, Justin V Jose, Aniruddh P.K
India

About the Special Honorable Mention – Paz Braga, Founder of Paz Braga
“This project stands out for its innovative foundation system, which utilizes gabions and locally sourced stone-filled metal sheds—ensuring resilience through affordable and abundant materials. I also appreciated the use of recycled plastic as a construction material, a growing trend in architecture that promotes sustainability.”