In recent years, there has been a growing focus in architecture on creating designs that harmonize with local environments. A striking example of this approach is the El Cambio Academy, a youth football and education institution in Masaka, Uganda. Designed by the renowned Danish firm Henning Larsen in collaboration with the Kampala-based Siimi Design Studio, this modular campus showcases a unique blend of traditional rammed earth construction techniques with modern architectural strategies. Not only does the project cater to the educational and athletic needs of its students, but it also sets a new standard for sustainable building practices.
The El Cambio Academy campus has been designed with both immediate needs and future growth in mind. The campus follows a modular, phased approach to construction, allowing it to expand over time. This means that the academy can gradually meet the needs of its students as they grow, while also being adaptable to future developments. The first phase, which includes a boys’ dormitory, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025. The 1,280-square-meter campus will accommodate 60 children aged 9 to 16, offering both academic education and athletic training facilities. This approach not only provides a solid foundation for education but also ensures flexibility for future expansion.
One of the most striking features of this project is its use of rammed earth construction, a technique that has been used for centuries in various parts of the world. In Uganda, rammed earth offers both functional and environmental advantages. The thick walls help maintain a comfortable indoor climate by keeping the interior cool during the hot, humid months and warm during cooler periods. For El Cambio Academy, the main buildings, including the school and dormitories, are constructed using 400mm-thick rammed earth walls made from soil excavated during site preparation. These walls are finished with a clay plaster that enhances their durability while providing thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures.
The Siimi Design Studio, with its expertise in local building methods, has seamlessly integrated these traditional techniques with contemporary design principles. By working closely with local artisans, the project team was able to combine modern architectural elements with traditional wisdom, resulting in a building that respects both the environment and the community. The use of locally sourced materials not only reduces the carbon footprint but also helps create a deeper connection between the academy and the community.
The roof structures of the buildings are another remarkable feature of the campus design. The wooden rafters support slanted roofs made of corrugated sheets, while integrated papyrus screens help control the acoustics and light within the spaces. These angled roofs are designed to facilitate stack ventilation, which naturally cools the interior by allowing warm air to rise and exit, while cooler air enters from below. Narrow openings between the roof and walls further enhance cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate despite the hot and humid conditions typical of the region.
The roof design also reflects a commitment to sustainable building practices. The incorporation of passive climate strategies, such as natural ventilation and the use of breathable materials, ensures that the buildings can maintain an optimal temperature without relying on air conditioning or other energy-intensive methods.
Throughout the campus, Henning Larsen’s design prioritizes sustainability. Bio-based materials are used wherever possible, minimizing the building's embodied carbon. Concrete is used sparingly and is limited to essential structural components, such as plinths and slabs, which elevate the buildings above ground level to protect them during the rainy season. This conscious use of materials is in line with a growing trend in architecture that emphasizes the importance of working with local resources to reduce environmental impact.
By incorporating local knowledge and resources, the project reflects a broader movement in architecture toward designing buildings that are both environmentally sustainable and socially relevant. Similar projects around the world, such as Adjaye Associates’ design for the International Children’s Cancer Research Centre in Ghana, are also embracing local materials and construction techniques, showcasing how architecture can play a vital role in both climate resilience and community development.
The El Cambio Academy project serves as a powerful example of how architecture can respond to local needs while addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. By combining the rich tradition of rammed earth construction with modern design principles, Henning Larsen and Siimi Design Studio have created a campus that not only provides a high-quality learning environment for the academy’s students but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the community. As more architects around the world turn to locally sourced materials and climate-responsive design, the El Cambio Academy offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable architecture.
This project also reflects the growing trend of modular and context-sensitive design, where the needs of the community, the environment, and future generations are at the forefront of the design process. By building with the land, rather than against it, Henning Larsen and Siimi Design Studio have set a new benchmark for how architecture can respond to the unique challenges of each region. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly inspire future sustainable buildings that are both practical and in harmony with the natural world.