The 'School out of the Box' project is a visionary concept designed for addressing critical infrastructure gaps in under-resourced schools in rural Africa. rabble lab is planning to take this concept started at East Coast Architects to another level.

The proposal leverages the versatility and availability of 20ft (6m) shipping containers to deliver scalable, durable, well-designed modules to meet essential requirements for these schools. By utilizing the structural strength and ubiquity of shipping containers, the project aims to provide a comprehensive fit-out using high-quality finishes and components before transporting these containers to prepared sites for installation. Further construction on-site transforms these modules into functional facilities that align with site conditions and require no external linkages.

Key principles of the proposal include:

• The central use of 20ft shipping containers as the core building component.

• Maximizing the inherent strengths of shipping containers: structural integrity, weatherproofing, security, and standardized dimensions.

• Off-site container 'fit-out' involving controlled manufacturing processes, while on-site construction incorporates locally-sourced materials and labor.

• Simultaneous preparation of both on-site and off-site components for rapid delivery and assembly.

• Scalability of the program to accommodate varying needs.

• Construction of robust, durable components that are easily transportable to remote areas.

• Minimization of waste through deconstructible design elements.

• This forward-thinking project showcases an innovative approach to addressing

The i-box, a 52m² computer classroom, served as the initial prototype that underwent testing. Two units were constructed for the Department of Science and Technology, with implementation handled by the NGO, Mpilonhle. Currently, there are plans to develop additional units. If you are intrigued by this concept, feel free to reach out to us.