Naweni Kindergarten

The Naweni Kindergarten, designed built and funded by CAUKIN Studio and The Naqaqa Giving Foundation serves a number of villages and settlements on the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji.

Prior to its construction, there was no dedicated space for the kindergarten children to learn; instead, the dimly lit canteen room was being used as an alternative - a space too small for the number of children in attendance.

The design consists of a series of portal timber frames that were prefabricated on the ground and then lifted into place by hand. Within the portal frames, the space is split into the large classroom, the adjacent toilet and the entrance veranda. The repeated truss structure provides a distinct aesthetic with a spacious high ceiling. With the introduction of the coloured and patterned material between the portal frames, the space instantly felt like a child-friendly space. The timber frame allows for flexibility against strong cyclone winds with all connecting junctions carefully considered to provide zero weak points from roof to foundation.

Through working closely with the local community, valuable knowledge and experience was exchanged between everyone involved. Completion within the 6-week time frame would not have been possible without the dedication shown by the locals, international volunteers, and sponsors.