Vimbukhalo Primary School, located near Winterton in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, recently underwent a transformative upgrade, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable educational infrastructure in South Africa. When AECOM first assessed the site in 2019, learners were being taught in temporary structures that made effective learning difficult and failed to meet safety standards. This project provided an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact for the school and its broader community.
Addressing infrastructure challenges
The existing facilities at Vimbukhalo Primary were unsafe and uncomfortable, with limited access to essential resources. “Children are our future, and providing safe, engaging learning environments is critical to their development,” says project architect Doreen Noetzold. Recognising that challenges in educational infrastructure present opportunities for innovation, AECOM set out to design a school that not only met practical requirements but supported the needs of learners and educators alike.
Architect’s design vision
Taking a holistic design approach, the team sought to integrate contemporary educational principles into every aspect of the upgrade. “Every challenge is an opportunity—for architects, it’s a chance to push design boundaries and realise positive outcomes by implementing modern educational strategies,” Noetzold adds.
Site layout and building placement
Thoughtful building placement was key to the project’s success. The arrangement of facilities was designed to encourage movement and interaction, creating secure, accessible spaces while fostering positive social engagement. Well-planned open areas between classrooms serve not only as safe play zones but as extensions of the learning environment, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Sustainability in practice
The new school exemplifies AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies approach—focusing on long-term resilience, operational efficiency, and social value. Robust materials and efficient construction techniques help reduce lifecycle costs while providing a healthy environment for learners and staff. The upgrade reflects a strong commitment to delivering value to the community through responsible, future-forward design.
Collaboration for effective delivery
Despite the complexities often found in public sector infrastructure projects, AECOM and its partners were able to deliver the Vimbukhalo Primary School upgrade efficiently and on schedule. Close collaboration with stakeholders— from local authorities to contractors—ensured seamless project management and a shared commitment to quality.
Legacy and future outlook
The completed school is more than just a set of buildings; it’s an investment in the community’s future and a reference point for sustainability in education infrastructure. AECOM’s approach demonstrates that well-designed schools can offer safe, inspiring spaces for learners while delivering measurable value for the public sector.
Interested in similar sustainable infrastructure solutions for your next project? Discover more about AECOM’s approach to resilient, socially valuable design at aecom.com
