Temporal synthesis: The adaptive reuse of a K-12 institution in Rajasthan

The architectural landscape of Rajasthan is steeped in a rich tradition of historic masonry, reflecting a deep-rooted material culture that has withstood the test of time. Among these enduring structures is a post-independence educational institution, constructed with rubble masonry—a testament to resilience and pragmatic functionality. Established in the 1960s by the JK Cement Organisation, this school was part of their cement plant and colony in the remote village of Nimbahera, situated 100 kilometers from Udaipur.

As architectural discourse continues to grapple with the dual imperatives of preservation and transformation, a critical question emerges: How can the utility of a historic structure be extended without compromising its intellectual and cultural integrity? How does architecture reconcile the past with the present without descending into aesthetic discord?

R+D Studio’s intervention addresses these questions through the lens of adaptive reuse, not merely as a technical strategy but as a philosophical approach.

A dynamic system reimagined

A K-12 institution is not a static entity; it is a living organism that evolves to meet shifting educational paradigms and spatial requirements. In this case, the original design housed outdated bachelor’s accommodations within the primary structure—an inefficient use of space that called for a thoughtful reconfiguration.

The intervention was executed with meticulous precision. The dormitory functions were decommissioned, and the spatial layout was reimagined to incorporate a new primary wing. Rather than merely extending the existing structure, this addition functions as a thoughtful graft—bridging historical continuity with contemporary necessity. The new wing is not an isolated appendage but an integrated extension, harmonizing with the architectural language of its predecessor.

Designing for continuity

The synthesis of old and new demands more than visual adjacency; it requires a deliberate orchestration of form, function and materiality. The new wing serves as a transitional hinge, fostering spatial fluidity while maintaining a cohesive architectural narrative. A carefully planned circulation strategy ensures smooth movement between the historic and contemporary sections, minimising disruption and enhancing the user experience.

Material continuity plays a pivotal role in this architectural dialogue. The selective use of local Nimbahera stone, stucco and historically consistent paint formulations anchors the new intervention within the existing tectonic language. This approach engages with material as a narrative device, allowing the new wing to emerge as an authentic extension of its environment.

Sustainability through adaptation

Rather than dismantling and rebuilding—an act that erases embodied energy—this project prioritises recalibration and renewal. By amplifying the latent potential of the existing structure, the intervention embodies a sustainable design philosophy rooted in both cultural and environmental stewardship.

R+D Studio’s work is neither a nostalgic mimicry nor a radical departure. It represents an act of architectural authorship—an evolving process of rewriting, refining and expanding the built environment. Recognising architecture as a dynamic manuscript, the project advocates for historical structures to be active participants in our architectural discourse, rather than static relics of the past.

The thoughtful selection of materials—local slate stone, stucco, and historically consistent paint—ensured that the two wings, despite being constructed 65 years apart, coexist in architectural harmony. In doing so, R+D Studio has crafted a space that honors its past while confidently embracing the future.

FACT FILE:

Location: Nimbahera, Rajasthan, India

Area: Site- 4.8 Acres, Built Up– 38,000 sq ft

Team: Shikha Doogar, Shridhar Rao, Ashvajit Singh, Siddharth Saluja, Shruti Yadav, Kushagra Verma, Nitansh Tandon

Photography: Ketan Patel