The school setting allows a close relationship with nature. Located in the countryside, the new primary school + kindergarten is surrounded by beautiful adult trees.
Architecture: Miguel Marcelino
Collaborators: Pedro Dourado
Structural Engineering: Betar
Plumbing Engineering: Ana Luísa Ferreira
Electrical Engineering: Fernando Carvalho Araúj
Area: 15.678 m2
Location: Fonte de Angeão, Vagos, Portugal
Client: Municipality of Vagos
Copyright drawings, models and photomontages: ©Archive Miguel Marcelino
Copyright final work photos: ©José Campos
The proposal explores the relations between inside and outside through two systems that will define the spatial organization of the school: in the classrooms, an atmosphere of concentration is sought, so the large windows open to gaps, like private courtyards, providing controlled natural light and diagonal views to the surroundings.
In the common zones the opposite happens: direct and frontal views, large perspective fields in all directions as well as plenty of natural light in the corridors.
There is no separation between structure, architecture and building services. The structure is at once architecture and its material is the actual finish. Pipes and cable trays are not hidden and most of the ventilation and cooling is done through semi-passive systems.