Saturday, 20 November, 2021 at 8:16:36 am UTC
Elementary School - Casa da Árvore
Contaminar Arquitetos designs a school with the idea of connecting classrooms to nature.
Casa da Árvore | Portugal | 2020 | Built Area: 274.50 sqm | Total Area: 752.00 sqm
Architects:
Photo Credits:
Typology: 1st Cycle School of Basic Education | Principal Architects: Joel Esperança, Ruben Vaz, Eurico Sousa and Joaquim Duarte | Collaborating Architects: Filipa Pimpão, Ana Carolina and Sara Fernandes | Contractor: Irmãos Couto e Coito, Lda | Engineering: Dimeng, Lda | Air conditioning: Leiricanal, Técnicas Lda | Lighting: Socilux, Lda
It starts from the imaginary of the tree-house, where the main idea of being in contact with nature and discovery, allows to stimulate learning from a concept that meets the methodology used in school.
Casa da Árvore appears as one of the first moments in which children have contact with the world of architecture in relation to nature.
The idea of connecting classrooms to outer space was the starting point for the development of this project. This premise, coupled with large windows, allowed us to create classrooms where the interior space appears as an extension of the exterior, thus creating a strong connection with nature.
The patios and porches allow children to fully use the space, and the structure itself was designed as an integral part of the patio furniture.
The choice of materials used is in accordance with the concept of the project, where the use of natural cork as a cladding material in the eaves connects us with nature. The stereotomy itself was crafted like pieces of a puzzle, creating a rhythm on the façade that allows for different appropriations and movements. The concrete of the walls was treated in a particular way, almost alluding to the roots of the trees, where you can see the inert materials that make up and support the structure resting on a pavement in earth tones that reinforces the imagery of the Casa da Árvore.
…will continue to grow.
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Bio:
Joel Esperança [Leiria, 1980] holds a bachelor and a master in architecture fromthe University School of Arts[EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, in 2003 and 2012, respectively. Between 2004 and 2005 collaborated with the architecture department of the University School of Arts from Coimbra. In 2005 he co-founded Contaminar®, Leiria based architectural office. Occasionally, he is master primary supervisor on architecture final projects.
Ruben Vaz [Coimbra, 1980]holds a bachelor and a master in architecture fromthe University School of Arts[EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, in 2003 and 2012, respectively. In 2004 collaborated at José Bento architecture, Figueira da Foz, Portugal based architectural office. In 2005 he co-founded Contaminar®, Leiria based architectural office.
Eurico Sousa [Leiria, 1987] graduated fromthe University School of Arts[EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, with a master in architecturein 2014. Joel Esperança was your primary supervisor in the final project degree’s. Between 2014 and 2015 joined Contaminar® as an intern architect of the “order of architects”. Joined Contaminar® as partner in 2015.
Joaquim Duarte [Leiria, 1970] holds a bachelor fromthe University School of Arts[EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, in 1999. Between 2002 and 2004 he worked as technical architect mainly in private works, at Leiriacity hall. He took part in several projects, since 2004 collaborating among with other colleagues and teams. Joined Contaminar® as partner in 2016.
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