Casa da Árvore, a primary school on the outskirts of Leiria, Portugal, was designed designed by local architecture firm, Contaminar Arquitetos.

The building was designed with cork-clad concrete canopies covering large outdoor gathering spaces, to foster a close connection to the outdoors and a nearby pine forest.
Contaminar Arquitetos designed the classrooms opened onto a central courtyard surrounded by a series of covered patios.
 
"The idea of connecting classrooms to outside 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."
Contaminar Arquitetos

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.
 

Project description by Contaminar Arquitetos

It starts from the imaginary of the treehouse, 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.

Read more
Read less

More information

Label
Architects
Text
Contaminar Arquitetos. Principals.- Joel Esperança, Ruben Vaz, Eurico Sousa e Joaquim Duarte.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Project team
Text
Filipa Pimpão, Ana Carolina e Sara Fernandes.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Collaborators
Text
Engineering.- Dimeng, Lda.
Air conditioning.- Leiricanal, Equipamentos Técnicas Lda.
Lighting.- Socilux, Lda.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Builder
Text
Irmãos Couto e Coito, Lda.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Client
Text
O Jardim dos Fraldinhas.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Area
Text
Superficie construída.- 274,50 m².
Superficie  total.- 752,00 m².
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Dates
Text
Completed.- 2020.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Location
Text
Rua Bombeiros Voluntários de Leiria nº115, 2415-713 Leiria, Portugal.
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Label
Photography
+ + copy Created with Sketch.
- + copy Created with Sketch.
Contaminar Arquitetos, is an architecture firm, in the Portugal central area, formed by architects from Leiria, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra. It was founded in 2004, in Leiria, by two architects Joel Esperança and Ruben Vaz and one  Product&Interior Designer Romeu Sousa.

Joel Esperança [Leiria, 1980] holds a bachelor's and a master's in architecture from the 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 a master's primary supervisor on architecture final projects.

Ruben Vaz [Coimbra, 1980] holds a bachelor's and a master's in architecture from the 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 cofounded Contaminar®, Leiria-based architectural office.

Eurico Sousa [Leiria, 1987] graduated from the University School of Arts [EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, with a master's in architecture in 2014. Joel Esperança was your primary supervisor in the final project degrees. Between 2014 and 2015 joined Contaminar® as an intern architect of the “order of architects”. Joined Contaminar® as a partner in 2015.

Joaquim Duarte [Leiria, 1970] holds a bachelor's from the University School of Arts [EUAC], Coimbra, Portugal, in 1999. Between 2002 and 2004 he worked as a technical architect mainly in private works, at Leiria city hall. He took part in several projects since 2004 collaborating with other colleagues and teams. Joined Contaminar® as a partner in 2016.
Read more
Published on: October 29, 2021
Cite: "Elementary School - Casa da Árvore by Contaminar Arquitetos" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/elementary-school-casa-da-arvore-contaminar-arquitetos> ISSN 1139-6415
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...