←→

The design proposal for this school is grounded in core Montessori principles that place the child at the centre of the spatial experience. The school is conceived as a non-hierarchical series of interconnected spaces, carefully scaled and adapted to children’s activities, encouraging independence and exploration. Variations in floor and ceiling heights, even within a single storey, create a rich spatial diversity that supports different modes of learning and movement. The use of indigenous and natural materials wherever possible further reinforces this approach, fostering a strong sensory connection through their tactile qualities.

These principles are translated into the architectural concept of the proposal, where the terrace functions as a natural extension of the classroom, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor learning. The building is designed to emerge organically from the landscape, integrating with its surroundings. At the heart of the school lie several courtyards, which act as the social and spatial cores of the project. The outdoor areas are intentionally disaggregated and flexible, allowing for a variety of educational, recreational, and social activities to take place in response to the needs of the children.

Within this framework, the classroom is defined by the hexagon as the fundamental spatial module. The hexagonal geometry ensures an efficient ratio between surface area and volume, enhancing spatial quality while maintaining structural stability and efficiency. This modular form allows for a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, supporting different teaching arrangements and future transformations of the school.

Sustainability is further bolstered by renewable systems: solar water heaters are incorporated in the proposal to meet 5% of hot water demand, while a 445 m² photovoltaic array generates the remaining operational energy. These are complemented by energy-efficient HVAC, high-performance lighting, and smart controls, ensuring a low-carbon, climate-responsive environment.