Laniteio Secondary School Extension

The proposal comprises the demolition of old structures, with the exception of the main wing which includes the general classrooms and the principal and professors’ offices. The remaining functions – twelve laboratories and a multipurpose athletics hall – are housed in a separate unified building placed in the south of the main wing. A new, enclosed courtyard is therefore formed between the old and new structures, whereas the new building includes a second courtyard, around which all the labs are located. The two entities, old and new, are connected via a steel bridge construction and through exterior corridors in the east and west sides, thus forming an integrated ensemble.

The design of the new extension aims to create a functional whole, integrated subtly to the existing environment. The main strategy that was followed in the design is the sinking of the large volumes in the ground, so that the new building is not overwhelming and does not overshadow the existing one. The sloped roof of the new building, which is also green, not only gives additional height where is needed in the labs, but it visually acts as a continuation of the existing landscape. This way, although the new extension includes a large number of areas, its volume is constrained, and its height does not exceed that of the existing wing. Therefore, the existing twostory building remains the highest structure in the complex. Because of the sinking, the main courtyard between the old and new buildings is located in a lower level, creating a secluded, secure environment for the students. The courtyard is thus the fundamental element establishing the dialogue between the old and the new. Moreover, exterior seating shaped in the north side of the courtyard because of the sinking, acts also as a visual podium for the old building.

The new building is designed around an enclosed courtyard, so that it establishes well-lit spaces with controlled sun exposure as well as cross-ventilation with windows on two sides. The sinking strategy, combined with the green sloped roof, establishes better thermal insulation and minimizes energy losses. Emphasis was also given in the creation of covered open spaces, protecting the students from the sun and rain. The selection of materials follows a low-cost approach, but with an environmental sensitivity. Most part of the building structure is reinforced concrete, apart from the multipurpose hall, whose roof is formed by steel trusses supporting a steel acoustic deck spanning 34 meters. Exposed concrete is used for the floors, both internally and externally, as well as for several elements such as columns and planters, requiring minimal to no maintenance. Finally, hits of color were incorporated in selected elements of the building such as the metallic louvers and the inseam of the window frames, giving a distinct identity to the school.