At the beginning of 2020, CriarT – Associação de Solidariedade, challenged us to develop a proposal for a nursery in its area of intervention, Seixal.

Located on a plot of land with a dense tree structure, where the predominant species is the cork oak, the approach and strategy of implementation of this building started from the desire to preserve the existing green mantle and, at the same time, create a greater relationship between the built and the outdoor space, besides the educational impact that it originates.

We intended that, in context with the surroundings, the construction would not be a disruptive element, but a generator of identity in the urban block that would both emphasize nature and provide the park with other valences of use.

The implantation of the building was designed to allow an interconnection between interior spaces and terrain, since it was not planned to cut down any tree of this species. In addition to the vegetation cover of cork oaks, the building’s solar orientation was decisive, which managed to reduce the architectural barriers that come from the topography of the land.

The result was a single-storey building, with an organic distribution both at the formal level and at the level of the requested program, prepared to accommodate 84 children, aged between 4 and 36 months and distributed through 3 groups.

When it comes to the way the place is organized, there are two entrances, one for users and the other for loading, unloading, services and employees.

From the main entrance, you are able to access the reception, waiting area and internal services (meeting room, management, administration and employees sanitary facilities). From the distribution hall next to this entrance, you can access the cafeteria area, kitchen (with storage circuit (neutral and cold), cooking, plating, dirty pantry, garbage room, and exit), general pantry and storage, general garbage deposit with waste separation, laundry, changing rooms and staff room.

On the opposite side of the entrance there are 2 rooms (2/3 years) separated by a glazed structure, with storage for cots, dedicated toilet / hygiene area; 2 rooms (1/2 years) with an operating scheme similar to the previous ones; 2 nursery areas with a total of 21 beds, 2 park rooms, 2 milk pantries, dedicated toilet and hygiene area.

For more details about this project, or to schedule a visit, please contact us.