sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid

the rooftop of the school serves as a park, while the classrooms below are surrounded by gardens and courtyards.

thomai tsimpou July 22, 2025 4 min

project by Sordo Madaleno folds into the earth in mexico

Architecture studio Sordo Madaleno unveils the Canadian School, a structure that appears to be an extension of the land in Mexico. In Cholula, Puebla, where the world’s largest pre-Hispanic pyramid rises and the Popocatépetl volcano looms in the distance, the school, now under construction, folds into the terrain. Its rooftop serves as a park, accessible from the street, while the classrooms below are surrounded by gardens and courtyards. ‘This school is a canvas where learning and nature meet,’ notes Fernando Sordo Madaleno, partner at the firm. ‘Architecture becomes an experiential tool that merges with the playground.’

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 1 — all renderings by Sordo Madaleno, unless stated otherwise

seven circular buildings form the Canadian School building

The Mexican team of Sordo Madaleno uses the natural 3-meter slope of the site to organize the school into two experiences. Above, a park-like roof connects to the playground; below, a sheltered world hosts learning. ‘This typology allowed us to challenge traditional design approaches. Despite the defined boundary, we envisioned a central space that integrates with the surrounding environment. The building itself becomes part of the playground, blending into the environment. From this vantage point, the school can be seen in harmony with the nearby volcano,’ explains Fernando Sordo Madaleno

The layout itself breaks from the linear school format with a radial plan, made up of seven circular buildings divided into 24 wedge-like segments. These house everything from classrooms and offices to a cafeteria, gardens, and sports facilities. The spaces open inward toward shared courtyards, creating a sense of community and openness. Importantly, 62% of the site remains unbuilt, turning the school into a porous landscape.

The architects custom-made concrete blocks specifically for this project, rugged and durable, but also expressive of the volcanic terrain. These blocks reduce long-term maintenance and reinforce the modular character of the layout.

‘Canadian School is inspired by the volcanic context and memory land of the site. Its design is presented as a building that blends with the natural topography.’ shares Fernando Sordo Madaleno.

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 2 — Sordo Madaleno unveils the Canadian School | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 3 — the structure, whose rooftop serves as a park, appears to be an extension of the land | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 4 — the school folds into the terrain | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 5 — the classrooms are surrounded by gardens and courtyards | render by MIR

sordo-madaleno-circular-school-volcanic-terrain-mexican-pyramid-designboom-large02 — the layout breaks from the linear school format | render by MIR

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 6 — the spaces open inward toward shared courtyards

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 7 — 62% of the site remains unbuilt

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 8 — construction images courtesy of Sordo Madaleno

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 9 — seven circular buildings are divided into 24 wedge-like segments

sordo-madaleno-circular-school-volcanic-terrain-mexican-pyramid-designboom-large01 — the architects custom-made concrete blocks specifically for this project

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 10 — turning the school into a porous landscape

sordo madaleno embeds circular school into volcanic terrain at the foot of mexican pyramid - 11 — a sheltered, immersive world hosts learning

section 03 | all drawings and sketches by Sordo Madaleno axonometric ground floor plan site plan axonometric section 01 section 02 the project is located in Cholula, Puebla, where the world’s largest pre-Hispanic pyramid rises a sense of community and openness a radial plan Sordo Madaleno uses the natural 3-meter slope organizing the school into two experiences

project info:

name: Canadian School

architect: Sordo Madaleno | @sordo_madaleno

location: Cholula, Puebla, Mexico

area: 8,184 square meters

client: FILIAA

partners: Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas, Javier Sordo Madaleno de Haro, Fernando Sordo Madaleno

architecture director: Edgar Beltrán

design team: Daniel Laredo, María Arenas, Miguel Loyola, Diego Velázquez, Laura Mata, Ricardo Mondragón, Brian Luna, Luis Ortíz, Jessica Navarrete

structural engineering: GAYPE Constructora

electrical & systems: Teledomótica

lighting consultant: LUA Luz en Arquitectura

landscape consultant: Plántica

construction: Tritio

renderings: MIR | @mir.no, Sordo Madaleno