two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain

iterare arquitectos' design embraces minimalism prioritizing functionality and spatial fluidity.

Iterare edited by christina vergopoulou January 12, 2024 3 min

Iterare Arquitectos Unveils School in rural Spanish village

Iterare Arquitectos presents School in Aguas Nuevas as a minimal intervention contrasting its natural surroundings in rural Spain. Situated just a short distance from Albacete, within a village built in the 1960s by the Spanish National Institute of Colonization, the School in Aguas Nuevas serves as an annex to the existing nursery school. The architectural intervention embraces minimalism, offering a distinctive yet understated presence in its rural surroundings.

Comprising only two volumes, the design prioritizes functional spaces. The first, a narrow and elongated structure, links to the current building, accommodating entrance and service areas. In contrast, the second, a primary volume, rises prominently to introduce a novel spatial experience for children engaged in various activities.

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 1 — all images by David Zarzoso

dynamic interplay of light and shadow casts on the volumes

The most noteworthy aspect is a strategically positioned classroom that takes a step back from the facade line, nestled between two courtyards. The south-facing rear courtyard becomes a playground for children, while the front courtyard, opening onto the street, encourages the growth of vegetation. The spatial layout, especially within this classroom, takes center stage in the project.

With its exceptional height, the classroom interior becomes a luminous expanse, allowing children to engage with changing daylight patterns and shadow play. Two large windows capture the dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, enhancing the children’s connection to their environment.

Adhering to setback regulations on the facade, the building also contributes a public seating area, providing a resting spot for locals and parents waiting for their children. The design team at Iterare Arquitectos blends the school structure with the rural context while offering a thoughtful addition to the educational landscape.

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 2 — the primary volume rises prominently, creating a unique spatial experience for children

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 3 — the design adheres to setback regulations, contributing a public seating area on the facade

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 4 — the design, comprising two main volumes, prioritizes functionality

school-aguas-nuevas-iterare-arquitectos-designboom-1800-1 — the school annex embraces minimalism in harmony with its Spanish village setting

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 5 — the school’s spatial layout and exceptional design elevate it as a distinctive educational landmark

two white volumes outline minimal school expansion in rural spain - 6 — a strategically placed classroom, nestled between courtyards, becomes the project’s focal point

school-aguas-nuevas-iterare-arquitectos-designboom-1800-3 — large windows capture dynamic light interplay, enhancing the children’s connection to their surroundings

the south-facing courtyard serves as a playground, while the front encourages vegetation growth the school expansion achieves a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance the classroom seamlessly integrates with the rural landscape within the classroom, exceptional height creates a luminous space for engaging with daylight and shadows

project info:

name: School in Aguas Nuevas
architect: Iterare arquitectos | @iterarearquitectos

lead architects: Rubén Gutiérrez Rodríguez + Pedro Ponce Gregorio
location: Aguas Nuevas, Spain

photography: David Zarzoso | @david_zarzoso

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