Concrete extension added to historic Lisbon school
António Costa Lima Arquitectos blends modern intervention with heritage
1Transformation of a historic school
Colégio de Santa Maria, originally built in the early 20th century for a Catholic congregation in Lisbon, is being renovated while preserving its historic fabric. The intervention by António Costa Lima Arquitectos aims to enhance functionality while maintaining architectural character. Starting with demolition of illegal annexes, the project adds new classrooms and recreational spaces to meet contemporary educational needs.
2Sculptural concrete volumes
The new structure adjacent to the main building features cubic forms inspired by rocky sea promontories. The reinforced concrete blocks shift sideways as they rise, creating a contemporary architectural language. Each floor houses different functions, combining structural integrity with aesthetic appeal through exposed concrete surfaces and precise geometric forms.
3Accessibility-driven design
A key project objective was improving accessibility through new circulation cores and elevators. A ramped walkway and slender concrete bridge on steel supports connect the historic building to playgrounds, ensuring barrier-free access. These elements link existing classroom blocks with new additions while respecting the site's topography and heritage values.
4Terraced green spaces
Planter boxes on the cubic volumes' terraces soften the hard concrete surfaces. Stepped greenery animates the rear elevation, with exposed concrete framing recreational areas to create inviting student spaces. The landscaping approach integrates nature into the architectural composition while providing environmental benefits.
5Sacred space in daily life
The project's most striking element is a slightly cantilevered chapel with glass floor sections. Designed to make the sacred present in students' daily routine, it creates visual connections between the tabernacle and playground below. The chapel's carved wooden interior remains visible from recreational areas, blending spiritual and educational functions.
6Preservation of historic fabric
While the new concrete volume connects directly to the old building, interior renovations carefully preserve original details. A paved patio with low concrete planters mediates between main building and smaller classroom blocks. These interventions demonstrate sensitive integration of contemporary additions within historic contexts.
7Other Lisbon school transformations
Similar projects in Lisbon include Site Specific Arquitectura's update of a 1950s educational building with circular-cut extensions. Such transformations exemplify adaptive reuse of historic schools. In France, SAM Architecture's Yvonne Kerzrého School Complex arranges classrooms around cascading terraces, showing diverse approaches to educational architecture.
8Carrying architectural heritage forward
This project sets an important precedent for preserving and repurposing historic educational buildings. The expanded school meets modern student needs while respecting urban architectural heritage. As a sustainable architecture achievement, it contributes significantly to Lisbon's educational infrastructure and demonstrates thoughtful heritage adaptation.
Original article: Architecture news and projects | Dezeen — Tarihi Lizbon okuluna beton ek bina