Exterior view of a modern building with red window shades and a large tree in the foreground.

A modern building with red window shades and a tree in the foreground.

A modern building with red window shades and small balconies, surrounded by trees. People are sitting and standing near the entrance.
A building facade with large red awnings and balconies, partially obscured by trees and surrounded by greenery.
A two-story building with a pink facade featuring large windows and red accents, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A building facade with red window coverings and trees in the foreground.
Children playing on a merry-go-round in front of a pink building with red window shutters.
A minimalist building facade with two red awnings, one covering a window with a white railing and the other covering a doorway. Three children are interacting near the doorway, with one sitting on a chair.
A modern building exterior with a pink facade featuring a circular window and sliding glass doors.
A section of a building facade with a sloped roof, featuring a playful decorative element resembling a tube with red triangular shapes protruding from it, set against a backdrop of green trees.
Close-up of a red and silver sprinkler spraying water with a blurred green background.
A child interacting with a water feature in a tiled outdoor space with a red awning and view of greenery.
A minimalist interior space with light green tiles covering the walls and floor. Two curved basins with faucets are mounted on the tiled wall.
A minimalist architectural space featuring light green tiled walls and floors, with a circular cutout in a pink wall. The space includes a curved wall and two faucets protruding from the wall.
A view through a large window with a red blind, surrounded by light blue tiles, looking out onto a garden with trees and a circular play area.
A view through a large glass door into a tiled courtyard with light blue tiles and two small curved structures on the wall.
Interior view of a corridor with pink flooring and a red window shade at the end, framed by tiled walls.
A modern architectural space featuring a tiled exterior and a pink interior. The left side shows a green tiled wall with a circular bench, while the right side reveals an interior room with pink flooring and walls, and a large window with a red blind. Trees are visible through the windows.
A hallway with peach-colored walls and floor tiles, featuring circular ceiling lights and a round window at the end.
A modern interior space featuring a staircase with tiled steps and a corridor with a smooth, pinkish floor. The walls are light-colored, and there are circular ceiling lights. Two chairs are visible in the background near large windows.
Interior view of a kindergarten with open double doors leading to a spacious room with large windows and a view of greenery outside.
Interior view of a modern kindergarten room with white walls, orange flooring, and circular ceiling lights. The room features sliding doors with circular cutouts and large windows opening to an outdoor area.
A view from inside a building looking out through a large open doorway to a garden area with trees. A small wooden chair with a red seat is placed near the entrance.
A minimalist interior space with pink walls and floor, featuring two wooden chairs and a small toy train set on the floor. Large windows with red blinds offer views of greenery outside.
Interior of a kindergarten room with pink walls and floor, featuring a small chair and a toy train set on the floor. Large windows with red blinds open to a view of greenery outside.
Interior view of a kindergarten room with minimal furniture, featuring a toy train set on the floor and two wooden chairs. The room has a soft pink color palette and large doorways leading to another space with a blue-tiled wall.
A site plan illustrating the area surrounding a large body of water, with various topographical features and structures marked. The plan shows roads, buildings, and landscape features, with a highlighted section in pink.
Architectural floor plan of a building with multiple rooms and corridors, featuring trees in the outdoor area.
Architectural floor plan of a building with multiple rooms and corridors, accompanied by tree illustrations.
Architectural section drawing of a building with multiple floors, showing interior spaces and a large tree with visible roots on the right side.
An exploded axonometric drawing of a building, showing various sections and layers. The illustration includes multiple levels with visible interior spaces, staircases, and windows. The drawing highlights the spatial organization and architectural features of the structure.
A detailed architectural section drawing showing a portion of a building with sliding glass doors, structural elements, and a layered wall system.

Story

Integrating Architecture with Landscape Set against the picturesque backdrop of Banyoles Lake, the Casa Nostra Kindergarten in Porqueres is a testament to the seamless integration of architecture and nature. The site, historically significant and environmentally sensitive, has been home to educational activities since 1926, evolving into a small campus over the decades. The new kindergarten replaces a former structure, adhering to the original footprint and volume due to strict planning regulations. The design, rather than being constrained by these limits, uses them as a framework to create a fluid and open spatial experience. A central access corridor acts as an extension of the classrooms, facilitating play and informal learning. The use of sliding partitions allows these spaces to adapt dynamically, fostering a sense of movement and community. Outdoor learning is equally prioritized, with an open-air classroom serving as an additional educational space. The building’s façades echo the compositional logic of the surrounding structures, featuring large openings that frame stunning views of the landscape. South-facing classrooms boast expansive glazed enclosures that can retract, transforming the interior into a porch-like space that extends into the courtyard, shaded by an acacia tree. This design choice enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting comfort and engagement with nature.

## Design Highlights

Central access corridor that extends classroom space Sliding partitions for adaptable learning environments Open-air classroom as an integral educational space Large glazed façades for seamless indoor-outdoor transition South-facing classrooms with retractable enclosures

## Key Facts

Location Porqueres, Spain
Architect Sarquella Torres . Riera
Year Completed 2026
Site Context Edge of Banyoles Lake
Building Type Educational, Kindergarten

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Light green and pink tiles are used on the interior walls.

Materials

  • Glass — Used for large windows and sliding doors.
  • Tile — Used on floors and walls in various interior spaces.
  • Metal — Used in window frames and structural elements.

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: The facade includes large openings with sliding glass enclosures that can disappear into the wall.
  • Structural System: The building is constructed on the footprint of a former building, constrained by its volume.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Pink, Light Green, Red
  • Lighting: Natural light is maximized through large windows and sliding glass doors.

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View Sarquella Torres . Riera

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