After the Portuguese Revolution in the 1974, there was a pressing need for fast and easily repeatable construction. This urgency led to the construction of new schools or kindergartens across the suburban areas of Lisbon that use modular, prefabricated systems. However, decades of limited maintenance have left buildings in a poor state of conservation.

An initial analysis revealed that, the three existing buildings of Pomba da Paz Kindergarten were not constructed with the same prefabricated system. While the main building preserved the original certified modular structure, the other two appear to be replicas, likely built later, but without the same quality or technical precision, like window frames, timber protection, and fire-resistant linings.

The original building retained several valuable elements: a rational modular structure; prefabricated timber panels composed by outer wood cladding, mineral wool insulation, and internal plasterboard for fire protection. Each 1.5 x 1.5-meter panel formed a human-scale module, allowing for load-bearing walls of just 10 cm thickness, and flexible, functional layouts.

Rather than applying costly structural reinforcements to the poorly built replicas, we proposed a more radical and economical approach: preserve what has architectural and technical value, the original building, and fully demolish the two replicas.

A new, singular volume was introduced to accommodate the canteen and administrative areas, which will respond to both the new programme and to a cohesive space. To ensure full interconnection between spaces (and meet the request for sheltered outdoor areas), we extended a flat roof between the two buildings.

From the beginning, the project prioritized spatial quality, natural light, ventilation, and fluid interior circulation. Corridors and shared areas were scaled to children, supporting movement, visibility, and the pedagogical role of space.

The construction strategy echoed the original’s clarity and economy. A system based on concrete block walls functions as both structure and envelope, avoiding traditional frames and reducing material use. A double-wall configuration with internal insulation enhances thermal inertia, while keeping the structure visible and expressive.

Exterior walls were made thinner to optimize costs and reduce the total footprint. This choice influenced the scale of openings and internal modules, guiding the design in a playful, almost Lego-like logic, where dimensions and functions align with the structural rhythm.

Windows were designed accordingly: not oversized, but well-placed and proportioned, balancing light, ventilation, and cost.