Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa | The new sustainable Kindergarten School

Layout and volumetric development

The new Nursery School is located next to the recently built Primary School, in an urban expansion area south of the center of Folignano. The terrain had a significant slope, with inclinations between 10% and 30%, and the project aimed to integrate into the surrounding landscape. The intervention, of approximately 548 sqm and 1,905 cubic meters, focused on the creation of a unique volume, strategically positioned in the East wing of the lot to balance the necessary excavations and backfills.

The main facade opens towards the street, breaking the typical rigidity of main fronts through arcades that alternate semi-transparent surfaces in polycarbonate and metal sunshades, creating a play of light and shadow. The colorful finishes and perforated external panels offer a dynamic visual experience for visitors, stimulating interaction with the building.

User flows

The building has three main accesses:

• Pedestrian access: located on the south side, connects the outside with the inside through a glass facade and a welcoming green space. The user, after passing the access ramp, crosses a canopy to reach the central atrium.

• Vehicle access: reserved for operators for loading/unloading goods and for users with reduced mobility. Two dedicated parking spaces allow direct access to the building through a pedestrian gate.

• Service access: located at the back of the building, allows access for maintenance activities.

Internal Space Distribution

The design, implemented with BIM tools by Gruppo Marche, specialized in architecture projects in the public sector, in collaboration with the Client, has allowed for an efficient distribution of spaces, ensuring accessibility and compliance with hygiene and fire safety regulations. The building includes:

• Multipurpose Hall: located at the entrance, it represents the core of school activities, ideal for meetings, assemblies, and informal lessons. This multifunctional space has been designed to be a central reference point, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Education on educational spaces. It is a welcoming and well-lit environment, equipped with chalkboard walls to encourage interaction.

• Standard Classrooms: the school hosts three sections of 20 students each, arranged to maximize connection with the external environment. Each section is identified by a specific color, facilitating internal orientation. The classrooms are designed to be flexible and adaptable, with movable walls that allow spaces to be combined for shared activities.

• Service Spaces: include the cafeteria, which can accommodate up to 60 children, staff rooms, infirmary, laundry room, and storage areas, all organized to ensure functionality and safety.

Technical Features and Sustainability

The school is a strategic building of Use Class IV, compliant with the NTC 2018, and has NZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) characteristics to minimize energy consumption. The X-Lam wooden load-bearing structure ensures environmental sustainability, while various construction solutions protect the building from moisture. These include decoupling between the slab and wooden partitions, the use of waterproof insulation, and sloped roofs with metal cladding.

The systems include:

• A heat pump for underfloor heating, ideal for children who often engage in activities on the floor.

• A thermodynamic boiler for domestic hot water.

• A mechanical ventilation system (MVHR) to ensure air quality.

• DALI lighting, managed by presence sensors, to optimize energy savings.

Outdoor Spaces and Integration with the Environment

The building is designed to enhance green spaces, harmoniously integrating with the surrounding landscape. The project includes the creation of:

• Play area: adjacent to the classrooms, it provides a safe space for outdoor activities.

• Kindergarten garden: near the cafeteria, designed for leisure and learning moments.

• Inaccessible green areas: delimited to preserve the privacy of the school spaces from the street.

To ensure rainwater management and reduce environmental impact, an underground collection tank has been installed. The overall intervention has allowed the creation of a school hub that represents a new reference point for the community, combining innovation and respect for the territory.