Transylvania International School

The Transylvania International School project was shaped by the needs of the beneficiary and the end-user – to have a modern and compliant building for educational activities – a school with 13 classrooms (grades 0-XII), complementary spaces for good functioning, and a kindergarten with space for two groups.

The concept was realised with the end needs in mind – those of having a building fully compliant with fire safety, operational safety, and hygiene regulations.

Thus, the spaces obtained are designed with optimal natural lighting, appropriate orientation to the cardinal points, and two-way evacuation of suitable length. The specific needs for private educational spaces mean an adaptation and flexibility compared to the requirements of a public school, taking into account a type of activity with a smaller number of children than in state schools. Within the Stupini School, the number of users in each space considered in the design is between 15 and a maximum of 18 users, which has allowed for the design of compact and optimised spaces. Users on the first floor have socialisation and recreation spaces at classroom level, with the terrace above the ground floor being accessible for circulation.

In the case of the Stupini site, the school grounds receive equal attention to the construction itself and are delineated into a series of spatial typologies. The first visual contact with the building is the entrance, which connects the kindergarten and the school, opening into a generous atrium. The kindergarten block is an extension of the main block, formed from two C-shaped modules – inversely stacked. This stacking generates a sheltered, covered portico, suitable for outdoor activities even when the weather isn't kind, and the extruded kindergarten block has allowed for the creation of an outdoor amphitheatre, which will be used for celebrations and gatherings, as well as for film screenings.

The educational spaces will be equipped so that the building can be classified as nZEB – Nearly Zero Energy Building, in relation to the requirements of an educational building, with proposed solutions including underfloor heating, a centralised ventilation and cooling system, and fresh air supply with heat recovery.

The non-circulating space above the 1st floor will be where the solar panels will be installed, contributing to self-generated energy from renewable sources, optimising consumption for the entire facility.

The materials used in the interior will be natural, from renewable sources for the educational spaces – wood and linoleum, and for the circulation and evacuation routes, mineral materials will be used – terrazzo type.

The building represents the volumetric remodelling and extension of an existing structure, a space intended for a library and recreational area – connected to the exterior, where an outdoor reading room is proposed, complete with seating and reading spots, sheltered from sun and weather.

Following implementation, the School at Stupini will represent a model of good practice with regard to private educational spaces, and one of the project's goals is to obtain Green School certification.