WORKSHOP Assignment: The proposal refers to the bioclimatic and functional refurbishment of the 1st High School and the 31st Secondary School at the new seafront of Thessaloniki.
WORKSHOP Leaders: Stelios Zerefos (Architect, Greece), Christos Tessas (Architect, Greece).
WORKSHOP Team: Derizioti Stamatina, Karagianni Sofia, Kladopoulos Yiotis, Kyritsi Olympiada, Liokas Giorgos, Neroutsou Dora, and Petrous Diana.
The school buildings were constructed after the devastating earthquake of 1978 to temporarily accommodate the schools. The location of the plot is in proximity to the sea front separated by M. Alexandrou Avenue on the west. On the east the schools are adjacent to the new Municipality of Thessaloniki building. The plot is shaded on the south during the winter by tall buildings, whereas a small park is attached to its northern side.
Due to the urgent conditions after the earthquake, these buildings were created to temporarily house teaching uses for only five years. However, in their 32 year lifetime they have not been refurbished or replaced. Upon consulting with the Director of the school, the proposed design tried to accommodate the needs of the school, such as new teaching spaces, a multi-use space, a gym and a library.
The general concept of the design was based on the creation of a light-weight roofing system, which unified the two schools, thus creating an atrium in the free space between them. At the same time the steel structure is used to accommodation and additional level above the existing buildings to house new functions. These would be independently accessed through the atrium. The new open areas created would be planted, thus creating green roofs that would increase the roof insulation.
Concerning the environmental upgrade of the existing buildings, it was achieved through the addition of external insulation and the replacement of existing opening. The new atrium that connects the existing buildings plays the role of a climatic buffer zone, which adjusts heating or ventilation depending on the external weather conditions. In the summer, the atrium openings remain open to provide cross ventilation, while in the winter, the polycarbonate panels that enclose the atrium, make the atrium behave like a passive greenhouse. Strategically placed openings in the atrium, transfer heat throughout the entire school complex, drastically reducing energy loads and provide for a healthier interior environment. To compensate for additional lighting energy needed – in addition to daylight – the roof is covered by photovoltaic panels providing clean energy throughout the year. Regarding the outdoor spaces, they are partly paved, and partly used as a garden. The planting of trees at the perimeter of the site visually unifies the space with the park in the north and reduce the level of vehicular noise around the school.
Finally, regarding the economics of the proposed solution, it is not only economical due to the choice of materials, but also in terms of construction method: the modular form of the design, enables for construction to be completed in an extremely short period, ensuring that the two schools will continue operating without interruption.
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