Cellular Green-Roofed Pajariro Jardin Infantil La Aurora Kindergarten Sprouts in Colombia

Perched on the western slope of the Aburra Valley in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/finca-el-retorno-eco-shelters/" target="_blank">Colombia</a>, the Pajariro Jardin Infantil La Aurora kindergarten is a gorgeous cellular building topped with a lush green roof garden. <a href="http://www.ctrlgarquitectos.com/" target="_blank">Ctrl G</a> designed the building with a series of geometric roofs that echo the greenery of the surrounding valley and mountain vista. The innovative <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-japanese-kindergarten-circles-around-a-mythic-tree/" target="_blank">kindergarten</a> was conceived with a landscape architect’s eye - green spaces and horticulture are carefully incorporated within the building’s design.

The two storey <a href="http://inhabitat.com/timayui-kindergarten-looks-like-stone-teeth-jutting-out-of-the-earth-in-colombia/" target="_blank">kindergarten</a> circles around a courtyard, with entrances in the front and rear of the complex.

The inner courtyard gives the children an enclosed and safe area to play in, with flat stone paths, grassy knolls and concrete areas for playing games. The grassy area also has small plots that enable the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/6-exceptional-eco-schools/" target="_blank">children to learn</a> about gardening.

The second floor is flanked by a curvaceous wall that zigzags around the edge of the entire building. The wall frames a continuous <a href="http://inhabitat.com/checkerboard-solar-clad-housing-project-pops-up-in-paris/" target="_blank">balcony</a> that is accessible from every classroom.

The balconies are flanked with plant life, and are accessible via sliding glass doors that flood the classrooms with light and fresh air, while also providing a space for short breaks.

The polygonal green roofs radiate outwards from the central courtyard. They are set at different angles and gradate in varying steps, creating a series of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/picturesque-green-roofed-aquapark-rises-out-of-the-swiss-alps/" target="_blank">grassy rooftop hills</a>. The children and staff can relax in the grass on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-north-beach-residence-is-a-low-impact-green-roofed-summer-home-on-orcas-island/" target="_blank">the roof</a>, climb from one section to the next, or enjoy a picnic lunch - with a bird's-eye view.

Aside from offering respite from a hard school day, the green roof absorbs solar gain, cutting energy needed to heat and cool the building throughout the year.