Inside, a cathedral-style atrium in the center holds the main corridors and staircases and pulls more light into the building while offering views of the old school as it is renovated. A tent roof overhangs the entire building to provide shade when the sun is high and let in winter light for more warmth. Additionally, the roof collects rainwater for irrigation of indoor plants and a geothermal heat pump helps heat and cool the building.
Relief School of Philadelphia was recently named the winner of GRAPHISOFT’s Architects Jury 2010 competition. As Celtnieks says about the project, “A structure with the ability to be disassembled has an infinite life cycle and fosters a positive environment for the educational and surrounding community… The end goal in rethinking the standard modular classrooms is to promote the renovation of historic schools, while making the transition period a positive experience for students and faculty.”
Via ArchDaily
Images © Kristopher Celtnieks
[...] an efficient, highly-developed lightweight construction design that is a snap to set up and then deconstruct. The home has no permanent foundation, so can be placed in many locations with minimal disturbance, [...]