Colegio Menor is an all-through school in the Samborondón district of Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 2020, Nord Anglia commissioned us to undertake a feasibility study to help the school increase from 1200 to 1800 pupils, using the expansion as an opportunity to review their existing buildings and spaces.
The original school buildings are charming but not all fit for contemporary learning. We identified that specialist facilities, such as art, science, maker spaces and drama, would benefit from purpose-built accommodation. A new linear building houses these and creates a courtyard with the existing buildings, which will be refurbished to include breakout areas and improve the music centre.
In a tropical climate, our design optimises natural light and ventilation, with shades to mitigate solar glare and gain. Covered outdoor dining creates a wonderful place to eat, and internal glazed screens provide a sense of transparency within the building.
The landscape strategy creates several distinct areas for activities besides sport on the school’s large campus, with an emphasis on places to meet, connect, hang out, relax, learn and grow things. This includes covered walkways, shaded seating, outdoor classrooms and a rainforest walk.
