Rehabilitation and Expansion Project for the Dr. João Manuel da Costa Delgado State School, Lourinhã

Municipality of Lourinhã

Introduction

This article details the Architectural Execution Project for the extensive rehabilitation and expansion of the Dr. João Manuel da Costa Delgado Secondary School in Lourinhã. The intervention aims not only to restore the existing structures but also to provide the school with new built volumes to meet contemporary pedagogical and functional demands, focusing on thermal efficiency and strengthening the installed capacity.

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Context and Need

Although its overall state of conservation was acceptable, the building, approximately 20 years old, presented critical pathologies that compromised the safety and comfort of its users. Serious leaks were identified through the roofs, degradation of ceramic cladding on the facade posing a risk of fall, and thermal obsolescence due to the inefficiency of the existing window frames. Adding to this scenario was the urgent need for expansion: the cafeteria had become too small for the student population, and the availability of classrooms, particularly those dedicated to computer science, needed to be increased, along with the lack of changing rooms directly supporting the outdoor sports courts.

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Summary of the Project Completed

The architectural operation was structured around five intervention axes for the complete requalification of the 35,202.90m² site:

• Expansion of the Cafeteria and Archives: The dining area was practically doubled in size, receiving new coverings and removable ceilings with high acoustic performance. An independent 80 m² compartment was also created for archives.
• New Classroom Block: Construction of a single-story building interconnected to the existing building, which includes two computer labs, four standard classrooms, restrooms, and storage spaces. Aesthetically, a stone plinth and composite panels were introduced to replace the deteriorated ceramic tiles.
• Outdoor Changing Room Block: Creation of a separate building to directly support the playing fields, equipped with sanitary facilities and changing rooms sized for both genders.
• Rehabilitation of the Existing Building:
  • Facades and Roofs: Replacement of ceramic cladding with composite panels and a reinforced paint system. The roofs were clad with sandwich panels with insulation to eliminate leaks.
  • Thermal Efficiency: Complete replacement of window frames and blinds with aluminum frames featuring thermal break and double glazing.
  • Sports Facilities: Tilting openings were introduced in the pavilion to promote natural ventilation.
• Outdoor Spaces: Complete redesign of green areas and surroundings, including the creation of a new parking lot to support the school community.

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