Specialty projects for the expansion of the Quinta do Conde de Portalegre Basic School – Amora

Municipality of Seixal

Introduction

This article details the landscape architecture project developed for the expansion of the Quinta do Conde de Portalegre Basic School, located in Amora, in the municipality of Seixal. The intervention focuses on the complete restructuring of the external area of ​​this primary school, adapting the recreation, rest and circulation spaces to a new functional structure resulting from the expansion of the school building.

Project Context and Needs

The intervention arises from the need to adapt the school’s external space to the increase in its built capacity, ensuring compliance with fire safety standards and accessibility conditions for users with reduced mobility. The intervention area covers approximately 5125.70 m², where the existence of recreation spaces on compacted ground and floors made of stone slabs and concrete blocks was observed.

The project aims to transform the premises into an inclusive and safe space, mitigating children’s contact with service areas and reinforcing bioclimatic comfort. One of the fundamental assumptions was the preservation of the existing tree heritage, with special emphasis on two young cork oak trees, integrating them into the new landscape structure as elements of natural and pedagogical value.

Summary of the Project Completed

The proposed landscape architecture structured the venue through differentiated and sustainable solutions:

• Access and Security: Redesign of the main access with the inclusion of a gatehouse for entry control, ramps and staircases in reinforced concrete with a smooth screed finish. The gates were equipped with automatic opening systems and intercoms inaccessible to children.
• Recreation and Leisure Areas: Creation of differentiated recreation spaces, highlighting an area equipped with synthetic rubber flooring (EPDM and SBR) for impact cushioning. The furniture includes inclusive activity towers, climbing equipment, and play structures suitable for the 6-10 year age group.
• Floors and Structures: Use of continuous deactivated concrete floors in the school premises and fine limestone paving in the outdoor areas. Reinforced concrete bench-walls were also designed to promote passive recreation and rest areas.
• Plant Material: Implementation of planting plans with native and adapted species, such as hackberry, wild olive, and tamarisk, free of toxicity. The ground cover included grassy areas and flower meadows, enhancing biodiversity and direct contact with nature.
• Sustainability and Maintenance: Selection of highly durable and resistant materials, aiming for low maintenance costs and efficient performance throughout the equipment’s lifespan.

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