The inspiration behind the Green Hills Kindergarten was the idea of scattering buildings across a field as if they were toys. This concept led to the creation of concrete prisms, each leaning from one side to another in a playful hide and seek arrangement. This design not only encourages children to develop their creativity but also offers framed views of the surrounding forest, integrating the school with its natural environment.
For the preschool section, the design becomes more linear and simple, with a construction consisting of reinforced concrete bays supported on exposed concrete piers. This gives the impression of a concrete building on stilts, which, along with the terrain's slope, allows rainwater to pass under the building and promotes the formation of an ecological corridor for local species.
The design of the classroom slabs is a key aspect of this architectural masterpiece. Segmented into three parts in a toothed structure facing north, the slabs ensure equal distribution of natural light throughout the space. This design feature, combined with the use of low maintenance landscaping, integrates the property with its natural context and enhances students' attention, reading development, and information processing abilities.
The construction process was a major challenge due to the complexity of creating the tilted concrete walls. However, the team, led by Gerardo Broissin and including José Luis García, Gabriela Maldonado, Alejandro Rocha, Enrique Guillen, David Suarez, Aurora Pelayo, Alfonso Vargas, Rodrigo Jimenez, and Mauricio Cristobal, successfully overcame this hurdle, resulting in a unique and inspiring educational environment.
The Green Hills Kindergarten, which opened in September 2012, has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2016. This award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.
In conclusion, the Green Hills Kindergarten is a testament to Gerardo Broissin's architectural genius. It stands as a shining example of how design can foster creativity, promote environmental harmony, and enhance educational outcomes, all while creating a visually stunning and unique structure.
Project Designers: Gerardo Broissin / Broissin Architects
Image Credits: Alejandro Rocha
Project Team Members: Design Architect: Gerardo Broissin
Project Manager: José Luis García
Team: Gabriela Maldonado
Alejandro Rocha
Enrique Guillen
David Suarez
Aurora Pelayo
Alfonso Vargas
Rodrigo Jimenez
Mauricio Cristobal
Project Name: Green Hills Kindergarten
Project Client: Gerardo Broissin / Broissin Architects