Modular Kindergartens by Summary Studio Redefine Prefabrication in Lisbon – Part 1
In a continued pursuit of architectural innovation through prefabrication, Summary Studio—led by architect Samuel Gonçalves—has delivered a thoughtful and efficient response to Lisbon’s growing demand for early childhood education facilities. The Prefab Kindergartens project is grounded in a rigorous yet elegant modular logic, exploring the tectonic potential of U-shaped reinforced concrete elements. Evolving from the studio’s earlier experiments with the Gomos System, the design refines a language of repetition and structure to meet a new set of urban, technical and programmatic constraints. Through the simplicity of its geometry and the clarity of its assembly, the project achieves a synthesis between architectural identity and construction intelligence, setting a quiet yet powerful precedent for future public infrastructure in Portugal.
all photography by Fernando Guerra | FG + SG
See the prefab projects interactive map
See also part 2 Concepts and Construction Sequence
What inspired the decision to develop a modular, prefabricated system using U-shaped reinforced concrete pieces for this project?
Our practice is constantly seeking ways that construction can be made faster and in a more rigorous manner without losing its potential architectural value. In our projects, the synthesis capacity between aesthetics and tectonic features is also one of our main goals. This project comes after a series of prefabricated experiments using concrete, namely the Gomos System, which we have used in residential projects of different scales.
When faced with this specific project, we tried to recreate the system that we already knew to answer to a whole new set of constraints, such as the urban location, the plot configurations, the need for a stackable system, and the design brief requirements.
We found the U-shape of the modules to generate a robust solution, able to withstand the structural requirements and effective in terms of thermal and acoustics. Each module comprises the floor and walls of each compartment and also sets the support for any module that may be stacked on top of it. The roof modules also respect this logic, though with a lower height that configures the parapet of the building.
The simplicity of the shape also influences the efficiency of the assembly process, in which the modules, previously produced in the factory, were placed on site in just a few days, increasing the speed of building, which we believe to be of importance when leading a public project.
How did the modular construction system influence the architectural identity of these kindergartens across different locations in Lisbon?
It is an essential part of our design process to acknowledge the formal repercussions of each technical option. In this case, the standardisation of solutions naturally implies a formal analogy among the four kindergartens. The image of the buildings arises from the potentialities and limitations imposed by the modular construction system. From the exterior, a clear tectonic reading of the buildings is possible; the joints are visible, and one can discern each of the modules and the way they are arranged and supported.
To make the building aesthetically friendly, especially for children, it is proposed to paint the frames and specific areas of the building using soft red, yellow, and blue colours. This also signals the more playful function of the building, rather than a more institutional one. Anyhow, the buildings are quite anonymous, fitting in the different contexts around the city of Lisbon.
Given the accelerated construction timeline of just 13 months, what were the key challenges in coordinating the simultaneous assembly of the four buildings?
We were anticipating a very difficult building stage if a more traditional construction system was used. The challenges of working in a dense urban setting demanded strategic planning to reduce construction costs as well as labour requirements.
All the structural components of these buildings, including the foundations, were prefabricated in a factory under controlled conditions. They were then assembled on-site within a few days. These prefabricated components form the structure of the building but also define the facades, floors, and interior compartments. This approach allowed for a faster and more controlled construction process, avoiding on-site concreting, thus reducing waste, noise, and dust. The goal was to increase the city’s network of public kindergartens without disrupting the surrounding neighbourhood during construction. Both the process and the result were equally important in achieving this objective.
This was the most efficient option to simplify the building process within such conditions. The use of a standardised solution allowed for economic intervention, with the added intention of creating an identifiable image, making these facilities recognisable throughout the city.
It came to be crucial to understand that while working with prefabrication, we need to start designing the process first, which will influence the final result.
In our projects, we attempt to anticipate all logistical challenges of the modules’ transportation and assembly to explore modularity prerequisites and integrate them as an inexorable feature of the project.
The design emphasizes durability and low maintenance. How do the material choices, particularly reinforced concrete, contribute to the long-term resilience of these structures?
Regarding materials and finishes, concrete is dominant in the building composition; this is made evident in the building.
The choice of this material is linked not only to the modular configuration but also to the answer to the public tender requirements for systems of high durability and low maintenance.
The material’s durability is ensured by the monitoring of the quality level of the components at its production stage.
How was the issue of thermal performance addressed in these kindergartens, particularly regarding insulation and thermal breaks within the prefabricated concrete modules?
Our work in close relation with the thermal engineering team was crucial to the successful development of a system that complies with the current needs and regulations and to ensure the viability of this system.
In this system, the modules are produced with an EPS thermal insulation layer inside, and the module joints are filled with a sealant foam that ensures a tight seal when the modules are mechanically fastened and compressed together.
The central corridor serves both as a circulation space and as a hub for mechanical infrastructure. How did this layout enhance functionality, efficiency, and the overall user experience?
All nurseries have a similar organic and functional layout. The entrance gate to the premises is aligned with the main entrance, organising access for children and their companions, in compliance with the safety aspects of the design brief.
Functionally, in all nurseries, the circulation spaces are straight and linear, facilitating the orientation of users inside the building and visibility between all spaces, promoting functionality and safety.
The structural module shape itself is conducive to a more elongated shape for the building, which guides the technical circuits as well as the user circulation.
The distribution over two floors create a more compact footprint, freeing up more space for the playground area. Given the configuration and size of the plots, as well as the complexity of the preliminary programme, this was the strategy adopted to meet all of its requirements.
Outdoor spaces were designed as extensions of indoor activities, incorporating non-slip surfaces and vegetation. How did these design choices contribute to the children’s learning and play experience?
The external playground provides a great opportunity for a more casual playtime and fosters a different socialisation environment for children of similar ages. These ground floor spaces are to be used by the older children under more relaxed supervision after the moment of more structured indoor play. Having this in mind, the surfaces and all equipment have been chosen based primarily on safety and accessibility concerns.
Depending on the plot, the external spaces were designed differently; the intentions were similar: to provide spaces of more structured play, with safe pavements and dedicated toys, to landscaped green spaces where children can benefit from closer contact with nature and different ludic experiences. The plant covering on most of the exterior surface also contributes to the permeability of the soil and to climatic comfort. Care was taken in choosing the plants and tree species based on criteria such as climate resiliency, low water requirement and hypoallergenic properties.
This project responds to a public initiative for early childhood education facilities. In what ways do these kindergartens set a precedent for future public architecture in Lisbon?
The passion for the theme of modular and off-site building comes as a result of our experience. The construction limitations in our country and the scarcity of resources, paired with the need for speedier building processes, have led us to a need for constant optimisation. This constraint has gradually directed us towards a specialisation in modular and prefabricated systems in architecture.
We also come to understand that this process is a group effort between different teams: we have been fortunate to find a series of open-minded professionals, engineering teams, building teams and, most of all, clients that have clearly understood the benefits of the off-site construction and helped us develop all of these processes further.
For this particular project, we were simultaneously developing the project for four different plots, with their specificities and urban requirements. So, we have worked with municipal guidance towards a common goal of providing the best quality space with the most effective construction process.
The precedent that we wish to set is that even if regulation is strict and conservative, it must not condition the effort in providing good-quality spaces for its users and an adequate building performance. We were adamant about pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and the country’s building industry by testing new possibilities, whilst not compromising the architectural value of the building.
See also part 2 Concepts and Construction Sequence
