# Nature-Promoting School Designs A Newly-Built Primary School is Deeply Connected with the Outdoors By Francesca Mercurio | Published 2021-11-01 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primary-school-1 References: [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/casa-da-arvore-contaminar-portugal-11-01-2021/)  Contaminar Arquitetos have transformed a [Portuguese primary school](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vida-elementary-school) into a unique treehouse-like learning center. Dubbed the '[Casa da Árvore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-caoba),' the main concept for the project was to create a space where nature, discovery, and learning go hand in hand. To ensure the space promoted the natural environment as much as it did learning, the architects favored a [natural material palette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta-school). Timber and cork are the two primary materials used and clad both the exterior and interior of the school. Each classroom is thoughtfully connected to the outdoor space and features a large window that aids in merging the two areas into one unique learning environment. The structure boasts a geometric and rectangular aesthetic and was designed to double as outdoor patio furniture. Casa da Árvore redefines the traditional school blueprint. Image Credit: Fernando Guerra, [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/casa-da-arvore-contaminar-portugal-11-01-2021/), [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/casa-da-arvore-contaminar-portugal-11-01-2021/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/education) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Nature-connected Learning Spaces:** Incorporating natural elements into school design presents an opportunity to enhance the learning environment with sensory experiences that break traditional scholastic standards. - **Sustainable School Design:** Incorporating eco-friendly concepts and natural materials into school architecture presents an opportunity to redefine how sustainable design works in the public sector. - **Outdoor-integrated Learning Environments:** Integrating classrooms with outdoor patios and integrating large windows into school building designs provides students with a unique learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery. ### Who This Affects Most - **Education:** School architects and educators can work together to create sustainable and nature-promoting design that can enhance students' academic experience. - **Architecture & Design:** Architects and designers can collaborate with sustainability experts to create eco-friendly and sustainable schools for tomorrow's students. - **Sustainability:** Sustainable building practices and green design can be effectively implemented in schools to create nature-based, energy-efficient and eco-minded education spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Bounding School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cole-du-znith.md) - [Culturally Rooted Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-flow-school.md) - [Education Architecture Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-international-school.md) - [Town-Like Classroom Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindergarten-of-museum.md) - [Playful Learning Villages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinder-rain.md) - [Yellow-Accented School Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/school-interior.md) - [Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Traditional Sustainable School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universidad-ean-1.md)