The new Pinewood School represents a contemporary architectural landmark within the historic Anatolia College campus in Pylaia, on the outskirts of Thessaloniki. Emphasizing experiential education and sustainable design, the building offers a vibrant learning environment tailored to prepare students for a globalized future.
Designed to serve students from grades 6 to 1, the school reflects a multicultural ethos, fostering social interaction and spontaneous gatherings. Its modern architectural expression combines bold colors, light steel structures, concrete elements, and expansive curtain walls. Despite its contemporary language, the design harmonizes with the campus's existing buildings and the historic garden.
Located on a sloping site descending east to west, the school respects the campus's historic axis. This circulation axis connects the main building to the open stadium, passing through a preserved historic garden with centennial trees. To maintain the integrity of this axis, the school’s primary functions are distributed across two wings, linked by an elevated promenade. This lightweight steel structure not only unites the wings but also offers sweeping views of the stadium and surrounding landscape.
Each wing is further divided into two linear modules, ensuring optimal south-facing orientation for classrooms. This layout creates two atriums—one open and one enclosed—that enhance spatial flexibility and encourage seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The enclosed atrium features a striking canopy supported by steel columns resembling trees, evoking a playful metaphor for the "Pinewood" name.
The gym, positioned on the lower level, connects seamlessly to both an outdoor courtyard and the stadium.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. Bioclimatic principles minimize energy consumption while maximizing natural light and ventilation. Energy-efficient glazing, shading systems, and thoughtful landscaping contribute to thermal comfort and a pleasant year-round microclimate.
The new Pinewood School exemplifies the integration of innovative design and environmental responsibility, creating a space that supports academic excellence and community engagement.
Materials Used:
LAFARGE Construction Materials
BAUDER Construction Materials
FERON AE Construction Materials
METAL TRADE COMAX Roofs
CAPAROL Insulation - Waterproofing - Paints
KNAUF External thermal insulation - Sound proofing
ISOMAT Paints, Tiles glue
ALUMIL Minimal Frames, Floors
SOLECO Frames & Doors
NINZ Doors
BISOL Solar Products
KOSTAL Solar Products
STONE GROUP Marbles, Tiles, Stairs
KLEEMANN Elevators
LG Air Conditions
DAIKIN Air Conditions, Heating
NOVAIR Ventilation
AIRTECHNIC Ventilation
SMAY Ventilation
RUCK VENTILATOREN Ventilation
AIR GRILLES Air Conditions terminal devices
TUSCANIA FOTIADIS FIORANESE Textures & Tiles
TARKETT Floors
CBI Panels
REHAU Heating
WILO Heating
BELIMO Heating
AQUATHERM Heating
SOLOMONIDI MARBLES
FRANTZIS Tiles Bathroom fixtures
KISKINIDIS Tiles Bathroom fixtures
SANELCO SANELCO
DUROPAL Worktops
EGGER Kitchen
TECHLUMEN Lighting
ABB Lighting
ELVAN Lighting
METALLODOMI Lighting
KOUVIDIS Electrical materials
COURBI Electrical materials
KASSINAKIS Electrial materials
ELECTROCANALI Electrical materials
CABLEL Electrical materials
ICEL Electrical materials
ERSE Electrical materials
NEXANS Electrical materials
ABAS Automations
INIM Automations Security Systems
KENTEC Automations
PANDUIT Automations
HIKVISION Automations
HONEYWELL Automations
AKRITAS Carpets, wall papers, textiles, curtains
VANERUM Furniture
STEELCASE Furniture
MDD Furniture
EKA HELLAS Furniture OPTIMA
ABOPART
