On a small plot in Loures, a town on the outskirts of Lisbon, UMA Collective has completed Camarate—a primary school and publicly accessible library organised around a central courtyard. The project uses passive environmental strategies, robust materials and landscape-sensitive planning to reduce energy demand and the long-term environmental impact of the development. “In projects of this nature, architecture has a social responsibility,” explains lead architect Rui Cruz. “Our goal was to create a building that resists the wear of time and remains a high-quality public asset for the community of Camarate.”

Materials

The buildings have been completed with exposed brick walls, precast white concrete and zinc-titanium cladding; a palette of light, earthen tones that gives the school a cohesive and calming appearance while reflecting sunlight and ensuring longevity.

Entrance building

The entrance building is the smallest part of the complex and acts as the connection between the school and its urban surroundings. By setting the facade slightly back from the street, the architects have created a small public square that preserves existing trees and provides an inviting entrance to the school and the publicly accessible library.

Classrooms 

The classrooms are organised in a two-storey block with an east-west orientation and south-facing windows. This glazing maximises natural daylight while reducing excessive heat gain through orientation and integrated external concrete awnings.

Shared spaces
The larger shared spaces, including the library, cafeteria and multipurpose rooms, are grouped together in a third volume with high ceilings. These spaces overlook the shared courtyard, where structural overhangs and brick lattice walls provide shade, allow airflow and create privacy without completely enclosing the space.

Courtyard
The courtyard is the heart of the building: a safe enclosed area that comprises of a variety spaces that suit differing needs and weather conditions. Covered walkways connect this space to the rest of the school, protecting users from both sun and rain while improving circulation between buildings. The courtyard also works as an acoustic buffer from the nearby airport.