set architects

The project, located within a natural landscape that is unique in the world, forms part of a national programme through which the Italian government aims to develop innovative teaching models and envision the school of the future in rural settings.
The school is scheduled to be completed in record time by 2026.

The new primary school, situated in the Tuscan hills of Chianti near Florence, has been conceived as a true civic centre open to the local community, capable of hosting innovative and dynamic educational activities that evolve. Designed as a civic village that remains active beyond school hours, the building comprises two distinct volumes united by a single pitched roof. The central courtyard serves as an ideal space for learning and play, as well as for cultural events, open-air performances, and community celebrations. The intervention is designed to encourage moments of social interaction and togetherness.

The new structure will be built using a certified CLT (cross-laminated timber) load-bearing panel system, promoting sustainability and fully embracing the concept of reversible architecture. Located in a protected landscape area, the building adopts an architectural language that draws inspiration from the surrounding environment, reinterpreted in a contemporary style through the use of local materials and pitched roofs that echo the morphology of nearby villages.

The façade will be clad in locally sourced, sand-coloured compact sandstone, while the pitched roof will feature aluminium sheeting with a bronze-effect finish—chosen to evoke materials of historical significance and ensure chromatic harmony with the surrounding landscape.The project redefines the idea of connective spaces, transforming them into multifunctional areas for a variety of activities. The classrooms are designed for flexibility, featuring sliding doors that allow seamless connection with the central “Agorà”, the external gardens, and the courtyard.