António Costa Lima Arquitectos adds concrete extension to historic Lisbon school
António Costa Lima Arquitectos has finalized a concrete addition to the historic Colégio de Santa Maria school in Lisbon, which replaces an unauthorized annexe with sculptural cubic concrete forms that lead to a terrace and playground. Originally built in the early 20th century for a Catholic congregation, the building has functioned as both a residence and an educational institution. This new ground-up development includes classrooms, laboratories, and a cantilevered chapel featuring a glass floor, allowing the wooden interior to be seen from a newly created playing court below. Additionally, a ramped walkway and concrete bridge link the main structure to the court and an existing classroom block, while a circulation and lift core enhances accessibility. Photography by Francisco Nogueira.
Key facts
- António Costa Lima Arquitectos extended the historic Colégio de Santa Maria school in Lisbon.
- The extension consists of a stack of cubic concrete volumes that cascade down to a terrace and playground.
- The original building was designed in the early 20th century for a Catholic religious congregation.
- An illegal annexe was demolished to make way for the new structure.
- The new volume contains laboratories and classrooms, topped by a chapel with a glass floor section.
- A new circulation and lift core makes the historic building fully accessible.
- A ramped walkway and concrete bridge link the main building to a new playing court and an existing classroom block.
- The design was informed by a promontory, a section of rocky, eroded land jutting out over the sea.
- Photography is by Francisco Nogueira.
Entities
Artists
- António Costa Lima
Institutions
- António Costa Lima Arquitectos
- Colégio de Santa Maria
- Dezeen
Locations
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Nanterre
- France
Sources
- Dezeen —