Longtan Elementary School is nearly a century old and is recognized as a historical building. Due to its age, the existing structure no longer meets modern functional standards, making reconstruction necessary. However, one of the school’s most treasured features—the Japanese-style timber dormitory—holds significant cultural value, and its memory deserves to be preserved. Additionally, the building’s location offers excellent conditions for eco-friendly energy use and ease of maintenance, making several elements worth retaining and restoring.
Following our site analysis, we made the bold decision to preserve the original building layout while relocating the main entrance to a different side. This decision was guided by the clarity and efficiency of the original floor plan, which supports energy-saving strategies and helps retain the historical character of the school.
The original main entrance remains in place but now functions as a secondary or side entrance.
All the essential teaching spaces have been carefully integrated into the original building configuration. Meanwhile, features like balconies, galleries, and activity corners are thoughtfully distributed throughout the school. These elements aim to spark students’ curiosity and create opportunities for exploration, making each day on campus a unique and engaging experience.