The town of Castel Madama, in central Italy, is finishing a primary school that will reuse 70% of the demolition waste from the old building, a first in the region. Construction takes place on Via della Libertà and follows the New European Bauhaus principles, blending beauty, sustainability and inclusion.
Designed as a Nearly Zero Energy Building, the new structure will consume 20% less energy than the NZEB benchmark. High‑performance insulation, photovoltaic panels and a rainwater harvesting system combine to slash the school’s carbon footprint.
Construction will expand the site’s footprint by only 5% compared with the former school, preserving green spaces and reducing the need for new land. The circular approach keeps 70% of the old material in use, cutting waste and landfill.
Community input shaped the layout: students, parents and the local Children’s Council voted on classroom configurations, green areas and the inclusion of a public playground open after hours. Accessibility features such as ramps, elevators and clear signage remove barriers for all users.
The building will open on 1 September 2026, with a ceremony that will feature the town’s mayor and the regional education minister, signalling a new era of sustainable education for the area.