Creating Community: Fazenda Canuanã School Staff Village
Nestled in the heart of Tocantins, within the serene municipality of Formoso do Araguaia, lies the Canuanã Farm School, a beacon of education and community. Designed by Rosenbaum + Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados, the School provides free education to approximately 800 children and adolescents, offering a nurturing environment amidst the rural landscape.
A Vision of Sustainability and Tradition
Set against the backdrop of the Javaés River, the Canuanã Farm School embodies a commitment to sustainability and tradition. Founded in 1973 by the Bradesco Foundation, the School embraces centuries-old knowledge of mountain living, transforming it to meet contemporary residential needs. The recent addition of the School Staff Village further enhances the sense of community and belonging.
A Model of Integrated Living
The School Staff Village, home to 270 employees, seamlessly integrates into the fabric of the Farm, providing a private and tranquil environment for teachers and their families. The village’s urban design prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle traffic, fostering a sense of connection among residents while minimizing car usage. Streets are unpaved with gravel, reflecting the rustic charm of rural living.
Innovative Design for Comfort and Sustainability
The housing complex comprises 32 units in three different typologies, each designed with thermal comfort and energy efficiency in mind. From soil-cement bricks to ventilated windows, every aspect of the design emphasizes sustainability and resilience to the region’s climatic conditions. The use of wind as the main component for thermal comfort and the strategic placement of windows ensure natural ventilation and privacy for residents.
Fostering Community Engagement
The construction process was a collaborative effort involving students, teachers, and the local community. The production of soil-cement bricks, conducted onsite by the construction company InovaTS, engaged students in hands-on learning, fostering a deeper connection to their homes and environment. Periodic visits to the construction site provided valuable insights into the building process, empowering residents to take pride in their community.
A Testament to Tradition and Innovation
The Canuanã Farm School Staff Village stands as a testament to the enduring values of sustainability, community, and education. By embracing ancestral heritage and innovative design principles, the Village embodies a vision of the future rooted in the past, offering a model for sustainable living in harmony with the land.
