Safety interventions, seismic verification, structural adaptation, and energy efficiency of the Varallo Nursery School
Client: Municipality of Varallo
Years: 2023–2025– Completed
Project level: Executive project, Safety Coordination, and Project Management
Size: 1000 m² (including expansion and outdoor spaces)
Economic framework amount: € 2,090,000.00 (including a fund for urgent works)
The project involves safety interventions, seismic verification, structural adaptation, and energy efficiency of the municipal nursery school in Varallo, in the heart of Valsesia. The initiative is promoted by the Municipality of Varallo and financed under the PNRR – Mission 4, Investment 1.1, with the aim of providing the community with a safe, efficient school building that meets current educational needs.
The project, developed by RiADATTO in collaboration with Officina 602, arises from a careful analysis of the urban and social context and aims to rethink the nursery spaces according to a contemporary vision of the educational environment. The design approach is inspired by the principles of the Montessori method, favoring child-sized, flexible, and modular environments that promote autonomy, spontaneous learning, and relationships.
From a technical and plant engineering perspective, the intervention involves the creation of a green roof, the installation of a floor heating system powered by a heat pump, the use of recycled and low environmental impact materials, and the integration of photovoltaic panels. The design choices are aimed at reducing energy consumption and moving towards the concept of low-emission buildings, in line with the environmental sustainability objectives of the PNRR.
The internal distribution layout has been completely reorganized to ensure functional autonomy and comfort for each of the three educational sections. New filter areas for stroller storage have been introduced, access points have been redefined, and specific spaces dedicated to staff and speech therapy activities have been created, also responding to the changed educational and health needs that emerged in the post-pandemic period.
With a total investment of over 2 million euros, the intervention on the municipal nursery of Varallo is configured as a strategic project for the territory, capable of combining safety, architectural quality, pedagogical innovation, and energy efficiency, positioning itself as a replicable model for other educational structures.
The project, developed by RiADATTO in collaboration with Officina 602, arises from a careful analysis of the urban and social context and aims to rethink the nursery spaces according to a contemporary vision of the educational environment. The design approach is inspired by the principles of the Montessori method, favoring child-sized, flexible, and modular environments that promote autonomy, spontaneous learning, and relationships.
From a technical and plant engineering perspective, the intervention involves the creation of a green roof, the installation of a floor heating system powered by a heat pump, the use of recycled and low environmental impact materials, and the integration of photovoltaic panels. The design choices are aimed at reducing energy consumption and moving towards the concept of low-emission buildings, in line with the environmental sustainability objectives of the PNRR.
The internal distribution layout has been completely reorganized to ensure functional autonomy and comfort for each of the three educational sections. New filter areas for stroller storage have been introduced, access points have been redefined, and specific spaces dedicated to staff and speech therapy activities have been created, also responding to the changed educational and health needs that emerged in the post-pandemic period.
With a total investment of over 2 million euros, the intervention on the municipal nursery of Varallo is configured as a strategic project for the territory, capable of combining safety, architectural quality, pedagogical innovation, and energy efficiency, positioning itself as a replicable model for other educational structures.
RTP: Studio RiADATTO SB, Dr. Arch. Paolo Ferraris
Thermo-hydraulic consulting: Dr. Eng. Filippo Arbellia
Electrical, photovoltaic, and IRAI consulting: Dr. Eng. Riccardo Sogno
Image credits: Giulia Azzini, studio RiADATTO SB
