Rice University assistant professor of architecture Juan José Castellón is part of the winning team of the Holcim Foundation Award 2025 for the School in Gaüses, a sustainably driven educational project in Girona, Spain, led by the internationally recognized firm TEd’A arquitectes.
Castellón’s practice, xmade — which operates in Spain between Barcelona and Basel — contributed expertise in material innovation, building-envelope design and construction detailing, particularly the project’s use of rammed earth made from soil on the site and locally sourced timber.
Organized as five modest buildings around a central agora, the school is designed to connect children directly with the natural environment and promote experiential learning. It also incorporates rainwater collection systems and climate-responsive strategies that align closely with Castellón’s research at Rice on architecture, structural design and environmental performance.
For Castellón, the award highlights a new, collaborative model of practice.
“I don’t think the classical idea of the architect leading everything is the right answer to the questions we are facing now,” he said. “Contemporary practice is more about connecting small structures that join forces depending on the needs of the project.”
Rice has played an important role in supporting research that extends globally, he said.
“It’s really rewarding to see how Rice University has served as a platform to connect the research we do in Houston with a global context.”
Construction on the School in Gaüses has recently begun with completion expected in the coming years.
To learn more about the project, click here.