The project site is located in the centre of a small village, in between the church, the cemetery, a day care centre and a neighbourhood park. The building consists of three stories and integrates the terrain’s three meter level difference.
The nursery school occupies the lower floor, and has its own playground turned toward the day care centre and the park. The level above houses the school’s main entrance, the administrative quarters, and a multi use hall / canteen. The classrooms of the primary school are located on the upper level. A wide hall in between the classrooms can be used to organize communal activities.
The building consists of two volumes that are slightly shifted, creating two corners that mark both entrances to the school. The volumes’ material and colour contrast with the surrounding red brick buildings. Both roof and façade are clad in green profiled metal sheeting. A white canopy with bike shed marks the building’s main entrance, and shields the playground from the adjacent cemetery.
The school is located on a strategic high point in the village. Its particular appearance makes it act as a new landmark close to the church. Simultaneously, it tries to extend its impact beyond operating as just a school. Rather, it works as a hinge that connects or divides the surrounding public space and buildings, by sharing its infrastructure for other activities. For instance, after school hours and during weekends, the multi use hall / canteen can act as a community centre - accessed from the primary school playground, centrally located between the school and the church.
This way, the school building may become a meeting place, a social anchor point for everyone in the village.
