In the coming years, many primary schools will be improved and replaced due to both social and technical needs. A large number of these schools are single-storey buildings and will remain so in their new construction versions.
From the B-group’s vision — “Together. Building. Consciously.” — we are closely involved in projects with a social and community focus. We approach this with a conscious mindset, aiming not only for financially feasible buildings but also for biobased construction, with a particular emphasis on timber structures.
For a single-storey school, we have developed a design concept in timber.
Wood in schools contributes to improved student performance and creates a more pleasant working environment for teachers and staff. Additionally, timber construction can be prefabricated, allowing for fast assembly and adaptation to the changing needs of a school. Due to the characteristics of wood, it can be designed and engineered to be fully circular, making it easy to dismantle.
The building can also be integrated into its surroundings in such a way that nature becomes the focal point, with the roof, for example, forming part of the “playground.” This creates a more natural environment and provides space for plants and animals.
In the Netherlands, many educational visions come with specific requirements regarding the use of spaces. In the attached concept, a vision is presented based on a central space surrounded by rooms where lessons can take place. These classrooms can then be interconnected. This results in a building with flexible layout options and the possibility for organizational divisions and adaptations over time.
Location
Netherlands
Program
Primary School
Status
Concept Development
The B-group has contributed in various ways to the single-storey school.
B-too is the architect, B-invented provided all architectural and structural expertise, B-leaf contributed knowledge of timber construction, and construction company B-happy assessed the feasibility of realization.
Architecture
B-too: Raz Keltsh, Eric Offermans
Architectural Design
B-invented: Nadine Mocking, Eric Offermans
Structural Engineering
B-invented: Bouwe Geels
Construction
B-happy: Joost Huijgen
