mecanoo architecten: school proposals in the netherlands

‘anne frank school’ by mecanoo architecten, utrecht, the netherlands all images courtesy of mecanoo architecten

delft-based mecanoo architecten have embarked upon the construction and realization of a series of primary and secondary schools in the netherlands including the ‘anne frank school’, ‘onze droomschool’ and the ‘primary school in mill’.

expected to open in 2012 in utrecht, the ‘anne frank school’ has recently broken ground on construction. projecting cantilevers serve to shade the glazed facades at ground level of the horizontal structure from direct sunlight. the 2,6600 square meter primary education facility will contain a gymnasium, child care and a preschool with integrated courtyards for natural daylight. the two large interior patios are enclosed with glazing units, introducing illumination into the bordering classrooms and corridors.

classrooms and children’s spaces border a glass-enclosed outdoor courtyard for natural daylight

all walls, ceilings and built-in furniture pieces are made from a layered wood creating a warm atmosphere for the 200 students using the building.the high insulation quality of the material contributes to thermal mass heating while sloping roofs with skylights introduce fresh air to generate ideal study conditions. spatial acoustics, daylight distribution and air movement were addressed to make a pleasant indoor climate.

entry facade

aerial view

‘onze droomschool’ by mecanoo architects, dordrecht, the netherlands

‘onze droomschool’ is an educational, care and medical science building in dordrecht, the netherlands. a grouping of little brick houses are connected to form a 5,322 square meter facility, containing training studios, music studio, sports center and outdoor courts for soccer and basketball. reflecting the omnipresent saddleback roofs of the area, students feel they are at home inside their separated structures.

transparent glass zones interlock the scattered buildings and host a canteen, mediatheque and covered play zones for children. again, wooden walls, floors and ceilings add a touch of warmth to the interior while encouraging sustainable and carbon neutral materials. reception areas, stairs, railings, cabinets, shelving, shutters and doors are constructed from the solid wood as well.

entry to the glass encased zones which link the brick houses

gymnasium

covered play areas

‘primary school in mill’ by mecanoo architects, mill, the netherlands

‘primary school in mill’, a preschool, day/youth care and family center will open at the end of 2014. existing centers, de kameleon and de lens will relocate into the 4,200 square meter building. a large glass roof caps the two separate volumes which emerge from the green landscape.

entry facade