Technical Secondary School, Zoutleeuw Belgium, Belgian Building Project, Architecture Development Photos

Technical Secondary School, Zoutleeuw, Belgium

6 Aug 2022

Design: MR. STIR

Location: Zoutleeuw, Belgium

Photos: Serge Technau Photography

Technical Secondary School, Belgium

Technical Secondary School

In the design for the Zonnegroen school building in Zoutleeuw, special attention was paid to the direct surroundings. The size and scale of the surrounding buildings formed the inspiration for the special roof shape. As a result, on the one hand, the building blends in seamlessly with its surroundings and, thanks to the contemporary architectural translation, it constructs a symbolic and iconic appearance, appropriate to a main school building.

Through the implementation of large squared windows in the facades, the building opens up to both the street side and the playgrounds behind the school, with its abundance of greenery. The complete school program is divided into 3 volumes, each with its specific program. Due to the archetypal shape of the volumes, the different building parts are observable from the public space. In addition, from the inside, this can be experienced due to the translation to the interior.

What were the solutions?
The school is designed around a protected outdoor area with a lot of overviews and where everyone can see each other when switching between rooms. In addition, special attention has been paid to the placement of the windows in the facades. Through a selection of windows, children can look outside. In other places, the windows are deliberately placed higher. Daylight comes in here, but the children cannot look outside and are not distracted.

How is the project unique?
It is a building that fits into its urban environment but is also a striking appearance. In addition, it provides a protective environment for its users.

What building methods were used?
Traditional construction methods in combination with construction methods for agricultural hall construction.

What are the sustainability features?
The building is equipped with a sustainable installation.

What was the brief?
Designing a technical secondary school for special education. Offering safety and a feeling of home were important requirements in the design. In addition, the integration of the building within the ribbon development of the village was of great importance.

What were the key challenges?
The combination of designing a building for technical education and a building where children with a slight disability feel at home.

Who are the clients and what’s interesting about them?
GO! Gemeenschapsonderwijs. The school has been designed, realized, and maintained within the DBFM system, whereby the implementing party is also responsible for the maintenance of the school.

Technical Secondary School in Zoutleeuw, Belgium – Building Information

Architecture: MR. STIR – https://mr-stir.com/
Project size: 1500 sqm
Site size: 19621 sqm
Completion date: 2019
Building levels: 2

Key products used:
Brick, steel and elements of agricultural hall construction (eg the roof).

Photographer: Serge Technau Photography

Technical Secondary School, Zoutleeuw Belgium images / information received 060822 from MR. STIR

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