Uitbreiding kleuter- en lagere school Het Laerhof

The end result of the school transformation implemented by Areal Architects shows no signs of the complex phasing behind it. The architects transformed the existing school environment, a series of outdated pavilions and temporary classrooms, and supplemented it with a sports hall for extracurricular use. The threefold division of the overall structure is not only the result of a complex phasing process; it also defines the main components of the programme. A low structure for toddlers accommodates duplex classrooms that are connected to oversized corridors through large sliding walls. The stacked structure for the primary school houses the secretariat and introduces a staggered series of stacked multifunctional spaces, providing ventilation for the classrooms at each level. The sports hall is located adjacent to the building line. A covered walkway alongside the open ground floor reflects the building’s integration within the local neighbourhood. The school is welcoming and provides scope for a new hub and, more importantly, space to play.

This text is based on the project details provided by the architects.