Under construction.

The primary school Sterrenboom is currently spread across five different buildings. It is a combination of structures from various time periods. There was no cohesion with the playground, nor with the surrounding buildings. Moreover, due to the sloping terrain, all buildings are situated at different levels, which greatly complicates accessibility.

An architectural approach was sought that responds to the needs and functions of the school: the need for additional classrooms, a lack of storage space, a larger dining hall, a more spacious covered playground, and above all, more greenery and play areas.

The first step involves demolishing the two central buildings that divide the playground. This creates a large open space that can enter into dialogue with the surrounding green environment. Beneath this open area, a semi-underground dining hall is “inserted” into the terrain. It is positioned at ground level, meaning that it can now be accessed directly from the street without any thresholds.

The dining hall features a roof that ends in a halfpipe facing south, acting as a “light catcher.” On top of the (semi-)underground dining hall and storage spaces, the playground continues seamlessly, bordered by the halfpipe as a playful element.

The existing building along Gotstraat is then renovated and extended with a rational, contemporary volume. The ground floor houses the kindergarten classrooms, while the first floor accommodates primary school students. The classrooms are now all arranged around the playground, making the school much more legible and easier to navigate.

A transparent façade facing the playground, oriented to the north, was chosen to strengthen the relationship with the green surroundings. The ground-floor kindergarten classrooms are expanded with a “play street,” a space that acts as both a transition and an extension of the classrooms.

Through thoughtful interventions and the careful removal and addition of volumes, this primary school becomes clear, accessible, and future-proof.

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^CREDITS

Status: 2024-2026
Team: Seger Delmulle, Frank Delmulle, Robert Barbir, Siebe Vanzieleghem, Sanne Delecluyse

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