We have designed a municipal nursery and primary school on a beautiful plot in Berlaar, a distinctive town within a ribbon development. The route from the church passes a host of characteristic landmarks: the convent, the farm and the rectory. All robust brick buildings with recognisable profiles. The school forms part of this natural cadence and sits comfortably within the streetscape. On the side facing the garden, where the communal areas are sited, it feels more like a country house. The plan also follows the layout of a large rural property. As in a villa, one can walk through a succession of beautiful rooms: a promenade of idiosyncratic spaces in which urban moments are contained. The school has three characteristic staircases, various roof solutions, occasional balconies, vistas and interior windows, so that every move facilitates a new insight or an unexpected encounter.
Community School
Berlaar
- Design teamDirk Somers, Merijn Muller, Reinaart Vandersloten, Isabel Dedeurwaerdere, Sidse Hald, Wim Boesten, Eline Aerts and Elke Hoendervangers
- LocationBerlaar
- Year2011 - 2016
- ClientAG Real Estate and the community of Berlaar
- ProgramCommunity school with after-school childcare, music school and gym
- PhotographyFilip Dujardin