24H>architecture was asked by the Waldorf school of Zoetermeer to take part in a competition for a new building. The old school got destroyed by a fire in December 2007. Apart from the building, more than 30 years of tradition was lost. During this period, the school had gathered a huge collection of treasured objects; ranging from decorated costumes to stained-glass windows. A new building will be built at the same location, where only the foundations remain.

Inspiration for the design was based on the nearby park, where the children frequently have school activities. The school unfolds from the park like a leaf. The grain that supports the leaf splits into five smaller leaves each housing a different part of the program.

Within the school, the primary school and the nursery are separated from each other. They both have their own classrooms but share several spaces, like the canteen and the crafts room. The grain ends in a double leaf which houses the canteen and the play room. They can be used as separate rooms or combined into one large space when desired.

The leaves are constructed from a 'shell' and a 'leaf skeleton'. The shell – which is focused on the outside – is clad with ceramic tiles. The colour gradually transforms from green on the park side to red on the canteen side. The shells are supported by a wooden construction. The neutral interior allows the students to adapt their learning environment to their own wishes.

In the grain, stained-glass windows by Jacoba van Heemskerck are placed. These windows filter the daylight and create a colourful projection on the floor.