The new school of Focus sbo, a public school for special education in Haarlem, looks futuristic. It is sleek on the outside, but warm inside. In the building numerous new materials have been used. It is also the only school in the Netherlands with a bitumen facade.

Focus sbo accommodates 230 pupils who are stuck in ordinary primary schools. These students need extra attention. They are mildly motivated and easily distracted. They thrive/flourish in an environment that exudes or emanates a sense of security and safety. Jan Apple (director) explains how that feeling was created: "A star shaped building was created, consisting of three sectors, each with its own entrance, playroom, washroom and wardrobe. They are, as it were three separate units in a building. Therefore you do not notice that we have 230 children at school. "In each of the three lobes of the building, five classrooms have been built.