The largest pre-vocational secondary technical school (VMBO) in the Netherlands, Gilde Vakcollege, has opened its doors on the innovation campus on the outskirts of Gorinchem. The new energy-neutral school building, spanning over 10,000 m² and designed by De Zwarte Hond, offers an inspiring and sustainable learning environment where craftsmanship, innovation, and personal development come together.
Gilde Vakcollege was in need of renewal, as the existing building no longer met contemporary standards. In the new facility, students benefit from modern practical classrooms, spacious learning plazas, and an environment where theory and practice blend seamlessly. Headteacher Krijn Redert is proud of the result:
“This building is a tangible investment in the future of technical education. Our students now have the space to hone their craft and prepare for the job market.”
Human Scale and Industrial Ambience
De Zwarte Hond’s design integrates with the existing campus structure and consists of three staggered volumes, giving the building a human scale. The ground floor houses large practical classrooms for disciplines such as car mechanics, installation technology, welding, and bricklaying. These rooms have direct access to verandas on the campus side and open onto a central internal street — the beating heart of the school. This internal street evokes the atmosphere of a factory while still feeling homely and welcoming.
The first floor contains the theory classrooms and learning plazas, visually connected to the workshops below via internal atriums, fulfilling one of the school’s key wishes.
Learning from the Building Itself
The building serves not only as a place to learn but also as a learning tool in its own right. Its installations and structural elements have been deliberately left visible, while patterns in the brickwork are designed to inspire the craftsmen of the future. Thanks to the use of natural materials such as timber, the building is both healthy and inviting.
Energy-Neutral and Future-Focused
Three distinctive sawtooth roofs provide daylight to the central street and classrooms and are fitted with photovoltaic panels, making the building fully energy-neutral. The industrial character of these roofs is a nod to the technical working environments in which students will later pursue their careers.
