Originally designed by architect Fritz Schlegel, Heerup School has been expanded by Christensen & Co Architects in a project that demonstrates sustainable architecture through sensitive integration with the historic buildings. As a pilot project, it places emphasis on material selection, circularity, and the creation of a healthy learning environment. Flexible spaces and fluid transitions strengthen connections between classrooms and outdoor areas, resulting in a high-quality building that has been well received by its users.
The project is also pre-certified for DGNB Gold, underscoring its holistic approach to environmental responsibility and commitment to rigorous life cycle performance standards.
A sustainable expansion
Heerup School is composed of several elongated red-brick buildings. The new expansion allows the school to accommodate more children with special educational needs while staying true to its architectural heritage. The extension consists of two interconnected structures, developed through a careful analysis of the existing campus.
One is a contemporary reinterpretation of Fritz Schlegel’s two-story red buildings, while the other is a single-story curved volume that links to the elongated buildings designed by Matters architects. This curved structure forms the new arrival area, giving the school an organic frontage that preserves the original facade. Generous windows along the curved facade lend the building a lighter, more open character and strengthen the relationship between interior spaces and the outdoors.
A calm learning environment
The organic space between the buildings is defined by soft forms and natural light. Large windows open views to the school garden, which is often used for classes and provides moments of calm and inspiration. Informal gathering areas are created with tables and chairs, while the consistent use of warm wooden materials lends a homely atmosphere.
The new structure is bright and open, with skylights and interior windows connecting rooms. At the same time, enclosed niches provide quiet spaces where children can retreat when needed. Near the entrance, color-marked wardrobes act as personal home bases, helping students find their own place with ease. From here, they move into small classrooms designed for learning in supportive, more intimate groups.
On the first floor, the school houses physiotherapy and ergotherapy facilities for the children, alongside staff rooms for teachers and social educators. In the therapy and training rooms, students engage in motor exercises and activities under the guidance of the school’s specialists. The therapeutic spaces are kept separate from the staff area, ensuring that educators have their own place to relax and talk without disturbance.
Collaboration across disciplines is at the heart of this school. Teachers and special educators work closely to design tailored curricula and action plans for each student, ensuring a calm and supportive environment. The architecture responds to this need with comfortable niches and lounge areas, designed for long conversations and in-depth collaboration.
Smart reuse
A planned new shed was abandoned due to cost and suitability concerns. A different approach was taken when it was discovered that the existing shed’s roof—complete with roofing felt, gutters, and lighting—could be reused for the new structure. Following a thorough inspection, the shed was redesigned to accommodate the salvaged roof. Within just 30 minutes, a fully functioning roof with gutters and lighting was in place. This solution not only reduced costs to a fifth of the original plan but also provided a more environmentally responsible outcome.
Material innovation
The extension makes extensive use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for its load-bearing structures, selected for its durability, resistance to moisture, and ability to lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional construction materials. Passive design strategies further strengthen performance, with skylights and generous windows maximizing natural daylight, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the building’s operational footprint.
The project also embodies circular economy principles through the creative reuse of materials from the existing structure. By repurposing the roof, roofing felt, gutters, and lighting, the team significantly reduced both environmental impact and costs, illustrating how circular strategies can deliver clear ecological and economic value.
The addition to Heerup School in Copenhagen unites the campus and presents a bright, welcoming new face. Thoughtfully reinterpreting the existing architecture, the extension acts as a natural continuation of the older buildings while introducing contemporary qualities. Within, a variety of spaces support close collaboration between teachers and social educators, enabling diverse learning situations tailored to the needs of the students.
