The Hotič Educational Complex, designed by GEOPLAN, brings together a primary school, kindergarten, multipurpose sports hall, library, and community facilities within a single integrated campus in the Slovenian village of Hotič. Conceived as both an educational institution and a civic hub, the project extends the role of the school beyond teaching to support everyday social interaction and community life.
Designed to the nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) standard, the complex combines energy-efficient construction, adaptable learning spaces, and a strong connection to its rural context, demonstrating how public buildings can support long-term environmental, social, and functional value.
Flexible spaces for evolving education
The campus is organised as a series of interconnected volumes rather than a single large building, reflecting the scale and character of the surrounding village. This arrangement creates a sequence of public, semi-public, and educational spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and informal learning throughout the site.
Classrooms are designed as adaptable environments that support a variety of teaching methods, including collaborative work, independent study, and group activities. Modular furniture, movable seating, quiet areas, and multipurpose spaces allow rooms to be reconfigured quickly as educational requirements evolve. Several classrooms also provide direct access to outdoor learning areas, extending educational activities beyond the building itself.
Shared facilities and community integration
The complex accommodates multiple programmes within a compact footprint, helping spaces remain active throughout the day and across different seasons. Alongside educational facilities, the campus includes a village library, sports hall, and community spaces that serve residents of all ages.
By integrating these functions within one development, the project makes more efficient use of land and infrastructure while encouraging interaction between children, educators, parents, and the wider community. Publicly accessible outdoor areas further strengthen the relationship between the campus and the village, supporting recreation, cultural events, and everyday social engagement.
Durable construction and environmental performance
The building employs a reinforced concrete structural system, selected in response to challenging ground conditions that required piled foundations. The robust structure provides durability and long-term resilience, while exposed concrete surfaces are balanced by locally sourced beech timber and natural finishes that create warm, welcoming interiors.
The building envelope incorporates a high proportion of natural and mineral insulation materials, contributing to the project’s nearly zero-energy performance. Large windows maximise natural daylight, reducing dependence on artificial lighting while creating bright and comfortable learning environments. Linoleum flooring throughout classrooms and circulation spaces provides a hard-wearing, low-maintenance surface suited to intensive daily use.
