In Veenendaal, a new Integrated Child Centre (IKC) Het Meesterwerk designed by RAU has opened. While its brick exterior may appear familiar and unassuming, its conventional appearance belies its radical circular design. The centre brings together Patrimoniumschool, School Juul and Kinderopvang Luna under one roof. These three organisations have different educational approaches and spatial needs, which called for a building capable of adapting over time.
“IKC Het Meesterwerk shows that circular architecture does not have to announce itself. Its innovation lies precisely in the combination of a familiar, robust architectural expression with a highly adaptable circular system behind it.”
— RAU
Structural design
This flexibility is incorporated into the structural design of the centre. The building features a fully demountable construction, using bolted connections rather than cast-in-place structural elements. Its hollow-core floor slabs are designed for reuse, while there are no load-bearing walls inside, allowing different layout concepts to be accommodated in the future should spatial requirements change.
Additionally, structure, finishes and building services have been kept as separate as possible, with dry and demountable connections used throughout the building layers. This simplifies maintenance over time, as individual components can be serviced or replaced individually without compromising the building as a whole.
Circularity
The circular approach continues outside, where the facade has been completed using CicloBrick bricks manufactured by Wienerberger. These bricks contain 20% ceramic material recovered from the former school building on the site. The brick facade gives the building a familiar architectural expression that allows it to settle into the densely built surrounding neighbourhood.
Spatial program
Inside, the building accommodates three different educational programs and treats them accordingly. There are traditional classroom settings and open learning environments, alongside a shared central heart that creates a place for interaction between the different schools.
While each program has its own area defined by colour and design, the assembly hall, playroom and staff areas are shared. As an organisation intended to connect people and the neighbourhood, parts of the IKC are accessible for community use. Several communal spaces can be used for activities involving the wider neighbourhood, while the schoolyard is also available to the neighbourhood outside school hours.
Energy system
IKC Het Meesterwerk is energy-neutral and gas free. Heat pumps, underfloor heating and cooling, CO₂-controlled ventilation and photovoltaic panels contribute to a comfortable and energy-efficient learning environment. As the architects explain, “Energy performance is made visible to users, adding an educational dimension without disrupting the calm and recognisable character of the building. ”
