Originally built in 1957, EVA Architecten has transformed Kromme Rijn College through a renovation and extension that prioritizes the continued use of the existing structure over replacement.
Located in the Kromme Rijn district of Utrecht, the school occupies a neighborhood of significant cultural-historical value, characterized by notable buildings designed by several Utrecht-based architects. The original building formed the foundation of the project’s sustainability strategy, reducing embodied carbon while preserving an important local landmark.
Interior masonry walls were retained, carefully positioned openings were introduced, and the original facade masonry was cleaned and repointed. New windows replicate the historic appearance while incorporating triple glazing to improve thermal performance.
The new addition consists of a low-rise education wing and a recessed sports hall volume. To reduce the visual impact of the larger sports facility, an intermediate facade band was introduced between the plinth and upper facade. Its independent rhythm references the window pattern of the original building while giving the extension its own architectural identity.
Extending building life through adaptive reuse
The decision to preserve the existing school was shaped by both environmental considerations and strong community support. Residents advocated for retaining the building, influencing the municipality’s decision to renovate rather than replace it. Reusing the structural frame and much of the existing building avoided carbon emissions associated with demolition and new construction.
Existing masonry from the low-rise section was carefully dismantled using circular demolition methods, allowing the bricks to be cleaned and reused during restoration. Original elements, including the granito staircase and exposed concrete frame, were repaired rather than replaced. Paint and surface finishes were removed from the concrete structure, allowing the original beams and columns to contribute to the interior once again while extending their service life.
Timber construction and durable materials
The extension introduces lightweight timber construction alongside the retained masonry structure. A timber-frame facade system combines a brick plinth with timber cladding above, while the sports hall uses glulam columns and beams to reduce embodied carbon compared with conventional steel or reinforced concrete construction.
Durable materials were selected to reduce future maintenance and replacement requirements. Timber cladding is paired with EQUITONE fiber-cement facade panels and aluminum window frames, chosen for their longevity. The timber facade boards are mechanically fixed, allowing individual components to be removed, repaired, or replaced without dismantling the entire facade.
Improving energy performance
While preserving the building’s architectural character, the renovation improved its energy performance. Internal insulation was added where possible without altering the historic facade, while triple-glazed windows reduce heat loss without changing its original appearance.
Building services include an air handling unit (AHU), photovoltaic panels, and battery storage, enabling the building to meet the Dutch BENG requirements for nearly energy-neutral buildings. The educational layout was also designed for long-term adaptability. Group learning spaces accommodate different teaching methods and can be reconfigured as educational needs evolve.
Designing for disassembly
Circularity informed both the renovation and extension. Existing materials were preserved and restored wherever feasible, while new structural components were designed for future disassembly.
Steel and timber structural elements can be dismantled and reused, while the mechanically fixed timber facade boards can be removed, repaired, or repurposed during maintenance or future adaptations. These strategies extend the service life of the building and its materials while supporting future circular use.
