For the municipal nursery and primary school De Duinpieper in Westende, a significant development has been realized with the construction of a new building, replacing the old municipal school. The previous structure was in a state of disrepair, with parts that were structurally unstable and no longer suitable for the contemporary needs of pupils and teachers.
The disjointed layout of the existing buildings was a barrier to the optimal organization of the school. However, the municipality had a clear vision: to transform the space into a multifunctional area that could be utilized by the community during and after school hours.
In the new design, the school buildings are placed on the site’s perimeter, creating a large, green, and safe playground in the central area. While urban planning regulations allowed for a three-story construction, a two-story concept was chosen, primarily to benefit the school’s playground area.
The school now serves as a landmark at the junction of two streets, with its volume decreasing along these streets to align with the surrounding residential houses. A covered access with bicycle parking is featured on the right side of the end façade on the square, highlighted by a local elevation of the roofline. This area serves multiple purposes, including a meeting spot for parents and a shelter during bad weather, and is centrally located between the after-school care and classroom section on the left, and the refectory and gym on the right.
The right side also houses a separate access to the refectory and gym on the ground floor, and the municipal meeting point on the first floor. These facilities are designed to be accessible to local residents and can be used without disrupting the school’s activities. The gym and refectory are independent but can also merge into one large multifunctional space.
A canopy extends from the covered entrance along the playground to the school’s main entrance. The administration area, with a waiting place, and the teacher’s room are situated near this entrance. The nursery school is on the ground floor to the right of the entrance, while the primary school is on the first floor. The entrance hall serves a dual purpose, with a staircase that is double- height, connecting both floors.
The nursery classes are connected through a central zone with wide doorways, facilitating cross-class activities. A large skylight illuminates this central area, the ‘heart’ of the nursery school. In the primary school, all classes are connected with folding walls, allowing for co-teaching and cross-class work. There is also a widened circulation zone for small group activities. The lower school connects to the first-floor meeting point, making it easy to conduct common school activities.
At De Duinpieper School, the design philosophy extends beyond the walls of the classroom to embrace the outdoors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The school’s architecture is a celebration of this synergy, with ground-level windows and framed views that draw the eye to the multifunctional outdoor areas. Here, greenery and pavement intermingle, offering children a stimulating environment that is an integral part of their educational experience.
The school’s layout is a physical manifestation of its commitment to innovative teaching methods. From corner work to cross-class teaching, self-study, small group projects, and more, the design supports a diverse range of learning styles. The seamless flow between classrooms, the outdoors, and the building itself fosters a dynamic educational atmosphere where interaction, collaboration, and after-school activities thrive.
Yet, we recognise that a school is more than just a hub of activity; it must also provide sanctuaries of calm. Quiet corners for reflection and rest are thoughtfully integrated both within the building and in the outdoor spaces. The design ensures that every child feels secure and ‘at home,’ with spaces that are easily navigable and visually connected, eliminating any sense of intimidation or complexity.
The entrance sets the tone for the school’s welcoming atmosphere, with exhibition spaces and voids that create a sense of openness. Interior windows offer glimpses from room to room and outwards, establishing a cohesive environment that is both safe and inviting for students.
We envisioned the school as a canvas for imagination, where teachers and students can bring their creativity to life. The school’s aesthetic is intentionally neutral yet captivating, providing a backdrop for the vibrant hues of children’s artwork and the warmth of their creative expressions. A carefully selected color palette adorns the furniture and accent walls, aiding in spatial recognition and adding a touch of warmth.
Sustainability is at the core of the school’s design, achieved through a compact structure that respects its environmental context. The building’s flexible layout, featuring a concrete skeleton with load-bearing facades and lightweight interior walls, allows for future adaptations to meet evolving educational needs.
The exterior is finished in white decorative plaster, with glazed tiles in areas prone to wear, adding playful splashes of color. Inside, durable yet warm materials line the corridors, chosen for their uniformity and ease of maintenance.
The newly constructed primary school replaces the dilapidated old buildings that no longer served the needs of its teachers and students. The design of the new structure stretches along the site’s perimeter, creating a striking feature at the intersection of two adjacent streets. This strategic placement has yielded a secure, verdant, and sunlit playground nestled within the school’s bounds.
A distinctive cantilever extends over the building, providing a sheltered entrance that leads to the primary school, after-school childcare, gym, refectory, and a municipal meeting point. This area has become a central gathering space for the community, distinguished by a notable rise in the roofline.
The building’s facades, adorned in white decorative plaster, are shielded in vulnerable areas with glazed tiles, adding a playful and light-hearted touch to the overall aesthetic. Expansive windows blur the lines between the building and its surroundings, fostering a sense of unity.
Situated at the heart of Westende, the primary school exemplifies the essence of a community school. The out-of-school childcare shares the primary school’s playground, while the gym and refectory remain accessible post-school hours without the need to unlock the entire school grounds. The municipal meeting point is open to residents daily, reflecting the school’s role as a communal hub. Meticulous planning has ensured that various traffic flows are managed efficiently, allowing for broad usage without interference. The covered entrance plaza beneath the building intentionally intersects these pathways, cementing the school’s status as a true meeting point for the community.
The school’s infrastructure is tailored to support an innovative and varied teaching approach. Corner work, cross-class instruction, self-study, small group activities, and project-based learning are all facilitated by the adaptable classroom designs, broadened corridors, and the thoughtful integration with outdoor spaces. Ample opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and after-school activities are woven into the fabric of the school, whether directly associated with the educational program or not.
