Sustainable schools leave nothing to chance

The school, designed to accommodate 750 pupils from 4 to 12 years old, is made up of four nested circular structures and an annexed sports hall. The three largest circles house premises, as well as a playground in their center. The fourth, higher but with a smaller diameter, acts as an entrance and contains the technical spaces and the concierge's accommodation. The different buildings are connected by wide walkways.

A new kind of primary school: elegant, sustainable, and stimulating

To give the school its particular form, Árter ​​was inspired by the name of the district, Les Trèfles, but above all on studies by the Japanese professor Mitsuru Senda. "It has shown that circular recreation courses generate up to 20% more spontaneous movements," explains Patrick Vonck. “In addition, for the same surface, the circles have 20% less frontage. This gave me the opportunity to literally open the classic structure of the school, with closed corridors, and to use this circulation to create additional play space. "

But Árter ​​not only developed a responsible concept, the office also designed a sustainable school. With an energy consumption of only 12 kWh / m2 per year, we can practically speak of a passive building. To achieve this result, several techniques were used, such as heat recovery, the use of natural light, quadruple glazing with an integrated sunshade system, green roofs and the reuse of rainwater. The environmental impact of products over the entire life cycle has weighed in the choice of materials.

Patrick Vonck opted for Rockpanel Chameleon panels for the façade cladding. From an aesthetic point of view, the panels are glued to the facade. “I was pleasantly surprised by the color changes depending on the position of the sun. This allowed me to strengthen the “cyclical” side of the school. In addition, we have also received BREEAM A + certification. At the same time, the construction of the facade of buildings with ultra-low energy consumption must be carefully detailed. The architect and the entrepreneur must be able to rely on companies capable of guaranteeing the necessary tests, analyzes, references and on-site support. "

Panels that blend perfectly with seasonal changes

According to Patrick Vonck, the panels also reinforce the architecture of the building. “They are adorned with a layer of crystallized pigments which creates a surprising effect on the perception of color depending on perspective and sunlight. The coloring of the panels is perfectly adapted to the change of seasons and to the vegetable gardens planted around the circles. Thanks to its quality finish, its flexibility and its resistance to climatic conditions as well as humidity, the material also constitutes an ideal information medium. Rockpanel Chameleon panels have been engraved to provide signage around the school. Thus, no special treatment is required once a text has been engraved on the panel, not even for the visible base plate. Ease of use was also an important aspect for Thierry Laroy, who works for the main contractor CFE Brabant: “I had no experience with the panels, but the installation was no problem. "

The result is a magnificent complex that incorporates not only Rockpanel Chameleon products, but also Rockpanel Natural and Colors. Patrick Vonck received many positive reactions even before delivery. “The local authorities and the other school directors are enthusiastic. There is also great interest from the press and the residents are fascinated by the magic of the color changes. Personally, the project seems very successful to me. It is the ideal combination between the cyclical program, the concept of sustainability and materialization. Three aspects which reinforce each other ”, concludes Patrick Vonck.