An elementary school in the center of Brakel is merging with local neighborhood schools. As a result, the main campus is being reorganized and expanded with a new kindergarten for approximately 150 pupils. Along a central pedestrian axis connecting two streets, the existing buildings on one side accommodate the primary school, while the new kindergarten is situated on the other side along the Zwalmbeek, each with its own outdoor play area.
The new building includes an elevator that ensures full accessibility for both the new and existing structures. The multipurpose hall is separated from the classroom wing in an L-shaped layout with a covered outdoor space. Positioned along the access axis, the hall can also be easily used outside school hours. The covered outdoor areas on both sides of the axis create a diagonal line of sight between the two playgrounds.
The classrooms embody a 21st-century educational vision, providing opportunities for differentiation and co-teaching. The corridors are not merely circulation areas but functional extensions of the classrooms. Transparent sliding walls between classrooms and corridors enable various forms of interaction. The central atrium staircase connecting the two floors forms the vibrant heart of the new kindergarten.
