Phased build

The building was constructed in phases, with a section of it being moved on the site. Architect Floris Hund explains why: ‘In 2014, there was an urgent need for a new school in the Zuidas. The only suitable location, between De Boelelaan and Antonio Vivaldistraat, wouldn’t be available until 2015. A phased build and the subsequent move of a section of the building was cheaper than temporary accommodation. But the main reason for a phased build was that this way, the children immediately got a really good building.’

The first phase was built behind an existing sports hall. After the existing structures, including the sports hall, were demolished, the second phase was completed. The first section of the building was then moved 30 metres and almost seamlessly linked to the second. Both sections of the building consist largely of prefab components and were constructed within a very short time on site. ‘If the number of children contains to grow as expected, an extra level will be added to the lower section of the building mid-2017,’ hopes Peer Glandorff, who co-designed the school with Hund.

In addition, the school has a clear spatial layout. There are four clusters of four classrooms, grouped according to age ranges. After-school care is provided in the large areas between these rooms. ‘The school layout and connection with surrounding outdoor areas ensure that this is a special, pleasant space for the children and teachers to work, learn and play in,’ Hund assures.

The gym on the top level of the school is also used by other schools and sports clubs. The gym can be accessed via a stairwell with lift, which can be closed off from the school.

Robust façade

Raw wood, shiny aluminium and large windows characterise the external walls. They are made of standard components, both in terms of composition and dimensions. Depending on the rooms behind them and the orientation of the sun, the wall components have been fitted with glass or aluminium sheet material.

Glandorff: ‘The whole of the ground-floor wall consists of glass panels. The group areas and gym on the other floors have extra-large windows; the gym even has a window of 3.6 by 5 m.’ One type of slimline aluminium window profile by Reynaers was chosen. The anodised aluminium goes well with the wood and steel. Soundproofing was also important in the choice of windows because of the busy location. Finally, price was also a consideration, as the building had to be completed within a tight budget. D'n Boeij Aluminiumbouw was responsible for all the windows.

In the short video below, the architects of Fact Architects and Hund Falk Architecten talk about their design for Children’s Campus Zuidas.

Adventure outdoor areas 

All sides of the building overlook a variety of outdoor areas. Surrounding the building are several natural and paved outdoor areas with play areas. Glandorff: ‘Natural play areas border directly on classrooms and group areas. On the side of the future Boelegracht, we designed steps with integrated containers for school gardens.’ 

The other outdoor areas, including nature gardens with climbing trees, waterfall and small beach, a sports fields and kiss & ride zone were designed by the Department of Planning and Sustainability of the municipality of Amsterdam, Het Wilde Land and Zandraket.

The rooms and gym have been created with as much ceiling height as possible. Wires have been concealed in the openings behind the lower ceilings. 

The windows behind the wood façade grids can be opened. Children’s Campus Zuidas has a good indoor climate. Overall, the school meets the Clean Schools category B standard and even the highest possible category A standard for air quality.