The De Zuiderkroon children’s centre was built as part of the Midden-Groningen school programme. The starting point was to realise safe and future-proof educational facilities in an area affected by earthquakes and land shrinkage. The children’s centre is located on the edge of the leafy urban village of Woldwijck and fits in with the green character of the area.

Inclusiveness and multifunctionality are central to the design. The De Zuiderkroon children’s centre connects a state primary school and a primary school for special education. A nursery is also included. All the spaces are linked by a central heart, into which light pours in through skylights. The 450 students are taught in high-ceilinged, bright classrooms and have their own kitchen for practical education. In addition, they have access to a technology room and two connected, ultra-modern gymnasiums.

An important design assignment was to model the location’s large programme of approximately 5,100 m² in such a way that it is perceived as attractive and more compact. Because the building volume is stepped in height and staggered in length and width, it is more in line with a child’s experience level. This creates all kinds of places, corners and spaces in and around the building where students can come together.

In the design of the interior spaces, much attention has been paid to the transition between inside and outside. By means of large glass frames with doors, there is plenty of contact with the outdoors. A pergola forms the transition between the inside and the outside, so that lessons can also be given outdoors.

Careful consideration has been given to the high-quality acoustics and finishes inside. All the interior façades, stairs and ceilings are made of materials with a natural look and feel. Many different places in the interior have been designed to match the child’s scale and functionality. Rooms differ from low to high and from narrow to wide.