Waalsdorp Montessori School

The new building for the Montessori School Waalsdorp makes up part of the “school triangle” in the city’s Benoordenhout district. Designed by De Zwarte Hond, the school blends in well with the neighbourhood, while maintaining a unique presence. Its spacious and flexible interior forms a dynamic accommodation perfectly suited to the Montessori education system.

Characterised by the surrounding narrow streets and 1930’s brick housing, this broad, triangular block hosts the Montessori School Waalsdorp along with two other schools. The school’s position on the plot is defined by two historic Linden trees and the corner entrance, an orientation that provides the school with two playgrounds: a welcoming front space, and a generous area behind.

The strongly-profiled facade is constructed of exceptionally large, unusually proportioned bricks. Striking vertical ribs define the front entrance. The window frames are of anodized bronze aluminum with a distinctively deep profile, and the sun-shading is housed invisibly behind the brickwork.