Montessori school De Wijde Wereld, the Netherlands

The De Wijde Wereld school expansion project resulted in one of the first wooden schools in the Netherlands. Its contractor, KernBouw bv, had collaborated with Kontiotuote Oy earlier in the Netherlands on log-built detached house projects, but this public project was the first to apply Kontio’s expertise, or Kontio WoodHow™, in the Netherlands.

Sustainability and the Montessori approach are visible in the architecture

A key goal of the De Wijde Wereld school is to facilitate encounters that spur and stimulate children’s curiosity. This important starting point led to a design that exudes peace and calm, using wood and natural colours that combine with the natural light bathing the interior. The Montessori approach is reflected in the building’s appearance and interior solutions. There are no partitioning walls, which facilitates collaboration and encounters. There is also a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Originally built in the 1970s, the school retains its character and functions but has a fresh look thanks to the new wooden façade. One wing was demolished, and a new floor was added to the other, lower, wing. This created a more compact building with enough space for twelve classes and a kindergarten.

Technical solutions enable sustainability and recyclability

The client valued sustainability and therefore chose wooden construction, efficient technical solutions, and the recyclability of building components. Kontio’s SmartLog™ system is designed for construction that follows circular economy principles. For instance, façade logs can be dismantled and reused elsewhere.

A particular challenge at this location was that the logs had to fit the old concrete structures and the new section’s steel framework. However, all went well at this large and unconventional project, which serves as proof of how logs can be suitable for the most challenging locations. Modern processing technology makes logs versatile, and Kontio SmartLog™ logs can be attached to other materials with a variety of connections.

Wood is a comfortable building material from both a physical and psychological perspective: it dampens sound and guarantees good thermal comfort and the right humidity. Wooden buildings can even provide better indoor air quality with less building technology than their concrete counterparts.

Now that the school has been renovated, it produces all its own energy. Two new heat pumps draw their energy from PVT panels on the roof, which produce both heat and electricity.

Precise dimensions made construction smooth and quick

The project was split into two phases. In the first phase, an extension was built on the existing foundations of the demolished wing. In the second phase, the load-bearing concrete pillars and beams were saved from the retained wing, and a second storey was added.

Work on the design began in 2018, and a building permit was obtained in 2021. The first log deliveries were made in March 2022, and demolition took place the same year. The school welcomed its students in September 2023.

Successful construction projects where several parties need to collaborate require foresight, a systematic approach, and a healthy dose of level-headedness. Seamless cooperation and trust are a must, so the previous collaboration between the log supplier and the main contractor was definitely a plus in this project. It gave everyone a sense of confidence and made it possible to focus on the essentials in the relatively short design phases. Work could concentrate on the framework and connections as everyone already knew the basics of log construction and design.

Another essential success factor was the project’s careful and realistic scheduling. The project management in the Netherlands was very professional with well-prepared meetings, quick responses from stakeholders, and immediate follow-ups on any delays or changes. On site, the installers were amazed at the precision of the manufactured components. Installation was smooth and quick as the parts were exactly the size they needed and their quality exceeded expectations.

In the opinion of Daan Joseen, the main designer at the site, the key to the renovation project’s success was its comprehensive planning. This project is a rare exception with truly integrated design and construction. – There is still far too much sector-specific thinking instead of bringing skills together. This project is a good example of an integrated process where design, construction, and engineering skills come together. The close cooperation provided an energy boost and inspiration to the project and led to a fine example of innovative and sustainable construction.

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