Preska primary school
conceptual design
The placement of the new primary school takes into account the existing built-up area and surrounding landscape in such a way that an excellent functional attachment and utilization of the terrain's characteristics are ensured. The fan-like opening of the two lamellas allows for optimal illumination and entry of the landscape into the school's internal atrium. High-quality views and a functionally clear scheme are emphasized.
The northern area is intended to facilitate traffic and parking areas, a courtyard, and a bus stop with a covered area for the pupils who come to school by bus. The main entryway, which continues from the eastern parterre through the building to the paved plaza in the west, allows for unobstructed flow and views.
The main outdoor school program happens in the south of the area, where all the sports areas, playgrounds and outdoor classrooms are located. The natural terrain allows more naturally designed playgrounds, where in the winter it is possible to arrange a sledge run and in the warmer part of the year to arrange outdoor terraced classrooms under the orchards or next to the apiary.
“The main entryway, which continues from the eastern parterre through the building to the paved plaza in the west, allows for unobstructed flow and views.”
The lamellar-structured pavement is, like a carpet, transformed into a staircase that descends like stands towards the lower plateau in the north. The triangular plateau also allows the organization of the school's event space. Paving of the entry plateau continues across the road, changing the perception of the road at the crossing into a square where pedestrians have the right of way.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
The basic concept of the new school is based on the fan-like design of the building volume, which divides the building into two larger lamellas.
By establishing a central connecting axis of the corridor, two main entrances are created which connect directly to the central common area, locker rooms, and the entry to a separate section for the first three grades.
With the removal of volumes, a roofed ground floor is formed on the western side of the building, defined by the glazed volume of the gym, which addresses visitors to the school and highlights one of the two main entrances.
On the eastern side is the second main entrance, which, by removing the volume and rounding one of the basic lamellas, gains adequate width, and creates a central school space, which is also useful during classes.
The courtyard slowly opens to the east and transforms into a vegetable and herb garden.
The southern lamella slowly descends along the ground, creating a two-storey space dedicated to the library.
Lowering the southern lamella allows adequate natural light for the northern lamellae spaces.
CONSTRUCTION DESIGN
The structure is divided into an underground part and an above-ground part. The underground section is designed as a structure made of reinforced concrete with a foundation slab, outer walls and a slab above the basement, all implemented in reinforced concrete. The three underground parts which are not interconnected underground are connected at the ground floor level with the reinforced concrete foundation panels. These connect with the panels of reinforced concrete above each underground part.
The part above ground is designed as a wooden wall structure made of cross-laminated panels in combination with a steel bar parts. Elevators and stairwells are designed in reinforced concrete. The inter-floor structures are designed, because of their larger spans, as a joint construction of concrete and wood, or steel and concrete.