Sint-Niklaas - primary school Het Mispeltje

The non-profit organization Berkenboomscholen wants to create a new school for special education type 2 in Sint-Niklaas. A total budget of €2,880,000 (excl. VAT and fees) has been earmarked for this assignment.

The non-profit organization Berkenboomscholen is a school group with a rich history and a solid reputation in the region of Sint-Niklaas. The school group includes two secondary schools and six primary schools, including two special needs schools. It aims to provide high-quality education and customized care for all pupils.

The school group wants to realize a new school for special primary education type 2. The school should accommodate fifty pupils in an innovative and caring learning environment. The campus will be designed to meet the unique needs of pupils with a mental and/or physical disability, so that they can maximize their potential. The project site is home to a vacant building that initially served as a district school and later as an urban crèche. Given the specific requirements of the new school, demolition and new construction are envisaged. The existing building is embedded in a green environment that should be preserved to the maximum extent possible. The site also serves as a play area for the neighbourhood. It is the city’s ambition to enable this wide-ranging use (outside school hours) in the future as well. On the street side of the site is a chapel owned by the city of Sint-Niklaas that currently has no use. If opportunities arise that could support the activities of the school, the local administration is open to consultation.

The non-profit organization aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment where pupils with special needs feel at home and can learn and grow optimally. This requires a learning environment that is flexible and adaptable to different teaching methods. The design should promote pupils’ self-reliance and support their social-emotional development. This can be done, for instance, by integrating spacious play and sports facilities where pupils can come in contact with one another and work together. The design should ensure a safe learning environment where pupils can move freely and learn without risk. Rooms for support staff such as therapists, speech therapists and administrative staff are also necessary.

The school’s environment plays a crucial role in the design. A well-conceived environment contributes to the well-being of pupils and staff. Green outdoor spaces and playgrounds should encourage both relaxation and educational activities. An access road should also be constructed that is safe and accessible to all users, including wheelchair users. The road should be wide enough for the buses used to drop off and pick up the children. This requires special attention to a smooth flow and safe boarding and alighting points. Designers are expected to investigate where and how the road can be optimally integrated into its surroundings.

The non-profit organization Berkenboomscholen wants a school building that radiates homeyness. The school should not only meet functional requirements, but also provide an inspiring and safe environment for pupils and staff. Warm and inviting materials and colours will contribute to a sense of security. Attention to detail and legibility will create a pleasant atmosphere and improve comfort.

The learning environment is entirely on the ground level given the limited mobility of the target group. Support functions can, however, be located on an upper floor. Within these margins, a building with a minimal ecological footprint is expected. Innovative building methods and materials that contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency are essential and must at least be in line with contemporary standards.