Fiep Westendorp School

The building has three floors, each characterized by a different material. For example, the plinth, where the school is located, is constructed of FSC-certified wooden slats that serve as a base for the green climbing plants. The green facade makes the school recognizable and child-friendly in the high-density urban environment. Furthermore, the greenery prevents graffiti and provides cooling, optimal ventilation, and CO2 absorption in the summer. The layer of apartments above the school features a contrasting aluminum facade, interspersed with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize daylight and integrated wooden loggias. The top layer of apartments is distinguished by a setback characterized by the cladding and deep roof terraces.

Boost for the Neighborhood

The Fiep Westendorp School provides a stimulating learning environment that also fosters community engagement. It features parent rooms, a Neighborhood Meeting Room (BOR), and a multifunctional space where neighborhood activities can be organized. The central hall, located in the entrance area, is supervised by the caretaker and offers parents the opportunity to meet each other when dropping off and picking up their children. The school shares after-school facilities with the neighborhood, including the central hall, a kitchen, and a gymnasium. The school occupies a prominent position on the city square, part of which serves informally as a playground. In short, the school enhances the livability of the neighborhood, and the neighborhood, in turn, provides important support for the school.

Healthy Learning Adjacent to the Courtyard

The design emphasizes the importance of daylight and a healthy indoor climate. Therefore, we carefully ensured sufficient fresh air through a highly efficient air-handling system and large windows that can be opened, providing direct contact with the outdoors. This transforms the classroom into a pleasant living space. A green playground has been created within the school's sheltered grounds, a wonderful place for children to play safely. The Municipality of Amsterdam has designated the playground as an example of a green and stimulating schoolyard.