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Ds. Abraham Hellenbroekschool
Ds. Abraham Hellenbroekschool
Zwijndrecht, Netherlands
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Other Projects by EGM architects
Ds. Abraham Hellenbroekschool
Zwijndrecht, Netherlands
A new school building for over 200 pupils of the Reformed Ds. Abraham Hellenbroek School was urgently needed. The original 1975 structure was outdated, poorly organized, and dark. The municipality of Zwijndrecht offered the opportunity for new construction, provided the new building would meet the current BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Building) standards. The result was a surprising design for the school: a transparent and light-filled building where children can easily find their way and where everyone is connected.
An ensemble of four houses: ‘Around the Brink’
Clarity, small scale, and transparency were key principles for the new school. EGM’s concept, 'Around the Brink', immediately resonated with the school. In this design, four building volumes are arranged like a small village around a central green square — the ‘brink’. A transparent corridor surrounds and connects the volumes, bringing structure, daylight, and ventilation into the building. Each age group has its own ‘house’, with a dedicated learning plaza that flows naturally into shared spaces. Each volume is distinct, and the varied roof shapes create unique, pleasant classrooms with generous ceiling heights — a form that reflects the school’s vision and ensures long-term flexibility.
A sense of safety and belonging
The small-scale layout provides a sense of security, offering children a place where they feel seen and safe. They are part of a cohesive community, while each group still has its own space and color identity. When the school bell rings, a maximum of three classes gather in one of the smaller learning plazas — ensuring that children are not overwhelmed by large crowds. The multifunctional gym for younger children features movable walls, making it easy to transform into a space for assemblies or parent evenings. The best view of the central patio can be enjoyed from the wide, wooden tiered staircase, which combines seating and walking zones and seamlessly transitions into a large multifunctional piece of furniture in the learning plaza.
Sustainability beyond energy efficiency
In addition to meeting the BENG requirements, the primary school in Zwijndrecht wanted to go a step further in sustainability and circularity. The all-electric building is equipped with two heat pumps and over one hundred solar panels on the roof. The pitched roofs give each house a unique character, while also contributing to an efficient and sustainable climate system, largely based on natural ventilation and heat recovery. The building also features low-temperature underfloor heating with an ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) system, high insulation values, and minimal waste streams. Air quality is continuously monitored and regulated with CO₂ sensors. Each house has its own entrance and technical installations, and can be disconnected and repurposed independently if needed.
Reuse of old materials
The building is constructed from wood, with beams and trusses left visible in each volume to create a warm, natural atmosphere. Wood also stores CO₂ throughout its lifespan. As many materials as possible from the old building were reused — including light fixtures, toilets, sinks, infrared taps, LED panels, suspended ceilings, partition walls, and kitchenette furniture. The outdoor area has been greened by fifty percent compared to the previous site, and all the playground tiles have been reused from the old location.
Natural daylight creates a calming atmosphere
In this fresh, functional, and atmospheric school building, everything has a logical place, creating a pleasant working environment for teachers and support staff. Large windows and an open roof light allow daylight to flood in, enhancing the natural ambiance. Every classroom features a large window with a wide sill where children love to sit and read. The staff room overlooks the green play area and has a homely interior — a welcoming place to unwind during breaks and catch up at the end of the day.
An ensemble of four houses: ‘Around the Brink’
Clarity, small scale, and transparency were key principles for the new school. EGM’s concept, 'Around the Brink', immediately resonated with the school. In this design, four building volumes are arranged like a small village around a central green square — the ‘brink’. A transparent corridor surrounds and connects the volumes, bringing structure, daylight, and ventilation into the building. Each age group has its own ‘house’, with a dedicated learning plaza that flows naturally into shared spaces. Each volume is distinct, and the varied roof shapes create unique, pleasant classrooms with generous ceiling heights — a form that reflects the school’s vision and ensures long-term flexibility.
A sense of safety and belonging
The small-scale layout provides a sense of security, offering children a place where they feel seen and safe. They are part of a cohesive community, while each group still has its own space and color identity. When the school bell rings, a maximum of three classes gather in one of the smaller learning plazas — ensuring that children are not overwhelmed by large crowds. The multifunctional gym for younger children features movable walls, making it easy to transform into a space for assemblies or parent evenings. The best view of the central patio can be enjoyed from the wide, wooden tiered staircase, which combines seating and walking zones and seamlessly transitions into a large multifunctional piece of furniture in the learning plaza.
Sustainability beyond energy efficiency
In addition to meeting the BENG requirements, the primary school in Zwijndrecht wanted to go a step further in sustainability and circularity. The all-electric building is equipped with two heat pumps and over one hundred solar panels on the roof. The pitched roofs give each house a unique character, while also contributing to an efficient and sustainable climate system, largely based on natural ventilation and heat recovery. The building also features low-temperature underfloor heating with an ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) system, high insulation values, and minimal waste streams. Air quality is continuously monitored and regulated with CO₂ sensors. Each house has its own entrance and technical installations, and can be disconnected and repurposed independently if needed.
Reuse of old materials
The building is constructed from wood, with beams and trusses left visible in each volume to create a warm, natural atmosphere. Wood also stores CO₂ throughout its lifespan. As many materials as possible from the old building were reused — including light fixtures, toilets, sinks, infrared taps, LED panels, suspended ceilings, partition walls, and kitchenette furniture. The outdoor area has been greened by fifty percent compared to the previous site, and all the playground tiles have been reused from the old location.
Natural daylight creates a calming atmosphere
In this fresh, functional, and atmospheric school building, everything has a logical place, creating a pleasant working environment for teachers and support staff. Large windows and an open roof light allow daylight to flood in, enhancing the natural ambiance. Every classroom features a large window with a wide sill where children love to sit and read. The staff room overlooks the green play area and has a homely interior — a welcoming place to unwind during breaks and catch up at the end of the day.
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