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Montfoort Child Center
Montfoort Child Center
Montfoort, Netherlands
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Other Projects by EGM architects
Montfoort Child Center
Montfoort, Netherlands
New building for three primary schools and after-school care
Designed for a small-scale feel and a strong individual identity
Learning, playing, and growing under one roof — that’s the concept behind Montfoort Child Center, designed by EGM architects. It brings together three primary schools and childcare into one welcoming building. Both inside and out, the school is designed to be small in scale and child-friendly, making every child from 0 to 13 years old feel at home and happy to go to school. The varied rooflines and compact volumes give the building the warm, vibrant feel of a close-knit neighborhood where children can grow together and individually.
The three primary schools – HoWiBlo, De Hobbitstee and Graaf Jan – together with after-school care Kind&CO, make up the new Montfoort Child Center. EGM was asked to design a building that supports both learning and play, inside and outside. A child-centered space that brings together different pedagogical and educational philosophies.
Fitting into the Surroundings
The Child Center stands out in the neighborhood while still fitting into its environment. The alternating building volumes and light brick façades echo the surrounding architecture. The main entrance and outdoor play areas open naturally onto the adjacent landscape, while the opposite side offers a smooth transition to the residential area. Colorful entrances and exterior staircases make it immediately clear where to go.
Learning through Nature
Plants, animals, and natural shapes inspired the design. This makes it easy for children to explore and learn about nature in a playful way — and for educators to naturally integrate this into lessons and activities. Outdoor paths blend with the playground, encouraging children of all ages to play side by side.
Connecting All Ages
Inside the central entrance, the connection between the three schools and the childcare center is immediately visible. From the central hall, all facilities can be seen at a glance. Large windows, high ceilings, and wide corridors allow for interaction across age groups. Each school maintains its own identity, while natural materials, a cohesive color palette, and an open, accessible layout ensure unity and harmony.
A Natural Place to Meet
The heart of the building is where children, parents, and staff come together — before school, after class, or during events. Tables invite conversation, cozy corners offer quiet reading spots, and a striking wooden staircase links the younger children’s area with the upper levels. Surrounding this central space are shared facilities such as a music and art studio, a kitchen, gymnasiums, library, and playroom. Need more room? A movable wall in the playroom can be opened to create one large shared space, extending the learning and play area for all 600 children.
“It’s a joy to work here!”
– Loes Wieman, Cluster Manager, Kind&co Ludens
Learning Has Never Been This Fun
Throughout the new school, various learning plazas provide spaces for group instruction, independent work, and active, interactive learning. Each school uses the plazas according to its own teaching style. Large glass sliding doors connect these plazas to the classrooms. Skylights, excellent acoustics, and ample daylight from the classrooms make for inviting and effective learning environments.
A Healthy and Sustainable Place to Learn
Montfoort Child Center is completely gas-free and nearly energy-neutral (BENG). It features CO₂-controlled ventilation, air treatment systems, a heat pump, and heat recovery systems. Built-in nesting boxes, green roofs, and a lush schoolyard full of plants and trees boost biodiversity and create a healthy, natural learning environment. The building is low-maintenance and adaptable to changing needs over time.
Project Team
EGM architects: Ádám Pedróczki, Emiel Hofman, Jack Heskens, Peter van Ek, Pieter Korstanje, Roemer Pierik, Rosanna Alkema, Willeke Smit
Partners: ICS Adviseurs, Adviesbureau Tielemans, Wolf Dikken Adviseurs, GBB, Pellikaan Bouwbedrijf B.V., Marseille Buiten
Designed for a small-scale feel and a strong individual identity
Learning, playing, and growing under one roof — that’s the concept behind Montfoort Child Center, designed by EGM architects. It brings together three primary schools and childcare into one welcoming building. Both inside and out, the school is designed to be small in scale and child-friendly, making every child from 0 to 13 years old feel at home and happy to go to school. The varied rooflines and compact volumes give the building the warm, vibrant feel of a close-knit neighborhood where children can grow together and individually.
The three primary schools – HoWiBlo, De Hobbitstee and Graaf Jan – together with after-school care Kind&CO, make up the new Montfoort Child Center. EGM was asked to design a building that supports both learning and play, inside and outside. A child-centered space that brings together different pedagogical and educational philosophies.
Fitting into the Surroundings
The Child Center stands out in the neighborhood while still fitting into its environment. The alternating building volumes and light brick façades echo the surrounding architecture. The main entrance and outdoor play areas open naturally onto the adjacent landscape, while the opposite side offers a smooth transition to the residential area. Colorful entrances and exterior staircases make it immediately clear where to go.
Learning through Nature
Plants, animals, and natural shapes inspired the design. This makes it easy for children to explore and learn about nature in a playful way — and for educators to naturally integrate this into lessons and activities. Outdoor paths blend with the playground, encouraging children of all ages to play side by side.
Connecting All Ages
Inside the central entrance, the connection between the three schools and the childcare center is immediately visible. From the central hall, all facilities can be seen at a glance. Large windows, high ceilings, and wide corridors allow for interaction across age groups. Each school maintains its own identity, while natural materials, a cohesive color palette, and an open, accessible layout ensure unity and harmony.
A Natural Place to Meet
The heart of the building is where children, parents, and staff come together — before school, after class, or during events. Tables invite conversation, cozy corners offer quiet reading spots, and a striking wooden staircase links the younger children’s area with the upper levels. Surrounding this central space are shared facilities such as a music and art studio, a kitchen, gymnasiums, library, and playroom. Need more room? A movable wall in the playroom can be opened to create one large shared space, extending the learning and play area for all 600 children.
“It’s a joy to work here!”
– Loes Wieman, Cluster Manager, Kind&co Ludens
Learning Has Never Been This Fun
Throughout the new school, various learning plazas provide spaces for group instruction, independent work, and active, interactive learning. Each school uses the plazas according to its own teaching style. Large glass sliding doors connect these plazas to the classrooms. Skylights, excellent acoustics, and ample daylight from the classrooms make for inviting and effective learning environments.
A Healthy and Sustainable Place to Learn
Montfoort Child Center is completely gas-free and nearly energy-neutral (BENG). It features CO₂-controlled ventilation, air treatment systems, a heat pump, and heat recovery systems. Built-in nesting boxes, green roofs, and a lush schoolyard full of plants and trees boost biodiversity and create a healthy, natural learning environment. The building is low-maintenance and adaptable to changing needs over time.
Project Team
EGM architects: Ádám Pedróczki, Emiel Hofman, Jack Heskens, Peter van Ek, Pieter Korstanje, Roemer Pierik, Rosanna Alkema, Willeke Smit
Partners: ICS Adviseurs, Adviesbureau Tielemans, Wolf Dikken Adviseurs, GBB, Pellikaan Bouwbedrijf B.V., Marseille Buiten
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