The environment in which we live sets the standards for our quality of life, and its influence is particularly evident in educational spaces. The Czech-English Montessori School Duhovka, with its extension, has created a modern and functional learning environment. The architectural design did not leave the functionality and quality of the space to chance. The new development by studio ra15 is an example of how the Czechs approach the design of educational buildings.
Montessori pedagogy is based on the motto “Help me do it myself”, which emphasises the autonomy and active participation of children in the learning process. In order to realise this idea, it is essential to create an environment that responds to the developmental needs of pupils at their most important periods of sensitivity. This requires not only a carefully considered arrangement, but also a flexible and inspiring approach to the use of space. Every detail – from individual cupboards to small kitchenettes to relaxation areas – has been designed to support the independence and creativity of young students.
Integration into the environment
The designers took on the challenge of integrating the new developments harmoniously into the existing urban context. The new classrooms and the extended sports hall were designed to minimise the impact on nearby buildings. The third level has been sectioned off as a single-storey development, set back from the existing ground floor, allowing the school’s functions to be discreetly extended while maintaining the proportions and aesthetics of the parent building. In addition, elements such as the avant-corps and the extension of the sports hall have been transformed into terraced spaces, linking the interiors to the surroundings and functional additions such as corridors, an art studio and a science laboratory.
A space adapted to the needs
Montessori requires a customised approach to interior design. The two main teaching rooms have been connected so that students can move freely between them, which supports flexible teaching methods and individualisation of the teaching process. The layout of key functions – such as toilets and social areas – has been carefully planned to ensure convenience and smooth daily movement. Each classroom has individual student lockers, a kitchenette for food preparation and a relaxation area to promote relaxation during a busy school day.
Materials and construction details
The project envisages a harmony between tradition and modernity through the use of natural materials, such as wood, combined with metal and glass. Due to the load-bearing capacity limitations of the existing structure, the vertical extensions were made on the basis of a wooden frame, leaving its raw character and exposed internal elements. Wood, which was also used in the construction of the furniture and the façade cladding of the sports hall, combined with the large glazing areas, brings in plenty of natural light and promotes excellent acoustics, which supports concentration and teaching efficiency. The facades of both extensions are made of durable sheet metal, where on the sports hall the metal panels relate to traditional wooden shingles, and on the classroom extensions they create the effect of vertical stripes transforming into sun blinds at the windows, adding lightness to the modern massing.
Creativity counts
The expansion of the school was not limited to traditional teaching spaces. Specialised rooms were also created, such as an art studio linked to a science laboratory, a multimedia room and a social area for teaching staff. Two spacious side terraces, facing the laboratory and studio, provide additional space for art classes and outdoor science experiments. The new sports hall has been designed to seamlessly connect the indoor sports facilities with the adjacent playground. This flexible layout concept allows seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor activities, fitting perfectly with the idea of interactive, experiential learning.
The modern architecture of the Czech-English Montessori Duhovka School is not only an aesthetically pleasing design, but above all a space that actively supports the development of children, in line with Montessori pedagogy. Functionality, innovative solutions and a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity create an environment where learning becomes a pleasant process of discovering the world. Thanks to this project, the school not only increases the comfort of everyday life for students and teachers, but also becomes a place where creativity and movement go hand in hand with modern teaching methods.
project: ra15(http://www.ra15.cz)
photos: Radek Úlehla
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