Plenty of light and optimal acoustics in school extension

Working well together as a team, learning together, valuing and respecting one another and including children with disabilities – this is the mission statement of the Mosaic School in Gladbeck, located in the northern Ruhr district in North Rhine-Westphalia.

To make the community primary school suitable for all-day care, the city invested almost €4 million in a three-storey extension, with a barrier-free link to the existing school building.

In terms of architecture, the modern new build is a good fit with the listed old building and its facade features large glass and wooden elements that appear transparent, open and inviting. There are four new classrooms and two group rooms that are all connected and a multifunctional refectory with space for up to 80 children. Light floods into the refectory and the foyer in the central entrance area. Both areas can be viewed from a gallery on the first floor and used as an assembly space if required.

The rooms in the new building are spacious and provide ample opportunity for both studying and relaxing. Beige flooring and light wood furnishings have a calming and welcoming effect. In contrast to these light shades, the bright orange door elements make the classroom entrances stand out. The virtually floor-to-ceiling windows establish a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels were installed to counteract the sound reflecting walls made of concrete and plaster and the resulting lack of sound absorption. Not only does the natural colour of the panels fit in perfectly with the design, but the panels also guarantee a reduction in reverberation time, providing optimal acoustics throughout the animated school day.