New and inspiring school extension

Like many other schools, Risskov Skole, a state school on the outskirts of Aarhus, Denmark, is a motley collection of buildings of varying ages. The impressive main brick building was inaugurated in 1927, since when there have been several additions. The latest extension is a new wing for the preschool to Year 3 classes, in a beautiful position looking out on a green area.

The new building has been designed as an elongated wing delineating the school to the east. The change in ground level has been effectively utilised to create several very spacious interior rooms with lots of filtered daylight. On the slope outside, a challenging playground has been built for young children which incorporates a stylised rocky landscape in wood.

Dynamic environment demands good acoustics
The extension, which has been designed for preschool to Year 3 classes, houses five shared rooms (classrooms + after-school club (SFO)) as well as three open and flexible communal areas, from where there is access to the sloping playground outside which connects the building to the adjoining games fields. 

The large open areas with steps and ramps are particularly impressive. In what can only be described as an inspiring environment, the high folding walls inside can be used to divide the rooms in a matter of minutes. Morning assemblies are held here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Aarhus Symphony Orchestra has even paid a visit to the new extension. Acoustics are an important parameter in dynamic and lively environments that have to accommodate many different activities. Therefore, Troldtekt acoustic panels have been installed on the ceiling with coloured sound panels on the walls. White-painted Troldtekt acoustic panels have also been used for the ceilings in the classrooms and corridors.

The new facilities for the preschool to Year 3 classes at Risskov Skole is an outstanding example of a tasteful and functional extension to an existing complex. In addition to the new building, the classrooms and facilities for Years 4-6 and Years 7-9 have also been refurbished. Here, several open, flexible and inspiring learning areas have been created to cater for contemporary requirements.