ECHT

The primary focus of the design of this vocational school is to contribute to the revaluation of this type of education. In addition, the building should react to its location next to the A2 highway, the most important north-south connection in the Netherlands. The program stated that the school should be arranged around ‘education squares’ for technical studies, science, economics, health and art & culture. A sports hall and an assembly hall are also important elements.

VMX proposed a low, elongated building, taking full advantage of its location. A large volume in the middle of the building contains the sports hall and assembly hall, thus making it possible to create one big space for school performances. Positioned in two storey’s around this volume are all the educational rooms, staff, and facility rooms. The building ends in a one storey volume, one meter elevated above the landscape. The idea is that by elevating this part of the building, the technical subjects, which are often neglected, will become clearly visible. The elevated volume also offers the student a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape.

The building has an unusual width and length. Necessary daylight comes through roof lights in the hallways. The large educational rooms can be reconfigured into smaller spaces with movable walls. The finishes on walls, ceiling and floors are all kept the same, referring to a laboratory space rather than the typical technical school interior.

LOCATION
Echt, NL

CLIENT
Educational Foundation Midden Limburg

YEAR
2004 - 2007

PROGRAM
School for secondary (practical) education. Theory and practice classrooms, two gymnasia with changing and shower areas, auditorium. Gymnasia and auditorium can be combined to a multifunctional space.

SIZE
7.200 m²

TEAM
Don Murphy, Leon Teunissen, Angelique Haver, Han Harleman, Asterios Agkathidis, Martijn Prins

COLLABORATORS
DHV Bouw en Industrie B.V., Eindhoven, Royal Haskoning, Nijmegen, Caubergh Huygen Raadgevende Ingenieurs, Maastricht, BAM Utiliteitsbouw, regio Maastricht

PHOTOGRAPHY
Christian Richter

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