Het Spoor

In the protected village area of Zeist, the new facilities for Jenaplan School Het Spoor are being constructed. The site is characterized by numerous trees, the natural character of the schoolyard, and the monumental surrounding buildings. The colors of sand, tree bark, and pine needles form the basis of the building’s color palette. The building embraces the greenery by allowing a tree to grow through the canopy on two sides. The natural character is further enhanced by rounded forms and integrated provisions for façade greenery. On the upper floor, the façade features a special brickwork detail: the bricks are laid on their side so that the frog (the indentation in the brick) is visible, creating a lively play of shadows throughout the day. The façade also includes nesting boxes for bats, house sparrows, and swifts.

The layout of the school has been designed to fully support Jenaplan education. Collaboration, cross-group learning, and celebrations are central to the building. The interior has been designed with extra attention to acoustics: walls are angled, and sound-absorbing finishes are applied. In addition, there are ample spaces where students can work quietly or hold discussions outside their group.

The heart of the school is the kitchen café, where children can cook, and a double-height space brings in abundant daylight. Adjacent to this central hub is the stage, used daily for group instruction, presenting assignments, and rehearsing performances. During large events, a folding wall can connect the playroom to the stage, expanding the performance area.

Each building block has its own entrance with a cloakroom, providing direct access to the playground. The kindergarten entrance opens directly onto the playroom. On warm summer days, doors in each block can be opened to extend the learning spaces outdoors. Teachers also have access to a private roof terrace for these occasions.