• location: Evere, Belgium
• program: Primary School, Kindergarden, Sportcomplex and Playground
• client: Municipality Evere
• design: 2015-16
• completed: 2017
• design team: Bekkering Adams architects: Monica Adams, Juliette Bekkering, Frank de Vleeschhouwer, Karolina Wrzosowska De Bouwerij: Christian de Haas, Paul de Mulder

The design for the primary school in Evere is perceived as a green oasis in an urban setting.  The site is bordered on one side by a busy street,on the other side by an avenue lined with majestic trees. The area is connected to a leafy residential area with an open green structure.The new school has the potential to be a catalyst for the neighbourhood.Besides the regular classrooms,the design includes specific area ssuch as gym,library, health centre and workshops: a place where special events can occur and which can also be used after school-time; for sporting, painting- language- or computerclasses.

At the heart of the building a large central hall is situated, linked to the dining room. A large and generous staircase connects the different layers and can be used for different purposes such as meetings,(theatre) performances and celebrations. In and around this hall the common facilities are clustered. Here the children can tinker, read, learn, rest and play.

Special attention has been paid to sustainability, with optimal orientation of the classrooms, flooded with day-light, high insulation and all together forming a zero-carbon environment.

The playgrounds form an integral part of the design. The (enclosed) playgrounds add to the existing playgrounds in the area, with play-areas specifically designed for the different ages. The school aims to be not only a home for the children but also a real community centre for everyone, with interaction between the school and the neighbourhood.

The design has a recognizable identity and aspires to be an icon in the district, which radiates collectivity, promotes multiple use and provides an added value for the environment. The building has a variety of areas: large and small, high and low, open and sheltered, colourful and neutral: a building where the kids like to go to and also like to play after school. A school with its own "face’, particular and specific, which is distinguished by its open and accessible feel, forming a home for the children with a warm and homely atmosphere.