One more

Label Architecture expanded “Arc en Ciel” with four classrooms and new outdoor areas. The roof areas played a special role in this.

Located in the midst of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode — the neigh­bor­hood with the highest popu­la­tion density in Belgium — the already crowded school and daycare centre “Arc en Ciel” wanted to increase its capa­city with extra class­rooms along with new outdoor spaces.

The internal orga­ni­sa­tion allows  to gather an ensemble of smaller func­tions and to turn them into two big class­rooms on each floor. Further­more, the dupli­ca­tion of the exis­ting facade creates a new circu­la­tion, avoids an enfi­lade of classes and provides extra storage space for the pupils.

The existing gap between the buildings was closed by adding a storey with new classrooms.

Moreover, the new facade drasti­cally improves the overall thermal perfor­mance of the buil­ding.

These same tactics are applied to provide more outdoor space for the school. By inser­ting a concrete struc­ture, the ground surface of the play­ground is doubled.

This “table” covers a coll­ec­tion of play­ground equip­ment on the ground floor, while its roof is used as an enclosed sports field.

Arc en Ciel now has some exceptional qualities to offer. Above all, the two large outdoor areas are a clear response to a dense environment.

On the corner, the cavity between the two buil­dings is filled with the addi­tion of 4 new class­rooms. The exis­ting stair­case is extended to giving access to the new level and its roof­sur­face.

Here, accom­pa­g­nied by an impres­sive view on Brussels, the daycare centre finds its new outdoor space and pres­ents itself to the neigh­bor­hood.