Prakijkschool under construction

March 2012 March 16 saw the ground breaking ceremony for the realisation of the new Praktijkschool in Woerden. Ector Hoogstad Architecten originally started designing this building in 2007, but because of continuing policy reconsiderations it took more than 5 years before execution can now start. The building has a gross floor area of 2,700m2 and constist of a central space that can be accessed from the street and from the so-called "back yard" that gives acces to a "service wing" and a "technical wing" with lifelike teaching facilities. Central to the design are a small scale atmosphere and clear layout that will make students feel at home instantly. This wish for homeliness and the situation of the building within a residential area has led to a choice for a warm red brick facade and a sloping roof, that connects to the height of the neighbouring houses. Again in this project sustainability was an important issue. The green roofs cath the eye, but the design also boasts low energy building installations, a super insulating building skin, and a ventiliation concept that ensures low carbondioxide levels. Completion is scheduled for exactly one year from now. At the same time the new Minkema College, also in Woerden and also designed by Ector Hoogstad Architecten, is being realised. This project will also be finished in 2013.