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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Gentofte School Extension in Denmark by Arkitema ArchitectsSeptember 25th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Arkitema Architects Arkitema and Kebony created a 460m² addition to a school in Gentofte, Denmark, which can accommodate 100 children, spread across two floors. The extension houses three classrooms, a common room and a double height workshop as well as a large roof terrace.  Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard
 Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard The designers, Arkitema Architects, worked in a close collaboration with the school’s management and teaching teams to ensure the space was practical and ergonomic for both the primary classes and the after school activities.The children at Gentofte school age from 5-9 years, as such the building has been completed with special features such as sliding walls that also function as writing boards and can be easily operated by the children.  Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard The new space can also be converted into either a single or double-height space and can be divided into compartments to host several classrooms dependent on the needs of the students and teachers. The large south facing princess balconies will similarly afford further dynamic teaching methods by creating additional outdoor and recreational spaces.  Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard The interior has also been constructed with the unique needs of the pupils in mind, resulting in an innovative range of uses. For example, it is possible to drive cars in through the double doors located at the entrance, rendering the building operational as an engineering workshop. Additional functions of the building are equally inventive, the double height space can serve as an orangery; in-keeping with the ecological theme of the build.  Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard Sustainability was key to the design ethos, leading to the decision to clad the entire façade of the new extension, just under 400m², in Kebony wood. Produced using sustainably sourced species of soft wood which are impregnated with a non-chemical bio-based product and heated under pressure, Kebony is a highly durable and environmental product.  Image Courtesy © Niels Nygaard The use of sustainable Kebony wood also means that the façade is totally maintenance free and will not be susceptible to damage through wear and weathering in the future. Consequently, the façade will soon be covered by a ‘vertical forest’ with a depth of up to 60cm and a wall of climbing plants which will eventually house birds and insects.
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