Well-thought-out architecture that elevates the Swedish school
How difficult can it really be to build a functioning school in Sweden in modern times? The short answer is: "No matter how difficult". Of course, one can argue that a stamped earth floor and roof over the head is enough for those who want to learn, but the vast majority know what complex problems the school faces. In December 2018, the passive house school Adolfsbergsskolan in Knivsta was inaugurated, which has been designed by the architect Mattias Palme at LLP architect's office, with the high demands on sustainability, indoor environment and acoustics in the high seat.
The school environment must be calm and safe, at the same time as it encourages creativity, social interaction and study peace. Mattias Palme talks about how he has thought:
- In this open floor plan, it must be possible to both work with group work and immerse yourself in individual studies, and for it to work, e.g. acoustics of the utmost importance.
- We have chosen Rockfon Industrial Nature which is mounted with a screw and washer directly against the roof, which is a simple and cost-effective solution. To complement, we have compensated with wall absorbers and a textile mat of recycled material, which captures dust and is positive for the indoor climate, provided that you clean regularly.
Well-being, security and communication
A middle ground has been chosen between a traditional spatial division and a more open one. Not least to prevent vandalism and bullying. Mattias says:
- There are teachers who circulate around, at the same time as they carry out many different kinds of activities and therefore the suspended ceiling is of the utmost importance. We have modeled a sound environment where absorption and reflection interact and complement each other. One can e.g. stand away by the large stairs and talk in front of an audience without the need to use a microphone, while the sound volume is not too high in the study square.
The aesthetic expression
The fact that a solution is simple and cost-effective does not necessarily mean that the aesthetic expression has been erased. Since the school was inaugurated, many comments have been heard that the ceiling is nice, and Mattias is very pleased with the result.
The ceiling contractor has done a fantastic job when they have installed it and to create an aesthetic whole, we have adapted the color scheme to the slightly green tone of the acoustic panels.
