Graafschap College

Atrium is vibrant centre 

The school building on the Sportweg is structured around a large central atrium, where the floor rises stepwise. With its many different seats, the atrium functions as a meeting place and canteen for the circa 700 students. Large strip windows in the roof of the atrium allow daylight to penetrate deep into the school.

On every floor, the atrium is surrounded by a gallery with a balustrade of stainless-steel mesh. The galleries provide access to the classrooms, which are situated on the outside walls. On the ground floor, there are functions such as the kitchen, the staff room and a number of interview rooms. Here two external tenants have also been accommodated.

High-level college 

cepezed raised the school half a storey and placed it on a basement. As a result, users have a view over the surroundings without visual hindrance of the the car park. Also, it lends the building the appearance of a pavilion in green surroundings.

Along the car park, the height difference is bridged by an elongated, landscaped staircase which also incorporates a ramp. On the eastern end elevation, the basement continues on into a raised schoolyard where the entrance is situated. Half of the school is provided with a basement. This contains a naturally ventilated bicycle parking area as well as the changing rooms and lockers.

Building with tree structure 

The façades are horizontally articulated, with alternating strips of glass and black aluminium panels. With the exception of the north side, a second skin of Corten steel has been placed in front of the façades. The design hereof refers to the oak trees around the school. The Corten steel, which also functions as sun shading, is perforated, so that there is sufficient sight from the inside looking out.