Design competition: elementary school in Penc

Due to the deterioration of some existing buildings and the obsolescence of the former 1750s school, a tender was issued to expand the elementary school in Penc.

During the design process, particular emphasis was placed on being child-centred, on encouraging discovery, creativity, and the development of social skills. This fundamentally determined the floor plan and the functional layout of the building we designed.

As the area is characterised by low, single-storey, traditionally gabled houses, Penc presents a peaceful, rural image. According to our concept, the new school should follow this image. The reception hall behind the castle and the sports hall at the rear of the site are the only exceptions to this. Evva Kastély is the defining symbol of the village. With its long side facing the road, it occupies almost the entire width of the plot. With our building, we have tried to accommodate it, approaching it respectfully without overpowering it. We have therefore set the new school building back from the castle, thus preserving the original character of the streetscape and ensuring that the extension does not alter it.

Our goal is to establish a modern school that fosters community spirit and supports children’s integration into society. The communal spaces, which are surrounded by educational units arranged in a line, encourage the interaction between students and help them to form friendships and to develop a stronger sense of community.